Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that until about 1870, historians and scholars who specialized in the history and archeology of ancient Greece were, for the most part, quite ignorant about Greek culture and society and considered this area of study as being filled with myth. The writer points out that from excavations conducted in the early years of the 20th century, the history of ancient Greece is now well-known and understood, especially through the magnificent artifacts that have been uncovered. Thus, the writer maintains that these artifacts illustrate that the cultural and social heritage of ancient Greece was one of the most important Western civilizations of all time. The writer concludes that they also prove that the ancient Greeks were superb artisans who always attempted to reveal the intricacies of Greek culture through their work.

From the Paper
"In essence, many of these artifacts will enable us to reconstruct the development of the Greek style in art and to appreciate their uses and place in ancient Greek society. Imagine for a moment living in ancient Greece, perhaps somewhere amid the long and winding coastline of the Aegean Sea, or perhaps high up in the great mountain chains of the Peloponnesos or Thessaly, the home of Mount Olympus and the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses, such as all-powerful Zeus and his wife Hera, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Apollo and Hermes, the messenger of the gods."
"In this environment, common men and women worked in the cities as laborers, merchants and slaves and toiled in the fields in order to feed the hungry masses in places like Argos, Sparta, Thebes and especially mighty Athens, the home of Pericles and Greek democracy. Thus, in these and many other environments, the ancient Greeks fashioned a very wide spectrum of items, ranging from ordinary clay pots to outstanding examples of Greek art in the form of amphora, drinking vessels, armor, weapons, jewelry, bowls and statues."

Tags:excavations, Crete, gods, performing, arts

Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of an ancient Greek artifact known as the Naiskos Hydria, a Funerary Water Pitcher, is dated c. 340-330 BC. The material is ceramic. The piece is an example of a funerary pitcher that would be placed in a tomb. The piece is an example of late Red Figure style, a style in which reddish figures appear light against the black background of the pot surface, in this case modified with the use of white as a third color.

From the Paper
"The piece known as the Naiskos Hydria, a Funerary Water Pitcher, is dated c. 340-330 BC. The material is ceramic. The piece is an example of a funerary pitcher that would be placed in a tomb. The piece is well-formed and has a clear intent set into its design, that being to commemorate the death of the occupant of the tomb and to show respect in the presenting of gifts to that person. The piece is an example of late Red Figure style, a style in which reddish figures appear light against the black background of the pot surface, in this case modified with the use of white as a third color. The effect is achieved as the piece is made of red clay which produces black oxidation..."

Tags:greek, art, history

Abstract
This paper examines the controversy that exists over the "Elgin Marbles", which were originally part of the Greek Parthenon's frieze, that were taken by Lord Elgin of England in the late 18th century. The paper takes the position that the statues and other artifacts which currently are housed in English museums, are the rightful property of the Greek people and should be returned to Greece. The paper is divided into several sections. The first gives a history of the Elgin Marbles and how they came into possession of the English in the first place. A brief history of the Parthenon is also given in this section, with a detailed examination of the architecture and the ancient politics that surrounded its construction. The paper then spans the history of the Parthenon up until the 18th century, including the building losing its roof and several architectural designs due to the Ottoman Turks using it as an armory during their control of Greece. The paper discusses how British archaeologists claimed the pieces in the 1800s, fearful that the Greeks could not maintain such classical pieces of work. The paper ends with a section discussing the latest improvements that are underway in Greece to house the "Elgin Marbles" if an international agreement can be reached that will send the pieces of the Parthenon back to Athens. The concept of Greek pride and honor in their ancient ancestry is discussed and how originally, when Greece was unable to maintain such pieces, the idea to keep them in England was the correct decision to be made.

From the Paper
"The mere thought of The Parthenon evokes an image of dignity and pride for not only the current Greek citizens who look upon their ancient ancestors with honor, but for the entirety of Western civilization who view The Parthenon as a representation of the greatness that can be achieved by Western culture. Using this Western concept of pride as a basis, it is clear to see why the British government has its roots in claiming that the treasures of the Parthenon would be better served in a more upscale environment such as The British Museum rather then an unfinished Acropolis museum in Athens. Nevertheless, the removal of The Parthenon artifacts, which are known as The Elgin Marbles since the works of art were "purchased" by the English noble Lord Thomas Bruce of Elgin in 1801, was in essence an infraction upon the Greek populace's right to their ancestors' culture. In large part due to the importance of The Parthenon and the culture that it represents to Greece, the rightful place of the Elgin Marbles is in Athens where the pieces of architecture were always intended to remain when they were completed. "

Tags:architecture, art, lord, pericles, persian, wars

Abstract
This paper provides a brief discussion of Greek history and Cretan art. The paper examines the phenomenon of looters and theft from Greek archaeological sites. The on-going battle against looting and smuggling antiquities is described, including an overview of international laws.

From the Paper
"Looters can be dated as far back as 134 B.C. when the Romans originally stole from the Greeks. Only during the last century did countries such as Greece become concerned about their cultures, since the high prices of the artifacts have lead to more of their treasures being stolen. In the 1960's, the popularity of marble statues encouraged thieves to loot the Aegean Islands for statues produced by the Cycladic culture during the Bronze Age. The looters destroyed over 12,000 graves in the course of their thefts. While many of these statues are in private collections, few have been recovered by archaeologists."

Tags:looters, cretan, art, smuggling, antiquities, customs, arthur, evans, knossos, phaestos

Abstract
The paper analyzes the artifacts found from the Cyclades sites and pottery from the same region. The paper describes how the style of the Cyclades statuettes fits with other works from different parts of the near east and shows how it influenced later classical Greek and Roman sculpture. The paper discusses the many shifts in aesthetic viewpoint in this century, when art was redefined in terms of the existing social relations and prevalent aesthetic ideas. The paper also looks at the geometric style in Greece and the relationship of art, mathematics and computer technology today.

Outline:
Introduction
Findings
Pottery
Developments

From the Paper
"The Cyclades are a group of islands in the Aegean Sea where neolithic burial sites have been found. The figurines found tend to be stylized and abstract in form (Fiero 8). The clay figurines in this culture are in place of the neolithic idols made of clay from other regions. The marble quarried on these islands made it possible for the workshops of the culture to flourish. Products made by artisans on the Cyclades made their way to Crete and also to the mainland. Most of the statuettes are naked female figurines with their arms crossed over the abdomen, and they are generally not designed to stand erect."

Tags:figurines, artisans, statuettes, art, sculpture, pottery, mathematics

Abstract
This paper will discuss a piece of Greek ceramic pottery from the Art Institute of Chicago. By analyzing its origins, the style, materials, patron, function and the social context it had within the time period, we can see the history unfold about the Greek vase in its entirety. In revealing the nature of the object to be studied, there can be a well-rounded observation of the artifact and will tell us much about the life of the Greeks from this period.

Abstract
Ancient Egypt had a significant impact on early Greek culture, as can be evidenced by enduring artifacts. Egyptian sculptures, primarily created for the pharaohs or high-ranking officials and essentially religious in function, significantly influenced the form and style of statues of the early Archaic Age. Poses were rather rigid and very conventional and facial expression was confined to the typical Egyptian half smile. The paper shows that over time, Greek artisans began developing their own approach. By the late Archaic and definitely prior to the beginning of the Golden Age or Classical Period, artwork started to reflect evolving philosophies and ideals and to celebrate the human figure. Sculptures portrayed more elaborate features and less static stances.

From the Paper
"The statues also represented the society's hierarchy. At the bottom of the rung were the slaves, tomb builders and farmers. Further up came the craftspeople, educators, doctors, noblemen and priests. The pharaoh filled more than the role of king and ruler. He was considered a god on earth. (Grant 1990, 23) Egyptians used the size of their statues to illustrate the social order. The pharaoh was larger then life size, scribes and court officials life size and workers and peasants always shown working. The images of the pharaoh, always larger than life, made him appear all the more god-like. The large works of sculpture were often displayed at temples that were built for the pharaoh's chosen deity."

Tags:Menkaure, kouroi, Doryphoros

Abstract
Greek architecture is very important to understanding Greek society more generally. With this in mind, the paper examines the interesting economic, political and religious considerations or motivations which went into the construction of works which stand even today as symbols of architectural beauty and excellence. In particular, the paper looks at how the cost of building materials determined the early construction of Greek public structures, most notably temples. The paper discusses how a vigorous and wealthy Greece sought to communicate this wealth through the conspicuous construction of unforgettable marble public buildings.

Tags:greek, architecture, motivations

Abstract
This paper explores the origins, rise and decline of the Greek civilization, beginning with the first Olympic Games and ending with the dawn of the Roman Empire. It expands on all facets of the ancient Greek culture.

From the Paper
"It is no doubt impossible to overstate how profoundly ancient Greek civilization has impacted modern Western society. Providing the first known models of participatory democracy, construing philosophical concepts that have roused debate for two and a half million ..."

Tags:ancient Greece, Classical Greek Period, Socrates, Plato, Alexander the Great, ancient civilizations, Greek mythology

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the Roman and Greek ideals of marriage. The essay analyzes the Roman virtues of marriage and compares it with Greek virtues of matrimony (with respect to the women of the archaic and classical periods). The paper uses "Women in the Classical World" as a reference book for the essay.

Tags:greek, roman, marriages