The Greek World
Periods of Development in Greek History
• Prehistoric
• Early Classical – 480 BCE – 450 BCE
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Cycladic - 2,500 BCE
Minoan – 1,700 BCE
Mycenaean – 1,500 BCE
Dark Ages – 1,200 BCE to 800 BCE
• Pre-geometric
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Strongly influenced by Aegean pottery. This
period coincides with the end of the Aegean
dark ages
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• High Classical – 450 BCE – 400 BCE
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• Geometric – 900 BCE – 700 BCE
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Greek vase painting become very geometric
in design and shows influences of
Mesopotamian & Egyptian art.
• Orientalizing - 700 BCE – 600 BCE
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Pottery displays a fascination with Near
Eastern motifs
• Archaic Period – 600 BCE – 480 BCE
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They begin to experiment with the human
form. Vase painting at its height, sculpture &
architecture being developed.
Characteristic: Archaic smile
Following defeat of invading Persians, Greeks
enter a new period. The new Greek identity is
galvanized by the victory celebrating the
victory of reason over the barbarians.
Characteristic: Contrapposto stance
Golden age of Greece. Athens was their
cultural center. This period ends with conquest
by the Macedonians and the rule of Alexander
the Great. Sculpture & architecture at the
height of achievement.
• Late Classical – 400 BCE – 323 BCE
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This period extends from the end of the
Peloponnesian War to the death of Alexander
the Great.
Characteristic: Development of the female
nude
• Hellenistic – 323 BCE – 31 BCE
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The empire was divided among Alexander’s
generals. Diverse period. Lost idealism of
classical age, but gained realism
Characteristic: Realism, emotion
Archaic Greek Sculpture
Menkaure & Queen, 2500 BCE
Kouros, MMA, c. 600 BCE
1'9''
6'
4 '6''
1'
Menkaure & Queen, 2500 BC
Kouros, MMA, c. 600 BC
Kouros, c. 600 BCE
Kroisos, c. 540 BCE
Kritios Boy, c. 480 BCE
contrapposto
Kore
archaic
smile
Auxerre Kore, c. 650 BCE
Kouros, c. 600 BCE
Peplos Kore, c. 530 BCE
Kroisos, c. 540 BCE
Chios Kore, c. 510 BCE
Kritios Boy, c. 480 BCE