Ancient Greeks strived for perfection and beauty. They
oided excess and held to an ideal deemed "the golden
mean" which basically meant not overdoing, or under doing
anything. Ancient Greek artists held to this ideal in their
architecture, painting, and sculptures. Over time this artistic
style has become known as classical and many modern
works are still created in this style.
Some of the best examples of this simplicity can be seen in
the architecture of Ancient Greece, especially that of
Athens during its Golden Age. The Golden Age of Athens
occurred during the mid fifth century, roughly 461-429 BC
and during this time, the Greeks excelled in the arts and
sciences. The first stop on this webquest takes us to the
most famous building of the Golden Age.
Stop #1: The Parthenon
Visit
The Greeks-Crucible of Civilization at PBS.orgClick on Pericles and read the selection to answer 1-4.
When was construction begun and when was it
completed?
Who was Pericles? Describe his connection with
the Parthenon?
What was the purpose of the Parthenon?
Why were its columns made thicker in the center?
Click on the Acropolis Experience and watch both clips to
answer the next question.
What did the frieze inside the Parthenon depict
and represent?
Return to the Greeks-Crucible of Civilization Home Page
and click on Themistocles. Read the first three pages and
on the third click on New Sculpture: Critius boy vs. the
traditional Kouros and answer the following.
Describe the difference between the two types of
sculpture.
Why do you think the Critius boy style grew in
popularity after 490 BC?
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Stop #2: The Theatre
Go to the site index of The Greeks-Crucible of Civilization
and click on Leisured Life: The Theatre. Also read
Theatre in Ancient Greece: The Festival of Dionysus
andanswer the following.
Where was the first theatre in Ancient Greece?
What did the playwrights explore through their
plays?
What or who was Dionysus?
Describe the festival celebrated in his name.
Return to the site index of The Greeks-Crucible of
Civilization and click on Origins of Theatre-The First
Actor, continue reading through The Different Types of
Greek Drama and their importance and The Great
Playwrights of Athens. Make sure to watch the video.
Read
Ancient Greek Drama Study Guide Answer thefollowing.
Which playwright introduced a second actor to his
plays?
What term was used to describe that actor?
What was the sole actor from earlier plays referred
to as? Are these terms also used in literature? How
so?
What were the three types of plays performed in
Ancient Greece? Describe each type.
Describe the element Euripedes added to his
plays.
Explain the origins of the word thespian.
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Stop #3: Meet Socrates
Return to the Greeks-Crucible of Civilization Home Page
and click on Socrates. Read through stopping to watch
the videos.
Did Socrates fulfill the Ancient Greek ideal of
beauty? Detail how so or how not.
What does the word philosopher mean?
What was at the center of Socrates method of
inquiry?
What was Socrates always in pursuit of?
Who were the Sophists and what was the aim of
their teaching methods?
What were Socrates’ criticisms of the Sophists?
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Stop #4: Wander Around
Use the site index of The Greeks-Crucible of Civilization
to find the passages that will detail the root of the
following words:
Marathon
Ostracism
Demos
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