Activity 1

One of the most enduring of the Greeks' contributions to Western art is their sculpture. Historians typically place Greek sculpture into three broad periods: Archaic (DATES), classical (c. 479 B.C.-323 B.C.), and Hellenistic (323 B.C.-30 B.C.). In this exercise you will consider examples of the first two. Take a look at the Archaic Kouros (young man) and Kleobis and Biton. How do these statues represent the human body? Do they resemble the sculpture of any other civilization you have studied? Now examine the classical Kritios Boy, Discobolos (discus thrower), Zeus, and Youth from Antikythera. How do these statues differ from the two Archaic sculptures? How has the Greek ability to present the human body evolved? In what ways do these classical sculptures represent the Greek values of reason and humanism?

Activity 2

Ancient Greek cities were typically built around an acropolis, a great fortified rock atop which stood temples and other public buildings. These structures were the center of much of the civic life of the polis. The most famous acropolis is that of Athens. Take look at an aerial view of the contemporary site with its ruins. Note which buildings stand out and their positions relative to each other. Now read an historical overview of the site. Finally, take a virtual tour of the Athenian Acropolis, taking time to explore the site fully. What specific roles did the Acropolis play in Athenian life? What are the major monuments of the Acropolis and the surrounding areas? What was their religious and social significance? What is the architectural significance of each structure? In what ways does the Acropolis exemplify Greek rational humanism and the democratic ideals of classical Athens?