The
origins of democracy can be traced to Athens in the years following
the fall of the tyrannical Peisistratids (560-510 BC). By the
beginning of the Archaic period large statues of nude males
(kouroi ) and draped females (korai ) were produced
as dedications for sanctuaries and as markers for graves. Colossal
marble temples to house huge cult images of the gods were built in
various parts of the Greek world.
External troubles came from both east and west. The Persian Empire
attempted to extend its control over the Greeks in Asia Minor. The
final victory of the Greeks over the Persians was celebrated in Greek
art and literature as a symbol of the triumph of civilized peoples
over the forces of barbarism.
Attic Black Figure Amphora
ca. 530 BC
Style between Exekias and the Lysippides Painter
Orvieto, Etruria
MS 3497
The Attic Black Figure
style of vase painting developed in the late 7th century BC
from Corinthian painting and reached its fullest development in the
period represented by this amphora. The story of Heracles and the
Nemean Lion is illustrated on one side, while a Dionysiac scene
decorates the other. In the early 5th century, production of Black
Figure work began to decline and the new Red Figure style was
increasingly evident. H. 56.5; Dia. 38.0 cm. Photo by Maria Daniels
for the Perseus Project (132k)
