Comparing_and_Contrasting_Classical_Greek_and_Hellenistic_Cultures

Classical Greek and Hellenistic Cultures Comparing and Contrasting Classical Greek and Hellenistic Cultures Alan Rogers, PhD The Origins of Western Culture – HUM101 April 26, 2011 Classical Greek and Hellenistic Cultures There are many similarities, yet distinct differences between the ancient classical Greek culture, and the ancient Hellenistic Culture. This paper explores these similarities and differences with a focus on each area’s art, architecture, literature and philosophy. The Classical Age began recorded Greek culture during the fifth century which essentially laid the foundation for many later achievements. Spanning 75 years, from 479 to 404 BCE, this period was noted for Athenian rule, and was under full control by its leading statesman, Pericles, nicknamed “Zeus.” One of Zeus’s most note-worthy accomplishments was his commissioned work on the Parthenon in the Acropolis, chosen because it was the highest point over Athens, and served as the center for Athenian life. The intent of the design of the building was to give it an air of richness and grace. The Parthenon was constructed by Phidias who engineered the building columns with incredible exactitude of mathematical calculation. The detailed sculptural decorations depicted stories of the age, and gave it renowned splendor. The work on the Parthenon was completed by 432 BCE. During this period of time, the Greeks were pioneers in areas such as drama, art, philosophy, government, medicine, and community planning. By the end of the Peloponnesian War and the fall of Athenian democracy in 404 BCE, changes in these areas, particularly philosophy, began to surface. Two of the most influential philosophers of the fourth century following the Athenian rule were Plato and Aristotle. In 387 BCE, Plato founded the Academy whose curriculum focused on political theory, mathematics, and law, and was the first permanent institution in Western civilization devoted to education and research. The founding of this institution became the exemplar of all later universities. Plato’s ideas of an ideal society were meant to instruct people on organization, but those ideas were often met with resistance. Plato’s ideas of music were grounded in his belief that music had the power to influence human behavior. He believed the study of music and the participation in musical studies formed the frame work of a person’s attributes and temperament. Aristotle, on the other hand, viewed music as a rational means to the acquisition of virtue. His focus was on the mathematical relationship comprised in musical notes which enabled musicians to compose works that emulated the highest state of reason. Aristotle, who excelled in systematic philosophy, was Plato’s most accomplished student and who, after Plato’s death, founded the Lyceum, a school which turned out to be a rival philosophy of Plato’s and dealt with the Theory of Forms and Metaphysics. His thoughts were that what people perceived and what actual reality was was different, and therefore could be changed for the higher good (Cunningham and Reich, 2009). Aristotle was thought of as an explorer in many ways. His philosophies on natural science to logistics, ethics, and metaphysics were renowned in his time (Chronology of World History, 2010). Fifth century Greece saw a great emphasis on drama and plays. The three great Athenian Tragedians, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides delineate the advancement of contemporary ideals with their tragic dramas. These and other plays of its time were thought of as highly sacred and therefore the theaters they were held in were on sacred ground. The Ancient Theater of Delphi is one such theater. The theater was built from limestone taken from the Parnassos Mountain and could seat almost 5000 people in its 35 rows. Lower rows were constructed later in the Hellenistic period (Cunningham and Reich, 2009). The Hellenistic period from 323 to 146 BCE was distinguished by the life and conquests of Alexander the Great who sought to continue his father, Philip of Macedon’s quest to conquer the Hellenic world. Alexander was characterized as being a ruthless and egotistical military strategist who adopted elements of the lands he conquered. In doing so, he combined cultures from East and West, of Asia Minor and Greece. This cultural inheritance dispersed Hellenic art, drama, literature, philosophy, literature, and language throughout the Near East (Kreis, Steven (2008, November 01). From Polis to Cosmopolis: Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World, 323-30 BC. Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com). The most noted attributes of Hellenistic art were virtuosity and drama. Artists of the age developed new, more elaborate, emotional and expressive techniques. The changes which occurred through the Greek Classical Period into the Hellenistic Period were often subtle but also noteworthy. The end of the Peloponnesian War and the conquests of Alexander the Great brought many changes to the culture which are studied and revered, even to this day. . References Cunningham, L., & Reich, J. (2009). Culture and Values: 2010 custom edition. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. (2010). Chronology of World History. Chronology of World History. World Almanac Books. Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com From Polis to Cosmopolis: Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World, 323-30 BC. (2008, November 01). In ProQuest Editorial Website G. Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com