The Greeks believed that intellect is superior to forces of nature, while the Romans wanted their architecture to dominate the sites. A third similarity was their ability to be innovative during their time periods. Along with their innovations when it came to their temples, the Greeks also had the ability to create very life-like and dynamic sculptures, something that the Romans constantly struggled with during their time. Because of this, a lot of their sculptures were just replicas of Greek sculptures with small adaptations and changes occurring. One of the most innovative steps that the Romans took with their
In most Greek city-states the most powerful individual was the high priest or priestess of the city’s patron deity. Great temples were built in every city to honor the gods and offer sacrifices. These temples were usually built on the acropolis, or highest place in the city, to denote the gods’ position above man. This also served as a place to retreat to in case of attack, providing both the high ground for physical safety and the protection of the gods (“Acropolis,” n.d., para. 1).
Plutarch, a respected author of the 1st century, wrote “the noble lover of beauty engages in love wherever he sees excellence and splendid natural endowment without regard for any difference in physiological detail” (Plutarch 146). On this, ancient Greece had a particular artistic interest in ta aphrodisia, or a sphrere of sexuality derived from the Greek goddess Aphrodite (Ogden 311). There is not a defined conception of the realities of the times, moreso throughout time, artistic conventions evolved to establish the dyamics of Greek life. Though many societies influenced modern-day ideas of ancient culture, the artistic expression valued so greatly in Greece distinguished itself from any other culture of the time. Particularly in the late seventh and sixth centuries B.C., romantic love was presented as something directed primarily at members of ones' own sex.
The Greek culture has had a profound impact on Western civilization due to their long lasting contributions in the areas of art, architecture, philosophy, math, drama, and science. The discus thrower and most other Greek sculptures are emotionless, and usually capture the serenity of motion, and were always proportional. This form of art was known as classical art. Many sculptures and paintings of presidents, and high-ranking military leaders are emotionless. The Greeks believed that the emotionless art showed a sense of power.
Some of the comparitive areas of Egyptian and Greek cultures include sculptures, pottery making, and various architectural designs. One of the main cultural relics for both Egyptian and Greek civilzation was no other than sculptures. Example of Greek sculpture is Athena Giustiniani Musei Capitolini, it is completely done in white marble depicting one of the gods of ancient Greek Mythology. She is wearling a robe and a metal helm while holding up a torch like item in her right hand. The feeling one while looking upon Athena is very cold and a little frighting.
The Newport Coast structure is clearly a representation of Roman architecture in general, but more specifically, the sturdy columns and enlarged entablatures are reminiscent of the Tuscan order. Although the simplified columns may at first glance appear to be rather doric in their style, upon closer inspection they prove to be more similar to the less renowned Tuscan order. This in fact, does not diminish the influence the doric temples of Greek architecture had on the Etruscan invention of the Tuscan temple, but rather demonstrates yet again how one culture can inspire another artistically. The Tuscan order refers to "the variation that resembles the doric order, with an unfluted shaft and a simplified base, capital, and entablature" (Stokstad, 227). Like architecture of the Tuscan order, the Newport Coast structure's entablature is very plain and
Because of pottery’s durability, it comprises a large part of the archaeological record of the Ancient Greece, and since there is so much of it, it has exerted a large influence on the understanding of Greek society. Each period has its own style of decorations. Although, Greek pottery was used to explain myths and legends, it also had many other uses. Greek pottery is famed for its range of uses, from large storage containers for oil and grain to small pots meant to hold perfumes to vessels used strictly for ceremonial purposes, as much as for the range of motifs, patterns and painting techniques utilized, or used, by Greek artisans. As you can see, there are many uses for Greek pottery.
The Hellenistic period marks the transformation of Greek society from the localized and introverted city-states, to an open, cosmopolitan culture. The Hellenistic period saw an increased influence from the other cultures that had formed part of Alexander’s empire. This city was grand in vision designed and embellished with a profusion of ornament. Rather than the naturalistic focus of art, Hellenistic style developed the mosaic as an art form. Sculptures were fluid and expressive and often monumental in scale.
Columns and the Parthenon The Greek life was dominated by religion and so the religious temples of ancient Greece were some of the biggest and most beautiful examples of their art and architecture. They were also used to show civic power and pride. The architectural system was divided into three groups, or orders, each with a different detailing. The three Greek orders are: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, with Corinthian being the most decorated. Doric columns were sturdy and the tops were plain.
The plumbing system was such a big achievement for the people of the Indus, because it was more sanitary. So because of the plumbing system, the Indus was one of the most advanced civilization in their time. Greece was also a great civilization. The Greeks created myths or traditional stories about their gods. Most, if not all, of the characters were men.