Themes - Summary 4

Question 1

Geometric period

Answer 1

The time between 1000 and 700 BCE. Named this way because of the geometric motifs decorating vases mostly from cemeteries during this time.

Question 2

Geometric period architecture

Answer 2

Generally of low standards

Question 3

Art of geometric period

Answer 3

Characterized by experimentation and abstraction

Question 4

Euboea

Answer 4

After the destruction of Mycenaean paces, Euboea takes over the role of Greek economic power. Arts and architecture of this period from Euboea are of higher quality than other areas of Greece.

Question 5

Lefkandi

Answer 5

The most important site on Lefkandi, where archaeologists found the Heroon, which is of exceptional unparalleled quality and size.

Question 6

Geometric houses

Answer 6

A number of shapes: Apsidal, oval, round, rectangular. Different types could coexist in the same settlement.

Question 7

Protogeometric vases

Answer 7

Experimentation with dark-on-light and light-on dark systems. Preeminent shapes: amphora and skyphos (with conical foot).. Most popular motif: concentric circles and half circles. Not interested in figurative decoration (a single exception - horse).

Question 8

Early Geometric vases

Answer 8

Main decorative areas are on the neck, with ornaments placed on metopes, and the belly.

Question 9

Middle geometric vases

Answer 9

Friezes on the belly are more varied/broader and neck has a frieze instead of a metope.

Question 10

Late geometric vases

Answer 10

Entire vase covered with strictly defined decorative zones that depict grazing animals.

Question 11

Late geometric vases

Answer 11

Most prominent: monumental funerary amphora and krater. Decorated with themes associated with funerary rituals: prothesis (laying-out of deceased) and ekphora (transport of deceased to burial site). Also interested with sea adventures, catastrophes, ritual dances, myths. Sign work for first time!

Question 12

Prothesis

Answer 12

Laying-out of deceased, often on funerary amphoras and kraters.

Question 13

Ekphrasis

Answer 13

Transportation of deceased to burial site, often on funerary amphoras and kraters.

Question 14

Bronze tripods

Answer 14

Most luxurious objects to be produced in the LG period. Dedicated to important sanctuaries. Often decorated with male warrior and horse.

Question 15

Bronze figurines of male figures and horses

Answer 15

Bronze men and horses could be produced individually; not only on tripods.

Question 16

Geometric conception of human figure

Answer 16

Not as a whole but as an addition of its parts. No interest in naturalistic representation of human body; abstracts the forms and emphasizes only details considered important. Lower body in profile; upper part frontally and triangular; head in profile.