Unit 6_ Ancient Greece Part 4 -The Hellenistic Period

The Hellenistic Period

• Transition from Classical Greek art to a new style that reflects the diverse influences after Alexander the Great's conquests.

Alexander The Great (356-323 BC)

• Birth and Early Life:

  • Born in 356 BCE in Macedonia.

  • Became king at age 20 in 336 BCE after his father was assassinated.

• Conquests:

  • Mounted a campaign against the Persians, conquering their territories.

  • Never lost a battle, showcasing military genius.

• Death:

  • Died at age 32 in Babylon.

• Impact:

  • Ushered in the Hellenistic Era, marked by Greek cultural and political dominance across vast land.

Mapping Alexander's Empire

• Key Regions Conquered:

  • From Greece to India, including extensive territories in Persia and Babylon.

  • Major cities established include Alexandria, which became cultural and intellectual hubs.

• Notable Battles:

  • Granicus (334 BCE)

  • Gaugamela (331 BCE)

The Successors of Alexander

• After his death, his empire was divided among his generals:

  • Antigonos: Gained parts of Asia Minor.

  • Cassander: Took charge of Macedonia and Greece.

  • Lysimachos: Controlled regions in Asia Minor and Thrace.

  • Ptolemaios: Ruled Egypt and developed Alexandria into a prominent city.

  • Seleukos: Established the Seleucid Empire, controlling a vast area from the Aegean to India.

Hellenistic Art and Culture

• Characterized by increased emotional expression and exploration of diverse subjects.

• Introduction of genre pieces—art reflecting everyday life.

Noteworthy Hellenistic Artworks

• Pergamon Altar (200-150 BCE):

  • Located in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin.

  • Celebrated for its grand scale and intricate friezes depicting mythological battles.

• Laocoon and His Sons (40-30 BCE):

  • A Roman replica representing dramatic expression and movement, attributed to Rhodian sculptors.

• Nike of Samothrace (c. 190 BCE):

  • A stunning representation of victory, currently displayed in the Louvre.

• Boxer at Rest (ca. 330-50 BCE):

  • A bronze statue reflecting the Hellenistic interest in realism and naturalism.

• Dying Gaul (1st-2nd century CE):

  • A Roman copy that honors Pergamon's victory over the Gauls, exhibiting powerful emotionality.

• Boy with Thorn (Spinario):

  • An example of Hellenistic focus on daily life and youth.

Key Characteristics of Hellenistic Art

• Intensified Emotion:

  • Artworks frequently portray dramatic scenes with depth of feeling.

• Diversity of Subject Matter:

  • Not only gods and heroes but also ordinary people and scenes of life.

• Innovative Techniques:

  • Greater emphasis on movement, texture, and realist details compared to earlier Classical styles.