CHAPTER 4 --  THE PREHISTORIC AEGEAN

1. Read the Chapter.

View this extraordinary page on the art of the Aegean from the University of Oklahoma.  Then, explore the art of Akrotiri and learn about the volcanic destruction of the Island of Thera.


2. Vocabulary and terminology:

SCULPTURE IN THE ROUND, DRESSED STONE, FAIENCE, GOLD LEAF, REPOUSSE, CORBEL ARCH


3. Key items to discuss and know:
    a. Describe the 'highly schematized manner' of the female Cycladic figures  (see page 82 in the text).
    b. Why is the word "labyrinth" used to describe the extraordinary Palace at Knossos?  (See pages 84-85). 
    c.  Discuss the medium, methods, and imagery of the Minoan wall paintings.  (See pages 85-86)
    d. Imagery and methods of Minoan pottery (see page 88).
    e. Mycenean gold and metal work (see page 94).
    f.  Discuss the art and aechaeological evidence for Homer's stories of Troy and the Trojan War.
       Ruins of the Palace at Knossos, Crete.

4. Art work from text to remember:
    a.  Figurine of a woman, from Syros (Cyclades) (see page 82).  View a similar Cycladic figure.
    b.  Bull-leaping (Toreador Fresco) (see page 86).  Explore why the Egyptians used a 'dry fresco' while the Minoans used 'wet fresco.'  What is the difference?
    c.  Marine style Octopus jar (see page 88).  What abstract and natural forms appear in Minoan pottery?
    d.  Snake Goddess (see page 89). Based on the imagery and possible meanings, what might be the purpose of the Snake Goddess?
    e.  Lion's Gate, Mycenae (see page 92).  What are  Cyclopean masonry and corbeled vaulting?
    f.   Funerary Mask (see page 94).  How does the Mycenean funerary mask compare with the Egyptian Death Mask of Tutankhamun?

5. Visit and explore the following:

          a.  Minoan Art --  the Agia Triada fresco

          b.  Mycenean Art


6. Write a chapter report related to issues raised in #3 or a work of art from #4 above. 

Everyone should know what to do by now...ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS:  your report is due as noted on the schedule.  INTERNET STUDENTS:  Be sure to include comments/comparison from one of the web sites above or another you have located.  Submit the report by Wednesday.  (Please note:  Summer Session students see the schedule for due date).

For extra credit:  find the "Mask of Agamemnon" ...furnish the link and write about it briefly in a separate report to me at mhoover@accd.edu


7. INTERNET STUDENTS:  Respond to someone else's comments...get a dialogue going!

Post to the LISTSERV by Friday. (Please note:  Summer Session students see the schedule for due date).


Page Updated 715/08
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