Chapter 5-Art of Ancient Greece
The ancient Greeks are known as a self aware people. No other culture in western
civilization history was quite as introspective as the Greeks. They prided themselves as
the most civilized society in the world. In fact the term “barbarian” basically meant non
Greek. The development of Greek civilization rises from the ashes of the ancient
Mycenaean and Minion cultures. From After the decline and eventual fall of the
Mycenaean culture in 1100 BCE, the Aegean Islands would experience a “dark age”
period for about 200 – 300 years. By 800 BCE Greece would begin to show growth and
stability in their government, economy and culture. This period is referred to as the
Homeric Age. The writer Homer would write the stories of prehistoric Greek history (If
you have not had to read The Iliad or The Odyssey in your academic career thus far, just
wait, it is coming.) It is the Greek culture that would be the basis for western cultures for
art, architecture, music, theater, philosophy, literature and politics.
Geometric Period (1000 BCE – 700BCE)
Funerary krater: In year 1050
there is evidence of the development of a specific Greek style. This specific style is
found first on the vases/ceramic wares. The decoration on the surface is a narrative of
a funeral procession. The figures are very simplified; depicted into very simple
geometric shapes; torso and hips are triangular. We see a body lying in state
(prothesis) which means this vase could have been used as a grave marker. I do want
you to notice that there is more of an attempt to display real human emotions. The
mourners’ arms are raised over their head as if in distress. It is no surprise that the
Greeks would acknowledge real emotional grief in this painting. They were a
civilization that was self aware. Their deities were not only human looking but also
had very human characteristics. In fact the only difference between the gods and
humans was that the gods were omnipotent. Found to be inscribed on the Temple of
Apollo were these words “Man is the measure of all things.” The fact that this was
written on the temple of a god says an awful a lot about this Greeks.
Ancient Greek Culture can be broken into 4 distinct styles/periods.
The Geometric Period (1000 BCE-700BCE) is the oldest. The funerary krater is an
example of that style that n painting. The Man and Centaur is an example of
geometric style in sculpture. A man is stabbing a centaur which is half man half
beast. We classify this statue as geometric partly because of the date of this piece
(750 BCE), but also of the simplistic shape of the subjects. This is a small open form
cast statue, unlike the statues of the Egyptian and Near East, which are typically
closed form. On the left are two examples of closed form sculpture. The figures do
not break or reach out into space. The man and centaur physically reach out to each
other, also we can physically move in and through the statue.
The Greeks were excellent seamen.
They would encounter and do business with other civilizations and countries. The art
of the Near East, Asia Minor and Egypt would influence Greek artists. Orientalizing
is the style that is an assimilation of Greek taste and Eastern iconography. This style
was first seen in Corinth, which was the most powerful city state of the Greek culture,
as well as a large and diverse trade center. The wide mouth picture or olpe shows the
Near East taste for hybrid animals. The black and red colors are also a orient
influence. The details are incised (scratched) in the figure.
The amphora vase displays larger and curvy figures in the neck of this vase. The
geometric patterns, first seen in the Geometric style, are also part of the Orientalizing
vases. On the neck of the vase are an illustration of Odysseus and his crew fighting
the Cyclops Polyphemos. Their rendering is very reminiscent of Minion Cretes
figures. There is definitely an elegant and refined quality to these figures. The body
of the vase is an illustration of the story of Perseus and Medusa. The Greeks would
use the stories about their gods and heroes as metaphors. Medusa and Polyphemos
represent the primitive forces of terror and cannibalism, while Odysseus and Perseus
represent reason as triumphing over evil.
Archaic Period (600BCE – 480BCE)
By the late 6th century Athens will become the leading city state of Greece. This is
due partly because of Solon a major political figure in Athens. He is believed to be
responsible for the development of the judiciary system and formulating the popular
assembly and council. He would also develop the representative government which is
the basis of democracy.
Art would develop at a fairly rapid pace: This is the time of great writers of early
literature such as Aesop and Sappho. Greek tragedies and comedies would flourish at
this time and the visual arts would also experience a growth.
The status of artist will be elevated to a higher level. There are pieces of art that are
actually signed by artist. The ancient Greeks seem to enjoy competitive sports (They
are the ones who created the Olympic Games). This love of competition was also
applied in the fine arts. Writers and artists would compete with each at festivals but
also they would compete for art commissions. Athens would initiate monumental
building projects for their city.
Probably the earliest example of the archaic style is found on the vases produced at
this time.
The Greeks adhered to standard vase shapes. Certain shapes were associated with a
certain purpose. Although Athens was a major pottery center; it would be in Corinth
that the Black figure vase painting technique would be first developed.
Ajax & Achilles: In Black
figure painting, the artist paints the figures in silhouette with a slip. The vase is then
fired. The firing process changes the slip color black. After the firing the artist goes
back into the figure and adds details using a stylus. Exekias was considered one of
the finest painters of 6th century.
Achilles and Penthesilea: Exekias mastery as a painter is evident the piece Achilles
and Penthesilea. The motif on the neck and bottom register still show an
Orientalizing influence, but the center scene of the main characters show that Exekias
was observing the human form in action and he tries to replicate the movement. And
while he may not have been conscience of it, Exekias uses design principles to
strengthen and enhance the composition. The Greeks would be the first people in
western civilization to try to capture emotional expressions on the faces of their
subjects. The dramatic stories that were illustrated on these vases may serve
foreshadowing for the development of the Greek theater.
By mid 6th century BCE the red figure vase painting technique was developed. This
particular style became very popular and would stay in vogue through out the
archaic period. This
style allowed the artist to have more control and make more details. This piece to the
left, Death of Sarpedon, was created by 2
Artists; Euphrinios (painter) and Euxitheos (potter). As you can see the painter had a
keen eye for human anatomy. The detail on the figures even his attempt to
foreshorten the knee shows that the painter was trying to create a sense of form on a 2
dimensional surface.
It is during the archaic period that the Greeks
would excel at creating monumental sculpture. These life size statues show again the
influence of other cultures on the early work of the Greeks. The Greeks learned to
carve from the Egyptians sculptors. The Kouros (young man) is a fine example of the
Egyptian style on Greek art: the stiff arms, one leg stepping forward, the heavy
shaped eyes and the slight smile on the face. However we do see the Greek taste
prevailing in the fact that the subject is completely nude and is carved completely
away from the stone. This is the earliest known freestanding life size statue. Most
kourai (plural spelling) were believed to have been grave markers. There is also
evidence that this figure was probably painted.
The Peplos Kore (the garment she is wearing is called a
peplos) was the female equivalent of monumental sculpture. Kore were always
clothed, but the artist does allude to the figure underneath the garment. The arm may
have held flowers, or some other type offering. She too shares the heavy lined eyes
and “archaic smile” of the Kouros. Recent evidence has suggested that the Kore may
have been a representation of Athena. She may have worn metal crown, earrings and
was painted with colored wax.
The skills of Greek sculptures developed to create more lively and rounded forms of
Kouros and Kore. This statue (to the right) was found with the inscription “Stop and
grieve at the tomb of the dead Kouros, slain by wild Aries in front of the rank of
battle”. This suggests that the Kourai were originally grave markers.
Kore from Chois: The garment called chiton, found on Chois an island off Asia
Minor. The more elaborate hairstyle and garment gives our lady a more elegant
appearance. Statues of men were often warriors, athletes or deities, but statues of
women were exclusively deities or some other supernatural being.
Monumental
statues were used on the temples of the Greeks. The Dying Warrior is located in the
temple of Aphaia. The warrior would have had bronze armor and actually painted.
This warrior could have been an ally or enemy. The Greeks traditionally did not treat
the visual representation of their enemies as weak or small unlike other ancient
cultures. The warrior is struggling to rise, attempting to pull the arrow out of his side.
Since this was for a pediment on a temple there would be some unusual space issue to
be addressed. However that problem will be solved by twisting and turning the
figures which also will help to heighten the drama of the event that is illustrated.
Speaking of architecture the development of the Greek temple finds its origins in the
early sanctuaries and outdoor altars/shrines. As time moves forward and the Greek
civilization grows so would their architecture. The model of the Greek temple is
influenced by the megaron plan that was part of the Mycenaean palace and the
monumental architecture of Egypt.
The Temple of Apollo is a considered Doric style because
of the column that is used. These temples usually consisted of a naos, pronaos and
opisthodomos. As well as a room were the offerings for Apollo was kept.
Another Doric style temple is the Temple of Hera I. A single row of Doric columns
surrounds a cella or naos. The (elevation) arrangement of the temple. Temple the
friezes, pediment and entablatures were decorated with sculptures that told narratives
about that particular deity. The Greeks would place their columns on the outside of
their temples which actually forms a wall, which is called a peripteral.
The squatty appearance of the Doric
column is the most utilitarian of the Greek column orders.
Column Order: In Greece the appearance of columns was considered to be very
important. Some art historian would say that the column orders are possibly the
Greeks’ best architectural contribution. Each style represents advancement in not just
aesthetics but also an achievement in engineering.
Treasury of the Siphnians: Built in Sanctuary of Apollo
at Delphi. The caryatids statues stand with one engaged leg on pedestals; with
elaborately carved capitals that make these columns Ionic order. A winged sphinx is
in the center of pediment that definitely shows a Near East influence. The winged
female in the corner is Nike the goddess of victory. The borders are in an egg and dart
and egg and leaf pattern to frame out the pediment.
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Classical Period (480BCE – 325BCE)
By the classical period the Greeks would establish an ideal of beauty that would be
based on three general concepts: humanism “Man the measure of all things”,
rationalism “Know Thyself’ (inner significance of forms), and idealism. “Nothing in
Excess” (produce only essential forms). Sophocles, Plato and Aristotle would
philosophies on rational thinking; these fathers of western philosophy basically
believed that everything had a purpose, there are no accidents, and it all works in a
design.
Artists would also become theoreticians and write books about art. Classical artists
would rely more on close observation of the natural world and try to look for the
universal idea in each form. It would be especially at this time that the Greek artists
would try to create the perfect image. Humanism + Rationalism = Idealism
It is during the classical period that Greece
would also begin to experience internal political issues. War between Sparta and
Athens would break out. Athens, who just some 40 years earlier defeated the Persian,
were defeated by the Spartans in 404 BCE. Shortly following this, the power of the
Macedonians would grow and Greece would become united under the kingship of
Phillip of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great. Alexander’s death marks the
end of the classical period in Greece.
Most of what is known about Greek paintings is scene on the vases as well as mosaic
copies of their paintings. By the end of the 5th century the white ground painting
technique became very popular for lekythoi, one of the standard vase shapes used by
the Greeks. This technique allowed for even more detail and realism. Vase painters
could use a fuller range of colors. Figures are outlined in black on a white painted
background, the vase was then fired and other colors would be applied using tempera
paint. Because this type of decoration deteriorated quickly, it was used only for
votives, funerary or religious ceremonies. While the image in your text is of a
warrior, most lekythos in the classical period were paintings were of women. By this
time women would begin to make a more prominent appearance in artwork.
Traditionally the only women who were portrayed in Greek art were goddesses and
less powerful supernatural beings. But by the mid 5th century more images of mortal
women would be memorialized on graver and funerary markers.
Battle of Issos: also known as Alexander confronts Darius III or the
Alexander mosaic. This is a mosaic copy of a Greek painting by a woman Helen of
Egypt. Mosaics made from small tessarae stones that would pressed into grout or
cement that would provide a durable surface. This is a dramatic narrative of an actual
battle between Alexander and Darius II of Persia. The artist uses foreshortening and
modeling techniques to create a realistic and active composition. Alexander and
Darius are seen as equals on this battle scene, Alexander swooping in from the left
and Darius in armor and clearly leading the battle. Both men are focused on each
other. Even though parts of this mosaic are clearly gone, the gaps appear to be clouds
of dust that would be kicked up.
The Kritios Boy is considered a transitional piece from archaic to classical style. The
Greeks would found less inspiration from Near East and Egypt art and would develop
their own aesthetic. This period of self awareness is defined by the Kritios boy.
Gone is the Egyptian influenced archaic smile, instead of our boy seems more
solemn. Also the Greeks would develop their own artistic aesthetics and move from
stylization to a more natural appearance. This statue was found at the site of
Acropolis at Athens. More than likely it was a memorial figure. There is some slight
idealization, but overall the most impressive fact about this piece is that it is a free
standing figure in a contrapposto position. While this is carved from marble by the
end of the archaic period hollow casting would be primarily used to create
monumental sculpture which would allow for more flexible figures.
An
other development in the classical period was the more
prevalent use of large scale bronze casting. This is the original
bronze statue of either Zeus throwing a thunder bolt or Poseidon throwing a trident.
Confirms the Greeks mastery and skill in sculpting, the figure takes up room,
projects into space, the tensing of the muscles gives this art life like qualities. Artists
would study athletes as they trained.
Poseidon/Zeus’s eyes would be
inlaid with glass, and silver for
eyelashes. There are not many
origin bronze statue left of Greek
art. Often the bronze would be
recycled for other uses.
This is a roman copy of the origin
Greek sculpture **FYI – chances
are that quite a few of the Greek
marble statues are Roman copies.
The practice of recycling bronze
would remain in place for several
hundreds of years. ** The artist for this piece is Myron who originally may have
done this in bronze. Poseidon/Zeus projects out into space, the discus thrower circles
out into space and twists and turns back in. Myron’s subject is a natural looking
athlete. Probably was commissioned to commemorate the Olympic Games that
started 776 BCE. . In 1972 two original Greek bronzes were recovered from the
bottom of the sea. Amazingly well preserved, they are dated about 450 BCE which
makes them a transition from early to mid classical period. They are slightly larger
than life size which leads historians to believe they were meant to commemorate
some important event. The artist obviously paid attention to human anatomy going as
far as to include detail of veins on the hands and legs. The positions of the warrior’s
arms suggest that he was carrying a shield and maybe a sword or spear. The figure
definitely begins to exhibit a more idealized form and therefore some abstraction
begins to develop.
Polyklietos was art theorist who through mathematics wanted to create the perfect
proportion of the figure. He would develop a canon of proportion for the perfect
human form. His canon was based on the ratio that the perfect male form is
6-7 heads high. The Spear Bearer/Achilles statue is the result of Polyklietos’
theories. He also used mathematics to balance a more dynamic figure that is more
dynamic.
Grave Stele of Hegeso: Wealthy families would use the
stele as memorials. Carved in low relief the stelai (plural) that have been recovered
were scenes of women in daily life. This figure on this grave stele is identified as
Hegeso. She is believed to a wealthy woman because she is shown choosing jewelry
from a box presented by her maid. This is an intimate setting; a viewer has a discreet
view of the life of mortal women in Greece.
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The Acropolis (high city) started construction began
in 490 BCE. Located in Athens was the major hub of the city: administrative,
religious, commercial and civic activities centrally located on the highest point. The
Acropolis was designed to celebrate the civilization and culture of Athens.
The Parthenon: The Parthenon was
the symbol of order and rational thought. Created as a temple for Athena, the patron
goddess of Athens the Parthenon exemplifies the Greek temple model. Doric order
peristyle cella open to the east and an unconnected space opens on the west. The
front entrance has an Ionic order colonnade which creates from a distance a lighter
and leaner appearance. This lighter appearance creates a sense of movement because
the building appearance to become more narrow toward the top.
East
Pediment of the Parthenon: The figures fill the pediment are fully sculpted and than
secured by metal pins into the cornices and pediment of the Parthenon. The space
issue is solved by placing the figures in various positions. Male figures are either
Heracles or Dionysus and the females Hestia, Aphrodite and Dione. Probably had
gold and silver inlaid through out the temple and an ivory statue of a 40’ Athena.
Lapith Fighting a Centaur: The Doric Metope
relief is of a Lapith, an ancient warrior race, fighting a centaur. The Lapith is shown
thrusting out into the viewer space, while twisting away from the centaur. The figure
nearly breaks clear away from the background. The centaur arches his back very
dramatically. The Greeks would continue to use legendary stories as metaphors for
reason (Lapith) triumphing over passion (Centaur).
Athena: Located in the Naos of the temple of Athena.
She wears the armor that is identifies her as the goddess of war. Original statue
would have stood approximately 40 feet on a high pedestal. In her right hand she
holds statue of Nike.
Temple of Athena Nike: This
temple is
only 27’ by 19’ that is surrounded by a low wall
parapet decorated with relief of Athena and victories. The structure has Ionic order
columns in an amphi phostyle which is a porch on each side. A blind porch faces
over city. Part of the parapet (low wall) has a sculptural relief of Nike. She wears a
very delicate garment and her body is a closer representation of the female form.
Notice the attention to detail and twisting of the body.
The Erechtheion is the second most important
building at the Acropolis. It is an odd temple that instead of the symmetrical plan, this
temple is based on an asymmetrical plan and housed several different shrines. The
temple is built on the site of the famous Poseidon and Athena competition. The sacred
rock with trident imprint is enclosed on north porch.
The famous Porch of Maidens is located on
the south side of the Erechtheion. The columns are placed as such on the porch to
appear balanced. The engaged leg is covered by the fluted dress. The maidens have a
Doric capital and ionic entablature, however the columns are considered to be Ionic
order.
Attic Grave Steles: memorials would continue to be built for wealthy and prominent
citizens. This stele shows a beginning an aesthetic change in art. The features on the
faces of sculptures become more individualized enough that to be a portrait but still some
evidence of idealization. On this stele there does seem to appear to be more tolerant
older acceptance of maturity over youth and beauty. This is also a monumental stele,
stands over 5 feet tall.
By the late classical period there is a shift
in the style in Greek sculpture. Aphrodite of Knidos is the first full nude female
sculpture. This Aphrodite is a composite of 2 Roman copies. The neck, right forearm
and hand, feet and legs restored in the 17th & 18th century. Note the modest gesture of
Aphrodite; the figure could be an idealization. She is meant to represent the model of
high values. This was placed in open shrine and meant to be viewed from all angles.
Praxiteles would modify the canon of proportions that would be applied to the female
form. Supposedly Aphrodite would exclaim to Praxiteles “When did you see me,
naked.”
Praxiteles was active in Athens between 370-335 BCE, his canon would be leaner
and taller. The body would become 8-9 heads tall, giving the figure a more heroic
proportion. The facial expressions are more introspective, minor deities in happier
and lighter moments.
The Scraper (Apoxyomenos): Another well known sculptor of the
late 4th century was Lysippos. Lysippos claimed to be a self taught artist, would say that
nature as his teacher. Probably was influenced Praxiteles and may have even
incorporated Praxiteles’ canon of proportions. Even an athlete is a typical subject matter
in Greek, this one is a little different in the fact that athlete is not shown in an athletic
endeavor. Our scrapper projects himself into the viewers’ space and there is some
curvature in spine; an over all a very sedate composition.
Alexander the Great: Lysippos was best known for the
monumental sculptures of Zeus. Could be why he was chosen to do a statue of
Alexander the Great. Head was part of a full size statue. Not believed to be a generic
portrait but an actual likeness. Eyes deep sets, meditative, upturned slightly. This also
leads viewers to assume that Alexander may have been a benevolent and generous ruler.
Hellenistic Period (480BCE – 325BCE)
Hellenistic period is defined by Alexander’s death in 323 BCE to the beginning of
Roman Empire. Alexander would unite Greece and conquer Persia, Syria and
Phoenicia, occupy Egypt, established the Alexandria seaport, and would continue to
March as far east as India. Alexander’s death in 323 BCE would cause a split of his
kingdom (one story is that as Alexander lay dying on his bed, his generals asked him
who should succeed him as king, and with his last breath he gasped “The strongest”).
By early 3rd century Alexander’s generals would divide the empire into thirds: The
Ptolomies would rule Egypt, Antigonids would have Macedonia & mainland Greece,
and the Seculids would control Asia Minor, Persia & Mesopotamia. Within 2
centuries the divided kingdoms would be under Roman rule, with Egypt holding out
the longest.
In the Hellenistic period the Egyptian city of Alexandria became the center of
learning due to the great library that Alexander would build. This library which held
over 700,000 papyrus and parchment rolls would benefit rulers of ancient civilization
for the next 100-200 years.
The Hellenistic Theatre would continue to grow. Theatres were not just for
entertainment, but also religious communal ceremonies that involved dance, music
and poetry. Stage would face the hill that created a natural stadium seating. Most
theatres were built in the 4th century and
would be continually updated. The theatre at Epidauros is a classical example of a
Greek theatre: semis circle/tiered seating, orchestra performance area. Backdrop and
backstage area consisted of proskenion that separated orchestra from skene ramp.
Seats created out of wedge shapes.
Temple of
the Olympian Zeus was originally built on a Doric temple. Started Base foundation
measures 135 ft x 354 but would not be completed until reign of the Roman emperor
Hadrian. Commissioned by Antiochus and designed by Cossutius. Located at the foot
of the Acropolis, Olympian Zeus is a larger traditional Greek temple. The columns
are a composite if Corinthian capitals and Ionic shafts. This creates an elegant and
more refined look.
Nike of Samothrace is a fine
example of Hellenistic sculpture. This statue was possibly meant to commemorate a
sea victory, or to be placed on the bow of a ship. But more than likely it was placed
on a cliff or in an artificial hillside niche. The artist used canon, pose and drapery to
create a powerful all around dramatic effect. The stance of Nike spirals upward, her
garment is shear and accentuates the curves of her figure. The heavy dramatic pose
of Nike is a typical characteristic of Hellenistic art. In the Hellenistic period the taste
moves from harmony and balance to more character driven portraits and dramatic
events. Aphrodite of Melos sometimes known as Venus de Milo is one of the most
famous sculptures in art. She is a little heavier and rounder even though the artist
may have used Praxiteles canon of proportion. Her body does have a stronger twist
and more prominent knee projection which is Hellenistic. Scholars’ debate about
what she was doing with her hands: holding an apple, looking into a shield of Ares, or
just hands covering body.
The Hellenistic Ruler is the best example of the classical Hellenistic style of art.
This is a larger than life size sculpture that was favored by Hellenistic audience. But
we see that the abstraction of the human form is apparent. The artist shows an over
development of the musculature of the ruler. The facial features though are more
individualize and seem to convey an actual personality of a ruler who saw himself as
divine and all powerful.
The Lacoon is a based on the story of the Trojan priest who
tried to warn the king of Troy about the wooden horse. The Hellenistic taste for
extreme drama motivated their art production. The skill of artist not only conveys
emotion and movement of figures but also stability of figures in a dynamic
composition.
Hellenistic artists and patrons would also produce and support a more realistic
approach in sculpting. The subject matter of more realistic art was often children and
working class people. . The other trend is called anti classical. The subject matter is
not gods, heroes or royal portraiture, but rather of
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The
sleeping Eros shows a child in complete repose. Even though Eros is a god, this
portrayal of him as a child would become more identified with this deity (his roman
name is Cupid). This bronze sculpture of Eros gives him a sweet expression on his
sleeping face and no tension apparent in his body. On the other side of this sweet
child is the old woman sculpture. This type of image is relatively rare in Greek art.
She stands only 4 feet tall and as you can see she is definitely not idealized. Who she
is supposed to be is very debatable: some scholars believed she is an aging follower
of Dionysus. Dionysus is the god of fertility and wine, so is she drunk? Is she on her
way to “worship” or did she just finished “worshipping”? Or is she a market woman,
who has had a rough and hard life. One thing is for sure, and that is Hellenistic
sculptors would try to appeal across class lines and do more genre (art of everyday
people and/or life)
The Boxer is another example of genre art. While the figure is somewhat idealized,
but the face shows a man who has seen and experienced the pain of his profession
both physically and emotionally.
Alter from Pergamon
Pergamon was the Hellenistic capital in Asia Minor. The kingdom of Pergamon
became the new hub of artistic activity. A much more dramatic style identified as the
Pergamonese style is display in the Altar of Zeus. This altar was built for the to
commemorate their victory over the Gauls. Originally placed in an enclosure, in the
open courtyard, sits on a high podium with ionic colonnade. The frieze is decorated
in high relief. The story is the traditionally gods versus titans. The interior of the
altar is the story of how Pergamon was founded.
King Attalous defeated
the Gauls in 238 BCE. Since it was prohibited to show current events in memorials
the Battle of Gods and Giants again serves as a metaphor. The Pergamonese would
try to reassert their independence and Greek superiority much like the Athenians did
in building the Parthenon. However the frieze figures on the altar seem to more than
likely to reflect the current uncertainness that surrounds the Greek empire. Over 200
figures in a variety of poses literally crawl, run, scoot and fly off the surface of the
podium. On the faces of these figures show a wide range of emotions, from fear to
arrogance to even disbelief.
The Greeks keen sense of observation and ability to reproduce and expand on the
human form would cause them to be admired and imitated in western cultures. While
Greeks admired art, they did not necessarily admire artists. While the work is to be
admired, artists were merely copying the greatness of the human form, not for
creating it.
Chapter Five Web resources
http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/ Never can go wrong with PBS
http://www.agathe.gr/ Athena Agora excavations