Greek Terms Flashcards
Large storage jar with two handles mainly used for wine/oil
Amphora
Greek chorus that sings and dances while moving in the opposite direction of the strophe (anti = against)
Antistrophe
Greek chorus sings/dances while moving in one direction (to the left)
Strophe
Wind instrument with a double barrel or pipes
Aulos
Purging or release of emotions, positive or negative, to the theatrical stimuli
Catharsis
Known as the lost-wax method; a technique for creating a hollow bronze statue
Cire-perdu
Stringed musical instrument with a wooden base - similar to a lyre or small harp
Cithara
Stance often used in sculpting in which the weight of the body rests primarily on one leg; such a stance provides the body with a natural s-curve
Contraposto
Method of questioning which seeks to arrive at the truth of an issue - use of logical arguments and questions to ascertain the truth
Dialectic
Style of Greek pottery associated with funerals and the vases - most often used as a grave marker
Two major bands depicting the funeral and the occupation of the deceased
Dipylon
Early songs sung by a Greek chorus in honor of the god Dionysus
Dithyrambs
Person or character’s fatal flaw - imperfection which leads to someone’s demise or downfall
Hamartia
Poisonous herb from the carrot family - used for executions
Hemlock
Excessive pride/extreme haughtiness - overly arrogant
Hubris
Latin phrase “In the middle of things”
In Media Res
Standing, clothed female statue with one foot slightly in front of the other, one arm down at side and the other across her chest
Kore
Standing, nude, male statue with one foot slightly in front of the other and arms down at sides in relaxed fists
Koures
Shallow drinking up used in Ancient Greece
Kylix
Offering of food or wine to the gods
Libation
Rational being or entity that developed and governs the universe
Logos
Pattern of winding or intertwining lines used to decorate Greek vases
Meander
Set life plan - destiny
Moira
Right of father to expose (set out in the elements) an child, for whatever reason, within the first ten days of the child’s life
Right of Exposure
Stone coffin sculpted with scenes of life
Sarcophagus
