Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece, a cradle of Western civilization, flourished from the 8th century BCE to the end of antiquity. This remarkable civilization, located in the southeastern part of Europe, was renowned for its profound contributions to philosophy, politics, art, and science. It was comprised of a collection of city-states, such as Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, each with its own unique culture and government. Ancient Greece laid the intellectual foundations for much of Western thought, giving us democracy, dramatic literature, and monumental achievements in art and architecture, such as the Parthenon. Its legacy endures in modern culture, shaping our ideas about government, ethics, and aesthetics.
Ancient Greece began with the establishment of farming communities during the Neolithic Era and at its height was comprised of city-states like Athens, Sparta and Corinth. Greek artists were revered and their work highly respected. Art in Ancient Greece is divided into three distinct styles: Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic. Despite the differences in these styles, they each had the human body as their primary theme. Greek artists idealized it and created many sculptures which celebrated its beauty. The Ancient Greeks are also known for art that celebrated the gods. Ancient Greek artists focused on balance, order and harmony. The art they created was revolutionary and still inspires today.