What Are The Four Forms Of Aegean Culture

When The Aegean period arose in Greece, three cultures originated with three different art forms. They created distinct types of art, yet left limited proof of their existence. During 2800-1100 BCE the Egyptians stood out with their afterlife related art, while the Mesopotamian’s introduced religion and a written language. In the mean time, near the Aegean Sea, the Aegeans came into view around the same time these two civilizations developed.

The first civilization that appeared were the Cyclades, they lived on islands that were rich in minerals which influence their art pieces. Cycladic art originated between 2600-1100 BCE and was merely existent, apart from their stone tombs that include a large number of marble idols not many art pieces such as pottery and jewelry were discovered. The sculptures that were found in different graves mostly represented an upright standing nude woman figure, which are believed to symbolize the fertility goddess. While the male figures were always covered with clothing and were always performing a certain activity.

Although they had no known written language to indicate their purpose, they mostly suggest a religious function. Their artwork includes a great amount of marble figures that represent simplicity and elegance, they were also more geometrical and used basic shapes

to represent different body parts. Modern artists consider these sculptures abstract, which is why they were appreciated during the twenty-first century. Some archaeologists suggest that the abstract simple exterior was not intentionally made this way and were not always faceless, but rather painted with bright colors that have faded with time.

The most famous Cycladic figure is the Seated Harp Player this sculpture was found amongst only ten other sculptures that play the Harp. This harp player is 11.5 inches high seated on a four legged stool, he does not actually play his harp; he merely holds it, resting its soundbox on his thighs. He has no facial structures, nor have hands to play the harp. It late revolved to a man with hands and a few facial structures.

A few years later appeared The Minoans.

They were defined by a lack development, because the civilization disappeared and reappeared unexpectedly that not much is known about them. Minoan art is very playful, and displays rhythm and motion. They were known for the way they differentiated between the male and female, they painted males in a darker color while females where usually white and light colored. Their artistic style is characterized by dynamic movements and flowing figures. They painted human figures similarly to how the Egyptians did, but their figures were S shaped showing the front view of the shoulder but profile view of the

body.

The Minoans were also known for their architecture, they built enormous palaces with a great number of rooms and large courtyards. Their palaces had no fortification walls suggesting they did not face enemies during their time. The most recognized palace was the Palace of Knossos its columns were made of wood and not supported by a wall they way Egyptians built their columns. In the figure above is a wall form whats left of the palace, it proves how they preferred painting their walls and columns with bright colors.

Another art form they excel in is the Fresco, which means painting on plaster. They usually painted animals using this painting technique, they also use curved lines and different colors that indicate fluidity as well as a high degree of movement. They were not known for their sculptures because not many were found, but the ones that were found often resembled a religious figure.

On the other hand, The Mycenaean’s art appeared during the Late Helladic period of Greece between 1500-1100 BCE. They are known to be a combative tribe that invaded Crete, where the established the first Greek based culture. Unlike the Minoans that benefitted off trade, the Mycenaeans grew bigger by conquering other tribes and lands. Due to the many wars throughout their period, they had a more realistic view on the world which reflected on their art.