Insights into Classical Greece: Art, Warfare, and Politics

1. Chapter 3 Classical Greece, CA1650–338 B.C.

2. Polis of Argos • This view of modern Argos remarkably illustrates the structure of an ancient polis. Atop the hill in the background are the remains of the ancient acropolis. At its foot to the right are foundations of ancient public and private buildings, spreading beyond which are modern houses, situated where ancient houses were located. The trees and cut grain in the foreground were also major features of the chora, the agricultural basis of the polis. John Buckler

3. The Delphic Oracle • The Marmaria, the sanctuary of Athena, is seen here against the backdrop of the mountains that surround the sanctuary of Apollo. Around the oracle clustered many temples to various deities, shrines, and other sacred buildings, all of them in a remote mountainous area especially chosen by Apollo to be his home and the place where he answered the supplications of the faithful. John Buckler

4. Early Greek Warfare • Before the hoplites became the backbone of the army, wealthy warriors rode into battle in a chariot, dismounted, and engaged the enemy. This scene, almost a photograph, shows on the left the warrior protecting the chariot before it returns to the rear. The painter has caught the lead horses already beginning the turn. Courtesy of the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, University of Reading

5. The Peloponnesian War • This map shows the alignment of states during the Peloponnesian War, while Map 3.5 on page 87 shows interstate rivalry in the fourth century B.C.—two very disruptive periods in Greek history.•1 What does Map 3.3 tell us about the balance of power during the Peloponnesian War? Which states led the others?•2 Does Map 3.5 show the same situation? Are the leading states in Map 3.3 still the leaders in Map 3.5, or has power shifted elsewhere? What does Map 3.5 tell us about the growing political disintegration of Greece?

6. Leonidas at Thermopylae • This heroic statue symbolizes the sacrifice of King Leonidas at the battle. Together with his Spartans, the Thespians, and the Thebans, he heroically died to stop the Persians at the pass of Thermopylae. Professor Paul Cartledge

7. The Acropolis of Athens • These buildings embody the noblest spirit of Greek architecture. From the entrance visitors walk through the Propylaea and its pillars. Ahead opens the grand view of the Parthenon, still noble in ruins. To the left stands the Erechtheum, the whole a monument to Athens itself. Courtesy, Sotiris Toumbis Editions

8. Mosaic of the Muses • Not found in a great or famous urban center, this mosaic nonetheless testifies to the wide dissemination of culture and art throughout Greece. The figures of the mosaic represent the nine Muses, goddesses of the arts. The lyre of Apollo occupies the center, and Clio, the goddess of history, is represented by the scroll in the upper right of the lyre. Professor Nicolas Yalouris, Former General Inspector of Antiquities, Athens

9. Greek Courtship • Here two young lovers embrace. With one arm around his girl and the other holding a wine vessel, the boy draws his girl nearer. With a smile she seems more interested in her music, for with her right thumb she turns the boy down. Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY

10. Idealized portrait of Aspasia. • Idealized portrait of Aspasia. Alinari/Art Resource, NY

11. Temple at Bassae • The temple at Bassae stands in wild splendor in the mountains of Arcadia. It is an almost perfect Dorian temple, with its massive columns surrounding the cella, the inner room that contained the statue of Apollo. In such elevated, lonely places many Greeks felt that they entered a region dear to the gods. John Buckler

12. Greece in 362 B.C. • The fourth century B.C. witnessed the rapid growth of Greek • federalism as states sought allies to gain security from rival powers.