Saturday, September 10, 2011

Asher.P4.T8.Greek/Roman

The Colosseum of ancient Rome is known throughout the modern world as perhaps the most famous and greatest example of Roman engineering and architectural design. Constructed under the emperors Vespasian and Titus, it remains standing today in the city of Rome.

The aesthetics of Roman buildings were heavily influenced by those of the Greeks; the traditional Roman theater borrows many of its design characteristics from Greek theaters, and the Colosseum itself is essentially two Roman theaters placed back-to-back, although it is freestanding rather than being built into a hillside. The Colosseum was the largest theater in the Roman empire at the time of its construction, which illustrates the extent of Greek influence on the Romans. Rather than utilizing their own style in the construction of the building, they chose to model it on the Greek amphitheater.

Although the Colosseum was the centerpiece of ancient Rome, it held no religious significance for Rome’s people. Even the addition of a small church in the 500s A.D. had no effect on the building’s religious designation. The shows provided for the public in the arena, although they were often of an overtly religious nature, were put on by individuals, rather than the state. This indicates that religion was not of tremendous significance to the Roman government, at least not to the point of sponsoring religious shows. Scientific advancements, such as the city’s famous aqueducts, were seen as being more important and beneficial to the people as a whole.

-Team Dragon (Alex, Laurel, Clair, Yee-Lum, Jodi)

Friday, September 9, 2011

Asher.p3.t4 Synthesis Question

The picture shows a scene from Hadrian's column, which depicts Roman conquests in Greece. In Judea, the fundamentalists resented the secularity nature of Herod's government, for the government strays from Judas's traditional religious views. The scene also reflects the Greek's mentality on war. According to the context of the carving, the war was fought for religious reasons. It was a fight against extremism— Herod's government. The unacceptable change in Orthodoxal views ignited the rebels to revolt against the government, displaying the influence of religion on political action at the time. During the war, the Greeks worshipped Athena, who was both the goddess of warfare and wisdom, and the guardian of the cities. In the picture, the swords and the shields are shown in intricate and meticulous detail; this emphasizes the Greek’s respect to Athena, for they honor her by carefully crafting her symbol of power.

In addition, the structure and appearance of humans are depicted in great detail. Each feature of the warriors in the piece reflects and underscores the use of symmetry. From observation of past art works during this era, it has been noted that many other contemporary artists of this period portrayed humans in an almost flawless sense—everything was exactly symmetrical and the humans were created with perfect features that exemplified impeccable human bodies. The artist focuses on making the humans look as beautiful and flawless in complexion as possible. The artist’s attention to detail of the human body indicates that anatomy was of great interest and priority. Moreover, this human self-interest is reflected among their traditions and cultures. People of this era seemed almost obsessed with the anatomy of the human body and with the mere existence of human beings. This reflected a huge part of their culture and traditions. The Greeks and the Romans were polytheistic, meaning they believed in many gods. In other cultures gods are depicted as animals or objects, but in Greek and Roman mythology all the gods are human in form and possess human qualities, thus making them more relatable to humans. Artists were not the only ones interested in the anatomy of humans and gods; philosophers, such as Aristotle, took a great interest in the science of the human body. Aristotle had a record of journals in which he analyzed the body of humans and related the structures to other creatures, such as chickens. These bursts of curiosity reflected a great aspect of the culture at that time; and often times curiosities led to great discoveries that contributed to revolutionary scientific breakthroughs in other cultures.

-- Team Four, Asher Period. 3 (Daphne, Michelle, Sophia, Han)

Asher. P.1 T6.


Synthesis Questions
            The painting I chose is one of the oldest paintings found in Rome on the Esquiline hill. The painting is suppose to describe history and is painted in four sections. In the left there is a city that is surrounded by walls and in front there is a large warrior equipped with a buckler and a helmet with feathers on top. Next to the warrior is a guy wearing clothes that look like a tunic, and holding a spear. In the bottom of the painting there seems to be a war going on and there’s another warrior with an oval buckler and feather helmet. This painting is supposedly referring to the victory of a fight. Through the painting we can assume that it’s about the victory of Fabius Maximus Rullianus, who was in a war against Samnites. Some warriors are a deal larger than others in the painting. I believe this is to show how powerful the warriors were in comparison to the other army. This painting also hints how society was back then because of the type of clothes and weapons. They used simple spears to fight and bucklers as shields. The clothes look like simple tunics meaning that armor was a sign of wealth almost. Religion wise, there isn’t much in this painting. Overall this painting is very unique style wise. The way the painter separated the different sections and how the warriors were bigger than others. The variations of each person made it hard to tell what the artist was trying to depict. Also the style is clearly very old compared to modern art.

wyl.p5.t2

In the midst of the Classical Greek architecture period, at around the 5th century BC, the glory that is The Parthenon of Athens was built on the Acropolis and admired by all. With its towering marble pillars and intricate carvings, the Parthenon was feast for the eyes as much as it was a haven for the soul. The interplay of religion, science, and aesthetics in the structure itself reflects the interconnectedness of the trio in ancient Greek society. The aesthetic attractiveness of the Doric order and Ionic order of architecture prevalent in the Parthenon was due only to the exact scientific proportions, often 4 to 9, and angles of the curved pillars, topped off by the most powerful shape – the triangle – with pedimental sculptures of the Gods adorning it. The visual attention to detail and beauty in representing the gods continued on the frieze, which displayed human rituals for gods that reflected the focus on the earth, not heaven, in Greek religion. However, science was not prominently displayed in the Parthenon; it was simply used to give the Parthenon beauty. So although science was appreciated in Greek culture, it had no place next to religion, and had no right to use its inquisitive nature to challenge the godliness or logic behind gods. However, art was a wonderful medium for beauty and through which they could show reverence for the gods. Artistic imitation, as seen by Aristotle, repairs deficiencies and makes important contributions. Thus, everything should be beautiful since beauty was the purpose of art (Plato), and everything should be beautiful because beauty was inherent in art (Aristotle).

Tiffany Chen, Melody Sue, Lucy Zhao

Question 2- Per. 1, Group 4. Wylie

The less know but quintessential Ancient Greek city of Ephesus lays on the coast of what is now Turkey, and still offers a profoundly intact window into life in the anicent era. Having escaped the ruin of war, the architecture of the culture is perserved, allowing you to walk through the same stone streets, and admire the precosity of a society equpped with heated homes, plumbing, and running water centuries before the birth of Christ. However, the most phenomenal piece of work the city held is gone. One author deemed it to be the greatest of the Seven Wonders of the World - the temple of Artemis. When reading descriptions of the architectural temple masterpieve gives insight into the connection of religion, politics, aestehtics, and the individual ingenuity that Greek culture fostered. Designed by Greek architect Cherisphron, the temple was constructed of white marble, measuring at 425' by 225' the building stood as the largest of the ancient era. Inside the hall of the temple was lined with statues of bronze created by the most respected artists of the time, staged to lead the visitor to the statue depicting Artemis. The representation of Artemis itself is perhaps the most intriguing element of the temple, deciding to choose to present her in a different manner than one would commonly see her, a sprightly huntress with bow in-hand. Instead her body is round and almost bublous, her chest fitted with two rows of breats, befitting her role as a figure of fertility, childbirth, and nurse to children. The building and the statue it contained inspired reverence at home and abroad by illuminating the godess. The quantity in the Greek Pantheon of gods fostered a fluid relationship between religion, politics, and society. An overaching creed was not demanded of the many city states of Greece, as diversity and local specialization made each state's chosen deity more like a flavor of a place. In Homer's time, the neighboring states and other countries were familiar and exchanged in trade. As well, a religious exchange was accepted, syncretism was a natural evlution in Greek religion as each city and each individual pursued their own reltionship. They were further inspired by philosphers and writes to devlop an almost sevre ethic and the high ideals that still stand today.

Wyl.p1.t1 Greek/Roman Era Synthesis Response

Ancient Greek lived around 1,000BC-449AD. Though cameras or video recorders were not invented at the time, people today can learn about their culture and styles through the arts they created, such as painting and sculptures. The Greek religion was evolved with mythologies and different kinds of gods. Many art works illustrate the religious action of people kneeling down and praying for a god. Art pieces became visual documents that reflect the impact of religion upon Ancient Greek and Roman civilization. A Sphinx, which was considered a mythical creature with wings and that is half lion and half human, was often included in the arts of Ancient Greek and Roman in paintings as well. There were no proof of the existence of such creature, yet it was mentioned by different people, such as Homer and Hesiod. Although the knowledge of science is not as advanced as today’s, the appearance of such creatures does display another side of the ancient Greek and Roman culture—the aesthetic side. Furthermore, the art works created after the early archaic periods were much different from before. Gradually, Greek and Roman artists and sculptors learned to present images that are more natural, detailed, and dedicated. Although artists perused for more realistic drawings or paintings, beauty was not limited by the appearance but by what is thought to be attractive and pleasing through different perspective. Just like the many gods in the Greek and Roman culture and mythology; however, not all of them are gods with powers; some of the “gods” were citizens who conducted noble acts and were often idealized to be gods by other people. The Ancient Greek and Roman religion is not limited by only one god with numerous rules. The diversity of gods indicates an appeal to religion with Greeks unique values. Art pieces provide people vivid descriptions of the Ancient Greek and Roman society, religion and aesthetics. The art works portray the significant values of the Ancient Greek and Roman civilization.

Ashley Chang, Jenny Yu, Diana Kim, and Justin Park!

Wylie P5 T8 Synthesis Q's

1. In Oedipus the relationship between politics, religion and science are depicted by discussing morals and philosophical problems, similar to Plato’s Socratic Method. This often caused conflicting debates because at this time religion and science were going head to head in such contrary beliefs. Also going head to head were politics and humanities, causing most philosophical discoveries at this time to have extreme opposing debate. This is the basis of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle’s extreme views that went against society but completely changed Greek/Roman era. It seems this is the image that Sophocles is trying to convey, to have people contest politics for the sake of humanity.

2. The sculpture of Severus (222-235) carved into a wall showing his face completley amputated while the rest of his body remained in tact showed comminality between Gods and citizens. The feelings of animosity from the artists view are shown and possibly the feeling of remorse can be intrepreted through the view of Severus himself. The full body sculpture bugling from a wall of other soldiers shows the aesthetics of the impoverished society. A God among soldiers, with a missing face is not only disrespectful but represents great lasting adversity.

Wyl.p5.t9 Greek/Roman Era Synthesis Question

team members: Nicki Quiles, Gus Shettleroe, Misael Rivera, Audrey Ford



Literature has been and always will be a commonly and successful type of art form. Throughout the works of literature we see its many connections with subjects such as science, religions, and even modern lessons used by ancient Greeks. During the ancient Greek era, many stories were told through Greek tragedies. In these Greek tragedies we see someone of a higher power having a characteristic to their personality which causes a spiraling downfall to their life. Each of the stories also sets as a lesson to test ones belief in their religion, considering it was an era in which one dedicated their life to pleasing their many gods. They were also taught not to try to change their fate because they were born into a certain lifestyle for a reason and they should be happy with their place. Take for example the story of Oedipus, written by a famous Greek philosopher named Sophocles. In this story we see a test of one’s belief of fate and how one is willing to handle that fate of which they are given to by their gods. The Greeks were given many obstacles to prove their dedication to their gods as well as their teachings about fate, much of like how it is today with many current religions such as Christianity, Judaism, etc. People were given a test and it was their responsibility to handle it in such a way that would end in a consequence or reward.

Literature sets as a guideline to teach people how to use their own knowledge to interpret feelings and ideas of their own. When reading a play or poem, the author tries to set a tone or idea, but it is your own duty to interpret what feeling you see being portrayed. During the Greek era there was a huge emphasis in both science and knowledge of government in order to grow as a whole. Everyone was taught to follow their orders so there would be a peaceful way to maintain order, but thanks to the teachings of Socrates, people questioned their government and used their own knowledge to really challenge authority. After people really started questioning why they had to follow certain actions, they further extended it to other things around them such as interactions between other people, and why things did what they did. These questions and observations led to many theories created by many famous philosophers such as Aristotle’s Theory of Beauty and Creation of Beauty or Plato’s theory of Forms. Many theories were a connection to ideas connected to real life situations and observations to come to terms with reality.


Thursday, September 8, 2011

Ash.P3.T3

During the Greek Era, philosophy broke away from the traditional religious approach and began to focus more on reasoning and evidence, or science. This period would become the transition from the earlier days of blind faith to a period of analytical thinking,giving man a fresh method and perspective to examine the world around us and question why things happened.This revolution society can be seen through the many works of the era, such as the AntikytheraEphebe. Founded in 1900, the AntikytheraEphebe is a1.94 meters bronze statue of a man reaching out grasping for an object. The artist of this metal work portrayed the social change through the detailed anatomy of a man, symbolizing the connection between man and the gods as one, and the arms of the statue as it begins to reach out, grasping for knowledge, grasping for the new philosophical view, grasping for reasoning; emphasizing reasoning and science, but at the same time, the artist is emphasizing religion by creating the statue in the image of the Greek god of herds and herald of the gods, Hermes. This new counterpoint perceptionemphasized science and religion by contrast, what science cannot explain, religion will, and when religion seems hard to believe, science will often validate something in it that will renew belief.For example, when it was discovered that life can only come from previous life, the question arose “Where did the first life then come from?”This philosophical way of rationalizing will fall into a coma when the Roman Empire collapses and enters into the Medieval Age, but will be resurrected by the Renaissance bringing back an innovative take on life, once again revolutionizing the way mankind reasons and vindicates themselves from primitive ways by exposing the flaws of man.

asher.p3.t6 Greek/Roman era synthesis question

Poem: Strange that the Godless Prosper, by Sophocles

Strange is it that the godless, who have sprung

From evil-doers, should fare prosperously,

While good men, born of noble stock, should be

By adverse fortune vexed. It was ill done

For the gods thus to order lives of men.

What ought to be is this, that godly souls

Should from the gods gain some clear recompense

And the unjust pay some clear penalty;

So none would prosper who are base of soul.

This poem addresses many of the issues that Greek society struggled to understand and master. Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle spent a great deal of their time discussing the ideas of morality and ethics, and how such traits play a part in society and daily lives. In this poem, Sophocles not only discusses morality, in his poem referred to as “godlessness”, he intertwines his thoughts on morality with religion. He poses a question that was looming in Greek society when he wrote the poem: If religion is just and absolute, why is it that moral humans be vexed “by adverse fortune” ? This was written at a time when science was developing as a counterpoint to traditional religion, and as religion began to come under question in a more direct way than ever before, citizens and thinkers presented inconsistencies and confusions regarding religion. Sophocles is posing a question that philosophers of the time must have struggled to explain. This literary work is an embodiment of a piece of a very large issue that people in the Greek & Roman era faced, and that is the clash between reason and religion.

Ash. P3. T8 Greek/ Roman Synthesis Question

Humanities Interchange Synthesis Question - Ancient Greek/Roman (1,000BC-449AD)

Ancient Greece is known for possessing a dependence on philosophy and art, the likes of which has not been replicated in a single culture since. Theater was at the forefront of this artistic revolution. However, Greek citizens did not look to theater only for entertainment, but they utilized its ethical and moral benefits to help shape their very culture. Theater was fully ingrained in Greek society and how citizens went about life; this was apparent as they committed so much time and significance to drama. A whole day was taken to view and discuss dramatic performances (Dionysus Festival). In addition, playwrights from this era are still known as some of the greatest artists and philosophers of all time.

During the time period when Greek life flourished, many aspects of life were dictated by the "will of the gods". These gods supposedly commanded nature and humanity from the heavens, and citizens often paid homage to them. While art, philosophy, and science were pursued rigorously, the majority of the ideas in these areas of culture fit within the guidelines of this religion. Therefore in theater, where new and inventive ideas about humanity were realized and discussed, these ideas rarely stepped outside of the "will of the gods". It seemed religion, science, and art were inseparable (due to the religious aesthetics of the time period and culture). Despite, or perhaps as a result of, this religious commitment, Greek culture excelled in nearly every aspect of life. We may still look back to this people group as an apt example of sophistication and enlightenment.

Synthesis Question Number Two

This piece is called Discobolos. It is a stone sculpture of a man holding a disk with a great amount of strength. This represents culture not only today, but in ancient Greece as well. The men of most cultures have been recognized as the strong protectors of their families. Each society has different standards, but for the most part that is the archetype of a man. Men are pressured or expected to have large muscular bodies or broad figures and a defensive sign. The bodies of men have been wanted to be maintained by not only society, but also prospective mates. Men are wanted to have tone, lean bodies and if they lack more muscles than they do fat, it is look down upon. However, due to the obesity rate in this era, it is somewhat overlooked.

In religion, men have also dominated. They have taken the most prestigious positions, such as clergymen, high priests and even popes. The piece of are that was sculpted hundreds of years before the modern era, reveals how society viewed men. Not much has changed. Even thought women have gone through religious exploration and education just like men have, he more abundant gender in the religious field seems to be men. This sculptor shows the masculinity of men in most categories; however, it’s not just a physical aspect, like in religion.

Lastly, men have dominated in the academic category. Even though in the more recent explorations, many scientists have been women. In ancient or even post modern eras, men were the one if not discovering, but accredited for discovery. For example, some of the greatest scientists of the early B.C were male. Like, Aristole, who defined tragedy for literature and drama, but also wrote Poetics, a piece which has contributed greatly to this eras literature, philosophy and theory. The chosen picture describes the societal opinion on men during that time. It shows men as how society expected them to be. They were to be protective, providing, muscular and strong. All of which expected and aspired traits have slightly differed due to eating habits, personal fitness, and societal expectations.

asher.p1.t3.greek/roman

During the Classical Period of Greek art and sculpture a shift from sharp and asymmetrical forms began to give way to more realistic and natural shapes of the human form. The Classical Period was a time where philosophy, democracy, and anatomy were gaining momentum. These subjects raised the idea that humans possessed more of a prominence in the world than previously thought. The movements captured in Classical Greek sculpture also showed a more interactive nature of human life with surroundings, the sculptures posses a more three dimensional friendly aesthetic compared to their to their predecessors of the Archaic Period, which were slightly more two dimensional in their viewing. The Classical Period was a movement depicting the heightening of man, and of the increased freedom the Greeks felt from the philosophical idea that mankind represented an individual entity or atomo, which reflects the creation of more movement in sculptures and more self-determination found in the sculptors of this period. The study of anatomy added to the aesthetics of classical Greek sculpture, the movement depicted in the sculptures of the time show understanding of human form, muscle, and bone structures. The studying of the human form by artists during this period is very notable, and is especially noticeable because of the movement and balance found in the sculptures. The human form shows a fusion of science and art that is apparent when looking at the sculptures of this time because the sculptors paid attention to how the body adjusts to movement, such as how the upper body shifts to compensate a movement of the lower body. While deities were still depicted in sculptures of the Classical Period, a greater focus on humans began to form.

Asher.P1.T1 - Greek/Roman Synthesis Question

While the mentioning of Roman sculptures typically conjures up some grand image of a towering god or glorious goddess in the midst of a garden of marble pillars, these sculptures were much more to the Romans than pure aesthetics. In fact, the flawless ancient statues we imagine typically originate from Greece, as the Romans took a more realistic approach to their artwork and fashioned their gods and goddesses after real life figures with wrinkles and warts. They believed that the accurate portrayals of humans would contribute to their immortality after death. Nonetheless, the Romans took pride in their masterpieces and often fancied the bronze statues they made as opposed to their marble counterparts we often see in both Greek and Roman statues today. Many of these bronze statues, however, were destroyed by later generations who used the melted bronze for their own profit.

Bas-relief is the most common medium used in the Roman sculptures that still exist. Many of the reliefs depicted the advanced technology that Romans during their time, including ballistae and waterwheel-driven saws. In addition to gods, acclaimed war heroes, and the technology of their day, another celebrated subject of sculptures are seen not on statues, but rather on the coffins of their departed ones. The Romans glorified immortality, and made these sarcophagi into much more than coffins by embellishing them with scenes based on Greek and Roman mythology, war, and their everyday life. The art adorning the outside of the sarcophagi of these figures played a tremendous part in the religious art form of the time. Their strong desire to commemorate important figures and events shines through in these sculptures and plays a role in uncovering the colorful history of ancient Rome.

- Freddy Tsao, Andy Kang, David Lee, Michael Amini

Wylie Period 1 Team 5

In the time of the Ancient Greeks & Romans theatre productions were the main form of entertainment. One of the most popular plays was “Oedipus” by Sophocles and it tied together how Ancient Greeks felt about science, religion, and politics. Religion in that time revolved around the idea that people didn’t have control of their own fate and that it was all up to the gods what happens to them and what they do. This is shown when the fortune teller gives the prophecy of Oedipus’ life and even though his mother and father tried to stop it from happening there was nothing they could do to prevent it because it was the gods will. It is demonstrated even more through the fact that after Oedipus killed his father it was said that Zeus forbid the people from finding the murderer. Science, having not been nearly as developed as religion, was less obvious in the play. Science was just questioning the gods will rather than accepting it. Ancient Greeks didn’t believe in following logic and only believed in following divine will. The inferiority of science to religion is shown in the play when Oedipus questions his fate or Jocasta questioned the prophecy, but these notions were only slight and then shut down. It tied in with politics because all the noble men or people in powerful positions acted with loyalty and selflessly, which gave people more faith in their leaders of the time.

Wylie. P5. T5. Greek/Roman

By: Lorena Huang Liu, Diana Huang, Rachel Yeo, Isabel Kim

The play Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, is a Greek tragedy. This play highlights important ideals and aspects of society in Sophocles’ time. Oedipus, the hero, is portrayed as imperfect and has flaws and weaknesses. This is an important element of a true tragedy and it also reflects one of the prevailing ideas in Ancient Greek society that humans are imperfect. The fact that Oedipus was manipulated by fate, no matter how hard he tried to avoid it, shows that gods were thought to be all powerful. This is an example of the idea that man cannot control everything no matter how powerful he is. It also urges people to accept their god given fate instead of trying to change it. The heavy emphasis on religion shows that science had little place in Greek society. An example of science’s lack of importance of is shown in Oedipus Rex when the people went to the priest for help when the plague spread through Thebes. Had Greek thought science as relevant, they would have visited a doctor. However, because they relied heavily on religion and the concept that everything is controlled by a god, they went to the priest. Oedipus Rex also serves a political purpose. The fact that Oedipus resigned himself to his fate and left in order to save his country from the plague shows his loyalty to his country. This brings across a message of loyalty to ones country and that a person should put their country before themselves.

Asher.P1.T4

Ancient Greek philosophers developed logical reasoning around values of polytheism and aesthetics; however, such philosophers began to question reality as they discovered various influences of materialism, spirituality, and knowledge. For example, Socrates, a Greek Athenian philosopher renowned for his contribution to ethics and founding of Western philosophy, denounced Grecian gods in saying that humans have the capability to become wise, an idea in which he was later executed for. Socrates believed that the best way for people to live is through self-development and growth as a populace rather than through democratic forum under one being. Therefore, religion and science ultimately failed to coincide because philosophers stressed the importance of intellectual virtues, a turning point in Grecian society as it went against the status quo; as religion always stood for a safe haven under the existence a super-human, science defined why humans should uphold philosophical opinions for to benefit themselves and the republic. Iliad by Homer and Oedipus the King or otherwise known as Oedipus Rex in Latin written by Sophocles were significant pieces of literature to emerge during 1000BC-429BC. Another piece of literature, Odyssey, by Homer along with Iliad, is generally thought of as a pair since the Odyssey is a sequel to the Iliad. The significance of the Iliad and the Odyssey are that they were the first pieces of Greek literature during the 1,000 BC – 449 AD era. These two poems set the guidelines and standards that writers even today imitate. The theme of “tragedy” was greatly influential and shaped most of the Greek and Roman writings of this era. One of the most significant plays that came out after Homer’s dialogues was Oedipus the King, which was also based upon the theme, tragedy. This play of Sophocles’ is considered a great literary work due to its carefully constructed tragic events and popularity among the Greeks and Romans when it was first introduced as a play.


By: Chloe, Amanda, Crystal, & Isabel

Wylie synthesis question period 5, group 3

The pottery created by the Ancient Roman and Greeks was not merely for adornment; rather it had the ability to persuade and illustrate the ideals of their society pertaining to their Gods, Heroes, and even Mythical Creatures. Ancient Greek craftsmen mastered the technique of black figure vase painting in the early 7th century B.C. Many of these vases told of heroic tales of Gods and Heroes of war, engaged in battle scenes. Pottery was enjoyed by all social classes, used as a practical utensil for everyday living and in some cases as decorations for the aristocracy. The amphora was often awarded as a trophy to those who were triumphant in the Olympic Games held in honor of the Gods. This ancient form of pottery was a timeless trade passed on through generations improving in its craftsmanship. Vase paintings reflected not only daily living but also religious deities, the most common design being the animal frieze. The black figured technique was later replaced by the red figure where a brush was used to give scenes a more natural representation of the human body. This translated more everyday life scenes of drinking and athleticism. It was until the 5th century B.C. that daily activities were used as the decorative preference. Where warriors were replaced by the handsome of youths playing music or listening to a performance and women were depicted in wedding preparations. Everyday occurrences and themes preferred by the aristocracy teach us today about life in the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans.  

Team 1 Period 3


Synthesis Question

One very prominent piece of art from the ancient Greek era is Aristotle’s Rhetoric, which was written in the form of a dialogue but was actually where Aristotle was able to discuss morals and values in society. Within his writings Aristotle was able to teach his readers about what he believed and the things that he learned from his teacher Plato, who in turn learned from Socrates.
From Aristotle’s dialogue we learn that he focused more prominently on science in his writings that any of his predecessors did. Aristotle added a scientific aspect tot everything he discussed in his teachings. Actually, science was not usually discussed in times before Aristotle, in fact even he focused mostly on philosophy as the others did. Philosophy was one of the greatest achievements of the Ancient Greeks, it helped to discuss and understand the values and morals of the time period. Some of the philosophies that Aristotle discusses is the different types of persuasion (ethos, pathos, logos) and how they relate to the time and place of the book. We can learn from these teachings of the democracy of the time as well as the relationships between mean and women and men and other men. Aristotle’s Rhetoric gives us a view into the ideas and philosophy of the time.