The Great Peloponnesian War, which started in 431 BC, was a significant conflict in ancient Greece. The war begandue to disputes between Athens and Sparta, leading to a devastating struggle that lasted for nearly three decades. In 430 BC, Athens faced a severe plague that killed about one-third of its population, including soldiers and civilians. This weakened the city-state significantly.
In 429 BC, the influential Athenian leader Pericles died, leaving Athens without its strong strategic direction. Despitesome victories, Athens struggled to maintain its power. In 405 BC, the Athenian fleet was destroyed at the Battle of Aegospotami, a decisive event that crippled Athens' naval dominance.
By 404 BC, Athens was besieged and eventually surrendered to Sparta, marking the end of its golden age. After the war, Greece was not at peace. Petty wars and conflicts continued among the Greek city-states, further weakening them.
In 338 BC, the Greek city-states were defeated by the rising power of Macedonia under King Philip II, marking the end of the classical Greek period and the beginning of Macedonian dominance. The Great Peloponnesian War thus had long-lasting effects, leading to significant changes in the power dynamics of ancient Greece. (196 words)
The development of art in ancient Greece can be understood through several distinct periods, each characterized by different styles and advancements. Here's anoverview of the trend in Greek art development:
Geometric Period (c. 900–700BC):
n Art during the Geometric Period ischaracterized by its use of geometric shapes and patterns. Pottery was decorated with meanders, triangles, and other simple shapes.
n Human and animal figures began to appear but were highly stylized and abstract.
Archaic Period (c. 700–500 BC):
n The Archaic Period saw significant advancements in sculpture and pottery. Figures became more naturalistic, though still somewhat rigid and stylized.
n The kouros (male youth) and kore(female youth) statues are iconic of this period, characterized by their formalized and somewhat stiff poses.
n Pottery decoration evolved, with the development of the black-figure and later the red-figure techniques, allowing for more detailed and dynamic representations.
Classical Period (c. 500–338 BC):
n The Classical Period is considered the high point of Greek art, marked by an emphasis on proportion, balance, andidealized beauty.
n Sculpture became highly naturalistic and dynamic, with famous works such as the Discobolus (DiscusThrower) by Myron and the Parthenon sculptures by Phidias.
n Architecture flourished, with the construction of temples like the Parthenon in Athens, showcasing the use of the Doric and Ionic orders.
Hellenistic Period (c. 338–30 BC):
n Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek art became more diverse and expressive, reflecting awide range of emotions and subjects.
n Sculptures like the Laocoön Groupand the Winged Victory of Samothrace are notable for their dramatic compositions and intricate details.
n Art during this period became more cosmopolitan, incorporating influences from the various cultures within Alexander's empire.
Throughout these periods, Greek art reflected the society's evolving values and technological advancements. It transitioned from simple geometric designs to highly sophisticated and naturalistic representations, influencing Western art for centuries to come. (326 words)
