Antique culture of ancient greece. The peoples of Greece: culture and traditions

9.1. Features of the formation of ancient culture.

9.2. Features of culture Ancient Greece.

9.3. Hellenistic culture.

9.4. Culture of Ancient Rome.

9.5. Antique art.

Features of the formation of ancient culture

At the beginning of the 1st millennium BC, the leading role in social development passes from ancient Eastern civilizations to the new cultural center, originated in the Mediterranean and received the name of the ancient civilization. Ancient civilization includes the history and culture of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. This civilization is based on qualitatively different socio-economic and political principles than the civilization of the East and turned out to be significantly dynamic from them.

Antiquity is the cultural and historical foundation of modern Europe. Huge cultural heritage ancient Greece and Rome is quite rightly considered the cradle European civilization... Exactly antique world laid the foundations of European philosophical, legal, political, artistic and scientific systems that arose much later.

Greco-Roman culture is traditionally called antique; it developed during the period from III thousand BC to mid. V century AD The era of antiquity begins with the formation of Greek city-states at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC and ends with the fall of the Roman Empire in the century AD.

In its development, ancient culture went through a number of stages, appeared in various historical modifications, represented by the culture of Ancient Greece, Hellenistic culture, and the culture of Ancient Rome. At the same time, the "prelude" of ancient culture was the even more ancient Cretan-Mycenaean culture, or the Aegean civilization, which existed simultaneously with the ancient Eastern cultures. The centers of this Aegean civilization were Crete and the city of Mycenae in southern Greece.

Despite significant differences between the culture of Ancient Greece, Hellenistic and Ancient Roman, they belong to the same historical and cultural complex, have a number of common typological features. This is primarily due to the fact that the ancient Greek and Roman cultures were formed on the basis of basically similar forms social organization: both the ancient Greek polis and the Roman "civitas" of the era of the Republic represent different options antique civil community.

The civil community united full-fledged free citizens, each of whom had the right to land ownership and to participate in solving state issues. This form of organization social life determined the scale of the basic values ​​of the ancient society:

Ideal the priority of the civic community as the basis for the good of an individual;

Idea the supreme power of the people;

Targeting earthly interests; in the ancient worldview there is no idea of ​​a creator god, it stands outside the world and establishes a permanent, eternal world and social order (as was the case in the eastern peoples);

In contrast to the cultures of the East with their theocentrism, ancient culture is addressed to a person who is in the center of attention of philosophy and art.

The public consciousness of the ancient polis was mostly rational in nature. The world was perceived as real, although it was recognized supernatural, and this had a significant impact on various aspects of life. Therefore, when characterizing ancient culture, it is necessary to analyze the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Features of the culture of Ancient Greece

Culture Ancient Greece is the source of ancient culture. The ancient Greeks created a culture that was later called the "Greek miracle". Almost every conquest Greek culture reached such heights that it formed the basis of many aspects of European culture in its various spheres. For our time, Greek culture is a model of humanism and a complete view of the world. This was due to many circumstances.

A significant influence on the characteristics of the culture of Greece is not very beneficial geographical position, which contributed to the development of trade and other external relations. One of special reasons that determined the development of the culture of Greece, was colonization and the associated trade. Colonization made it possible for the Greeks to acquire a new view of the world, different from their primitive beliefs, to compare their world and the world of other peoples.

The dynamism and greatness of ancient culture cannot be separated from dynamism public life... By the 8th - 6th centuries. BC. includes the formation of slave states-policies. The Greeks considered the absence of policies among other peoples a trait of barbarism, their moral underdevelopment (Aristotle). To live like a human being for the Greeks meant living in a polis, participating in a polis life. Slaves who did not have the right to participate in the life of the polis were not considered people.

On the territory of Ancient Greece, there were several hundred policies. On average, each of them occupied an area of ​​no more than 300 square kilometers and had approximately 10-15 thousand population. One of the largest cities in Athens.

In the antique classic polis the state is the real and only content of the life and freedom of a citizen, she was almost the only place where he felt in danger, was under the protection of the gods who were engaged in the city (like, for example, Pallas Athena - Athens) and could live a full life. Political life with its spiritual and economic autarchy, independence and freedom was the highest value for a citizen, since the policy was the main condition for his own freedom, could guarantee the protection of his civil rights and property interests. Public opinion and holiday laws protected the public interest and the conquest of the public's personal interests was imperative. One of the most important criteria for the evaluative attitude of society to an individual was the degree of his participation in public life. Public opinion has developed a contemptuous attitude towards the indifference of the individual to the events of public life. This contempt became such an important factor in the attitude of society to the individual that, relying on public opinion, the Athenian ruler Solon formulated a law rare in world history, according to which the one who, during the uprising did not support either side, was declared dishonorable and deprived of citizenship rights. The law required each citizen to participate in the struggle, and not wait until the fate of the state was decided by others. And therefore, for the polis individual, a terrible punishment was expulsion from hometown, what the Romans called "deprivation of fire and water", that is, deprivation of civil rights. In the Greek cities, a special ostracism procedure was developed for this - sending people into exile, they did not violate the laws, but they were dangerous in their influence.

In many cities and, above all, in Athens, there is a magnificent achievement of the culture of the ancient Greeks - democracy. At the origins of democracy in Athens was Solon, whose reforms were aimed at creating a society of humanism and justice in Athens. The main governing body in the policy was the general meeting. At other times, council 400 was in charge, and then council 500. Features public organization Greek society influenced customs, traditions, moral norms and even art.

Open debate at the people's assembly of laws led to de-sacralization public institutions, thinking, formed the "relaxedness" of the Greek spirit, the development of critical reflection, rationalism. You need to familiarize yourself with detailed description the main features of the polis life at work J.-P. Vernan " Spiritual world policy ".

Competitive spirit polemic (agonizing) is another important feature of Greek culture. It manifested itself in all kinds of competitions - sports olympiads, competitions of poets, musicians, artists, gladiator fights, public competitions of orators and philosophical discussions of sages, in a stormy political life ancient society. For a Greek and a Roman, there was nothing honorable than to become a winner in any competition, to receive approval and admiration from citizens and to receive Laurel wreath... The competitive nature of ancient Greek culture is considered in more detail in the work of F.Kh. Cassidy "Towards the Problem of the Greek Miracle".

Associated with this is a high assessment of the creative principle in the activity of the individual. The struggle of opinions and freedom of criticism became the ideological and spiritual atmosphere in which Greek science and philosophy were born.

According to some European theorists, for example, Levi-Strauss, human behavior can be determined by its the main motivation. It can be a "shame culture" or a "guilt culture". The culture of guilt is characteristic mainly of Christianity, that is, it is addressed to the voice of conscience, to the inner judgment over oneself. The culture of shame is focused on assessing human behavior by representatives of one or another social group... The "culture of shame" of the situation in Greece included two points: the idea of swear at God Hellene and a sense of competition. The main motives of behavior were imitation of the best and rivalry. For the Greeks, a feeling of inner sinfulness is not yet characteristic, but bright a pronounced sense of shame in front of fellow citizens. The second side of this was the desire to become the first, to become the best. The spirit of competition reigned in science, rhetoric, in sports, even at a general meeting. Any member of the policy could express their opinion when discussing public issues. An important feature of the mentality of the Athenian citizen is the pursuit of fame. For example, a victory at the Olympic Games was considered a victory not for an individual person, but for a polis. This for the Greeks served as a confirmation of their importance to society. All the features of the relationship between the citizens of the Greek polis brought up a special sense of patriotism.

In Greek mythology the gods are human and anthropoid. Therefore, among the various mythologies of the world, Greek has become the most attractive. Greek Olympic religion anthropomorphic. Gods often behave like mere mortals, so in the world of the Olympic religion, a person felt quite comfortable.

Ancient Greek culture is characterized by great achievements in the field science. Despite the seriousness of the scientific achievements of others early cultures, for example, Egypt or China, there was no systematic science. In the Greek world knowledge has ceased to be sacred, sacred, mysterious, which would belong only to a special caste of people - the priests. It became available to everyone who undertook to devote their lives to it. Moreover, the "culture of shame" did not encourage ignorance, stupidity and vanity. It is in Greece that transition from mythology and religious outlook, based on faith, in science, which required the formulation, formulation, logical consideration of problems, and the mind becomes the main means of knowledge. The depth and thoughtfulness of scientific theories, no matter how intelligible they look, formed the basis of many applied and theoretical sciences... Truth is not a matter of blind faith, but knowledge, based on logic, on a reasonable (rational) understanding. Philosophy is becoming such a new way of self-determination of a person in ancient society - a fundamentally different type of outlook based on the positions of the mind and intellect. Philosophy offered man new type self-determination - not through habit and tradition, but through one's own mind. Becoming one of the forms of overcoming the dependence of the individual on the gender, it for the first time calls on a person to believe in himself, in his own strength rather than mythological gods. The myths that exist among the people are subject to revision from the standpoint of reason, they are provided with a rational interpretation.

The period of the highest flowering of Greek culture (5th century BC) is associated with the highest flowering of city life and all other cultural phenomena.

Ancient Greek culture has a special place in the creation of the foundation of European culture. The ancient Greeks laid the foundations of modern science, philosophy, historiography, architecture, visual arts, literature and theater. Their important contribution to world culture was the creation for the first time in history of a new type of public organization - democratic civil society, within the framework of which social and spiritual prerequisites have developed harmonious development of a free person. Within this culture were laid spiritual foundations of European culture: humanistic worldview, the assertion of the value of earthly existence, a rationalistic attitude to the world, the idea of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe beautiful as one of the highest values, the ideal of perfect harmonious developed personality, democratic relations between society and the individual, the idea of ​​self-affirmation in the process of competition of equal people, etc.

At the end of the IV century. BC. Greece is subjugated by Macedonia, and the campaigns of conquest of Alexander the Great mark the beginning new era in the evolution of ancient culture - Hellenistic.

The homeland of modern democracy has given the world such concepts as the state, the jury, equality before the law. Ancient Greek scientists became the founders of the basic laws in mathematics, geometry, physics, biology, philosophy.

The first Olympic Games also took place in Greece. They were part of a holiday dedicated to Zeus, during which it was forbidden to wage wars throughout Hellas, modern Greece.

The Greek theater is the oldest in Europe, reaching its heyday in the 5th century. BC NS. It was then that genres such as tragedy and comedy appeared.

National features of Greece

The Greeks are primarily characterized by good nature and cheerfulness. The inhabitants of this sunny country really appreciate life. Joy and misfortune are experienced with all passion: loud laughter and exultation, tears of sadness are not hidden from prying eyes. Emotionality is main feature of this people, and also the Greeks are very hospitable.

Greeks often gather with friends in taverns and uzeri. In coffee shops, you can always see the company of old people over a glass of cold local frappe coffee, playing backgammon or leading heated discussions about politics. Also, Greeks are distinguished by respect for the traditions of their country.

It is worth considering that the Greeks are not too punctual, so if at the appointed hour your friend does not show up for the meeting, you should wait a little and not lose your calm. Nothing can be done - damn national character... When making an appointment, remember that the afternoon (approximately 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm) is closed. The life of offices, shops and some services is quieting down.

Remember that Greeks love to argue and criticize, but do not tolerate criticism.

Traditional clothing

Each region of the country has its own costumes. Of course, now no one goes to traditional clothes but they can be seen at some of the Greek evenings held in hotels and popular taverns.

Greek dances

There is a lot of variety Greek dances... Each region of Greece has developed its own dance styles. It was believed that the dances were invented by the gods, and the one who was given this gift should teach it to his neighbor. Hand movements are actively used in ancient Greek dances. An important element of the dance is often a scarf, which women hold in their hands, drawing graceful figures for them.

Traveling through this small country, you will discover the tranquil grandeur of ancient culture, the search for a new spirituality of Byzantine Christianity, traces of the rule of Turkish foreigners. Historical sights of Greece keep many secrets and legends, but modernity is no less interesting here. Numerous festivals contemporary art, the openness of urban spaces to experimental projects, the sincere love of the Greeks for their traditions, which organically fit into everyday life - all this attracts connoisseurs of history and culture to Greece.

Ancient Greece it is not without reason that it is called the “cradle of European civilization”. The legacy of Greek mythology, philosophy, art was broadcast through the centuries, becoming the basis of the worldview of a modern European. We constantly come across this heritage in the form of countless words that have come to us from the Greek language, details of architecture, characters of mythology, “migrated” into European and Russian art. Even our way of thinking, ideas about reason and logic - the basis for this was laid by the ancient Greek philosophers.

The culture of Greece in the ancient period (from the 3rd millennium BC to the 5th century AD) was heterogeneous and developed in stages, depending on the historical situation. The heyday of classical Greek art, when most of the masterpieces known to us were created, fell on the 5th and 4th centuries BC. - " Golden time»Greek city-states. But the main features of the culture of Hellas (this is how the Greeks called their country) can be traced throughout history: this is a special attitude to measure, the desire for the unity of the beauty of the soul and body and the principle of competition.

"Observe the measure in everything", "Nothing beyond measure" - these sayings came to us from the Hellenes through the centuries. By measure, the Greeks understood not average, but sufficiency, proportionality, necessary to achieve harmony. The measure was and moral category(as explained, for example, Democritus), and aesthetic. In architecture, proportionality to a person was important, the majestic Greek temples were built taking into account how they are perceived by people. So it was built Parthenon, which, despite its howling power, does not seem ponderous.

According to the ancient Greeks, perfect person must be beautiful in body and soul. The fusion of these qualities is described by the word "kalokagatiya" (from the gr. "Beautiful" and "good"). The principle of kalokagatia manifested itself in the developed system of Greek education. A free citizen of Greece, he strove to develop his physical and spiritual dignity. Education was divided into "gymnastic" and "musical". The first was understood as the development of a person's physical abilities; participation in the Olympic Games was considered its peak. Musical education meant mastering various arts and sciences, including rhetoric.

The principle of kalokagatia is one of the main Greek art... The triumph of the beautiful human body and the spirit are Hellenic sculptures. The works of the most famous ancient Greek sculptor Phidias and his students amaze with the perfection of form and precision of execution.

The third principle on which ancient Greek culture was based is the principle of competition, or agnostics. It was thanks to this passion of the Greeks to find out who is the best that the Olympic Games appeared. During the Olympic Games, all internal wars ceased. Honest competition has always been more important than war, where cunning and deceit cannot be avoided. The winners of the games were honored no less than the generals, statues were erected to them and odes were composed in their honor. Today you can visit excavations of ancient Olympia- places of origin and holding of games. A huge stadium with a capacity of 20,000 spectators is amazing!

The mythology of Hellas is the mythology of sailors and merchants, who were also fearless warriors and savvy inventors. The Greeks worshiped numerous deities who ruled over the elements and dominated a particular area. According to the Greeks, the main gods lived on Mount Olympus. It is about the Olympian gods that we know most of the legends that have passed from mythology to literature. Thunderer Zeus, patron of arts Apollo, beautiful goddess of love Aphrodite, wise warrior Athena, god of winemaking Dionysus, formidable god of war Ares - they all became the personification of certain natural phenomena and human qualities... In addition to the gods traditional for all ancient cultures - fertility, love, war, the sun, etc. - in Greek pantheon prominent place was occupied by the god of the sea Poseidon and the god of trade Hermes, who was the mediator between gods and people.

The gods of Hellas are not omnipotent beings from whom all that exists. Their main difference from humans is immortality. They are perfect physically and they are subject to the elements, but at the same time they are subject to the same emotions as mortals. They suffer, rejoice, envy, fall in love, often involving people in their affairs. People, in turn, challenge the gods with their beauty and intelligence. For example, we all know the brave Odysseus, who, on his journey, more than once outwitted everyone.

According to the ideas of the Greeks, the irresistible Fate reigns over the gods and over people alike. Gods, like people, cannot change what is destined by fate. The significance of predictions in ancient Greece is as great as in any other ancient culture... This is evidenced by the fact that one of the richest ancient Greek cities was Delphi where the priestesses of Apollo predicted the fate of the generals and kings who came here with luxurious gifts. In ancient Greek myths, even the gods are forced to resort to predictions, and there are many stories about how they unsuccessfully try to "cheat" fate.

In this lesson, you will learn about cultural life Ancient Greece. Many people around the world are attracted by the beauty of the Athenian Acropolis, the Parthenon and Erechtheion temples, and ancient Greek sculpture. Until now, theaters stage plays based on plots that were staged in ancient Greek theater. The Olympic Games are still held, and the philosophy of ancient Greek thinkers is studied at universities. In this lesson, you will immerse yourself in the world of beauty and get acquainted with ancient Greek culture

Rice. 2. Goddess Athena ()

Rice. 3. Goddess Hera ()

Concerning literature, then this direction in Greece was not too developed. It is customary for Greek literature to begin with Homer (fig. 4), with his poems The Iliad and The Odyssey. Until now, it is not fully known when and under what circumstances these poems were created. There are many theories about this. Some even deny the very fact of Homer's existence as a single person, which brought together all the many stories and songs. Literature developed mainly in poetic direction... There were works of the poet Alkea, the poetess Sappho, and Pindar wrote odes. Reached great development oratory in the speeches of politicians such as Lysias, Demosthenes, Isocrates... Many of the speeches of these authors have survived to this day. A special part of Greek literature is dramaturgy... Those plays written by the creators of Greek tragedies and comedies. The playwright Aeschylus was considered the father of Greek tragedy from Eleusis (fig. 5). His works are considered the first dramatic works in the history of mankind. Two of them : "Prometheus Chained" and "Persians" are the most popular works of ancient Greek drama, they continue to be staged before today... Drama was used not only to entertain people, but also to impart certain character traits, to educate them in a certain way. The plays were to be educational, patriotic in nature. Aeschylus's successors were Sophocles and Euripides... A small part of the plays written by these authors has come down to us. For example, from the works of Euripides, 18 plays out of 92 written by him have come down to us.

Rice. 4. Poet Homer ()

Rice. 5. The father of Greek tragedy - Aeschylus ()

There was such a genre of drama in Greece as comedy... But comedy was considered a low, unworthy genre. However, the comedian Aristophanes turned out to be so popular that his works have survived to this day. 2 and a half thousand years ago, the Greeks laughed at corrupt politicians, at stupid citizens, at women who tried to try on the roles of men, at those things that we laugh at to this day.

The spread of literacy in Greece was not universal, but most free Greeks were literate. This was justified by the fact that the alphabetic writing was much easier to master than the hieroglyphs. The Greek alphabet became the basis for both the Cyrillic alphabet, which we use today, and for the Latin alphabet.

It was at this time in Greece that first libraries... For example, the library was owned by a Greek tyrant Peisistratus, who ruled in Athens in the second half of the VI century. BC NS. At the end of the 4th century BC. NS. the first public library appeared.

As for the ancient Greek architecture, then much has not reached us. But the Greeks had a tradition of making small clay models of temples. Therefore, we can imagine what a Greek temple of the 9th or 8th century BC looked like. NS. To this day, even in a dilapidated form, has reached temple of Hera, located near Corinth, which dates back to the 9th century BC. NS.

Greek architecture very quickly acquired a stylistic focus. In the 7th century BC. NS. the first common Greek style appears, which received the name Doric... Subsequently, two more architectural styles arise: Ionic and Corinthian... If you compare these styles with each other, you can see how quickly architectural thought is developing in Greece, how the proportion of buildings is changing. The Greeks very quickly begin to understand what is golden ratio and how a building should be constructed to make it appear taller, even if in fact it is not very tall. Unfortunately, the main monuments of this era have not reached us completely. On the Acropolis of Athens only ruins can be seen in the central part of the city Parthenon (Fig. 6), Erechtheion (Fig. 7) and other temples that were built in the 5th century BC. NS. between the Greco-Persian and Peloponnesian wars. But even in this version, these temples make an indelible impression.

Rice. 6. Temple Parthenon ()

Rice. 7. Temple Erechtheion ()

Temples needed to be decorated. In Greece, there is such a branch of culture as sculpture... Initially, statues of the gods were placed. It was customary to depict people as static, without movement, but very quickly the Greeks, thanks to their good knowledge of anatomy, began to move to the depiction of human figures in dynamics. Far from everything has survived to this day, but only a small part. Many sculptures have survived only in Roman copies. But even the fragments of the statues are still valued by art critics as a great value.

We do not know all the creators of Greek statues by their names. But many names have survived to this day. Famous sculptor Myron, his most famous statue is Discus thrower (fig. 8)... Another statue by Myron was installed on the Acropolis - Athena and Marsyas (fig. 9)... If we talk about other sculptors of that time, then it is known Phidias, the author of the famous Athens virgins for the Parthenon. A huge 12-meter statue, whose body is made of ivory, and clothing and weapons are made of hammered gold sheets on a wooden base. He also owned Statue of Zeus, installed in Olympia, the height of the statue is 14 meters. This statue has not survived to this day; according to one version, it sank while the Romans were transporting it to their territory. Other statues of Phidias include the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon. This sculptural decoration illustrates the myth of the birth of the goddess Athena and her dispute with Poseidon over control of Attica. About 500 figures have survived to this day, which were originally depicted on this pediment, however, they survived in fragments.

Rice. 8. Discus thrower, sculptor Miron ()

Rice. 9. Athena and Marsyas, sculptor Myron ()

Speaking of other sculptors, one can name Polycletus from Argos. The image of the citizen of the polis is embodied in the statue he created Dorifor or spearman, which was the canon and model for sculptors of later eras. You can also highlight the sculptor Leohara who owns the bronze Apollo statue... A 15th century marble Roman copy of this statue is kept in the Belvedere of the Vatican Palace. Therefore, the statue was named Apollo Belvedere.

It was in Ancient Greece that the science of history was born. Her father is considered Herodotus (fig. 10), but even before him there were people who made small descriptions of the life of their states. Such historians - logographers - provided a lot of material for the work of Herodotus and for the work of later historians. Also considered the father of history Thucydides, he was the first to apply the critical method: to separate what corresponded to reality from sheer fiction. The works of Herodotus and Thucydides were continued by the historian Xenophon whose work « Greek history» describes the events that took place in Greece at the very end of the Peloponnesian War and at the beginning of the 4th century BC. NS.

Rice. 10. The father of history - Herodotus ()

What is especially the price of Greek culture for us is Greek philosophy... It was in this region that philosophy was born as a special form of knowledge that combines all branches of science that could be known to the Greeks at that time. It was in Greece that such a system as teaching philosophy first appeared. The people who were taught to think and speak correctly were called sophists... Similar schools existed in many Greek cities. From the schools that existed in the 5th century BC. NS., special meaning had Socrates school, which was in Athens. The wisest Greek of his time came out of this school - Plato... Plato himself could be called a sophist; he was a paid teacher of philosophy. The school that he created was named Academy (fig. 11)... It was the Platonic Academy that was the first general educational institution in antiquity. It was created at the beginning of the 4th century BC. NS. and survived not only Ancient Greece, but even Ancient Rome and was closed only in the 6th century AD. NS. in the era of the Byzantine emperors.

Rice. 11. Academy of Plato ()

Heir and disciple of Plato - Aristotle (Fig. 12) - created his own school, which was called the lyceum, otherwise lyceum... It did not last long, but it gave its name educational institutions that still exist in many countries, including Russia. Aristotle is also important because he began to separate philosophy from scientific knowledge, more accurate and demonstrative. From the history of Aristotle, from the works that he wrote, begins the historical writing of many sciences of our time. He can be considered not only the founder of biology and physics, but also chemistry, climatology, political science, sociology. He wrote works on the most different areas knowledge that subsequently developed into separate sciences. Aristotle is also known for his work "Athenian polity", this is a work on the history and state structure of Athens, but it has come down to us in incomplete form. But the generalizing work of Aristotle, "Politics", reached us. The thoughts and theories put forward by Aristotle were very relevant.

Rice. 12. Aristotle ()

It is difficult to overestimate the importance that Greek culture had in the history of mankind. Until today, people continue to look at the statues created by Greek sculptors and standing in many museums around the world. We can admire the architectural monuments that have come down to us through the centuries. To this day, theaters stage those works that were written 2 and a half thousand years ago, and study scientific works created by Greek authors. To this day, the Olympic Games continue to be held, which each of you has seen.

Bibliography

1. Akimova L. Art of Ancient Greece. - SPb, "Azbuka-classic", 2007.
2. Boardman J. Material culture archaic Greece, in the book: The Cambridge History the ancient world... Vol. III, Part 3: The Expansion of the Greek World. - M .: Ladomir, 2007.
3. Vipper B.R. Art of Ancient Greece. - M., 1971.
4. Volobuev O.V. Ponomarev M.V., General history for grade 10. - M .: Bustard, 2012.
5. Klimov O.Yu., Zemlyanitsin V.A., Noskov V.V., Myasnikova V.S. General history for grade 10. - M.: Ventana-Graf, 2013.
6. Kumanetsky K. History of culture of Ancient Greece and Rome / Per. from Polish VK. Ronin. - M .: Higher school, 1990.
7. Rivkin B.I. Antique art. - M., 1972.

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Homework

1. What are the special features of the Greek culture of the archaic and classical eras?
2. Tell us about religion in Ancient Greece.
3. What architectural monuments and sculptures do you remember the most?
4. Tell us about the development of scientific thought in Ancient Greece.

Modern Greek culture, with all the aspirations for novelty and originality, carefully preserves three traditions.

First, the antique one. The existing museums of ancient culture receive state support and new ones are organized. So, near Acropolis the newly established Museum of the Ancient performing arts: show masks, koturnas, costumes, read texts of classical drama.

There are quite a few preserved in Greece ancient theaters under open air... In them, and not only in them, they stage ancient tragedies and comedies - Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes. Schools study ancient mythology and literature, mainly in translation.

But in gymnasiums, humanitarian lyceums, universities, they study the ancient Greek language and classical culture very thoroughly.

Classical philology in Greece is at a decent level. Ancient heritage culture of Greece - Greek literature covers poetry, drama, philosophical and historical treatises, travel books.

Homer(9th century BC), author of the Iliad and Odyssey, was the most famous Greek author of antiquity. The world's first travel writer was Pausanias, who wrote The Guide to Greece in the 2nd century BC. Numerous editions of this book are now available at English language.

Sappho(who lived on the island of Lesvos in the 5th century BC) is known for his love poetry dedicated to women.

The most famous novelist these days Nikos Kazantzakis is the most widely read Greek author. And the classics of modern Greece were even awarded the Nobel Prize - these are the writers George Seferis and Odysseus Elitis.

The culture of ancient Greece

When we speak of ancient Greece as continuous cultural phenomenon, we must remember that, as in any culture, people's ideas about the world and its foundations are subject to evolution.

During the heyday of the Greek city-states, when democracy reigned in Athens, the ideas of the Greeks about the gods were already very different from those fabulous, semi-naive ideas that were in the time of Homer.

This is evident from the changes the image of Zeus underwent - from a thunderer who quarreled with other gods, was capricious and abused his power, they turned into a reasonable ruler of the world, where everything is done according to his wise instructions.

The changes in Greek spiritual culture are most clearly manifested in the relationship between the Dionysian and Apollonian principles. This issue has been analyzed in detail Friedrich Nietzsche... According to Nietzsche, the god Dionysus symbolized for the Greeks the self-consciousness of a person living in a mysterious, enchanting, but also full of dangers world of wild nature.

This world, in principle incomprehensible to man and chaotic, the law in it is the arbitrariness of the gods, symbolizing the forces of nature. However, not only fear caused this world in the Greek man: it was possible and natural for him to dissolve in this chaos, a feeling of happiness of belonging to this mystical world.

Dionysus's weapon- intoxication that knows no barriers, which awakens the soul from the painful sleep of the flow of forms and draws it into the enchanting area of ​​life, which does not know barriers and subordination.

It was precisely this going beyond their own limitations and awe before the magic of the world that the Greeks sought during the holidays dedicated to the god Dionysus, of which the most known to us are the annually held mysteries in Eleusis.

At these festivals, the Greek comprehended the nature of the Dionysian world in ecstasy, taking the soul away on the wings of sweet madness to the palace of All-Consuming Love, which was apparently understood as the deep essence of the universe. Nietzsche believes that the significance of the Dionysian orgies is in the redemption of the world and spiritual enlightenment, which allows in other days not to be crushed by the horror of the world.

The world of Dionysus- the world of bodily symbolism, and not limited by masks and the severity of the ritual, but completely subordinating dance, rhythmizing the entire body of the participant, connecting him with everyone and dissolving him in everything.

This is where Nietzsche sees the origins musical harmonies, rhythms and dynamics. He also believes that in the Dionysian mysteries lie the origins of the great art of ancient tragedy.

"The irrefutable legend claims that the Greek tragedy in its oldest form had as its theme exclusively the suffering of Dionysus and that for quite some time the only stage character was Dionysus."

The second nature of Greek culture is harmony of order and proportion- is inherent in the Apollonian beginning. His personification is beautiful image the young god Apollo, who attunes people to sublime feelings, he owns art, above all - music and poetry, his gift - inspiration and talent.

Apollo- the genius of stately harmony. From the chaos of the primordial ocean of life, he creates the universe, highlighting the parts, giving them shape, filling them with meaning commensurate with the idea of ​​integrity. This is the World Artist and his creative power gives the world harmony within the boundaries of firmness, order, stability and peace, triumphant and continuous.

Unlike the eternally dying, reborn Dionysus, Apollo is immortal and unchanging, for he is an incarnate Spirit, while Dionysus is striving to be incarnate.

Nietzsche believes that the Apollonian is a manifestation of an instinct as ancient as the one that manifests itself in the Dionysian, but in the opposite direction: this desire for everything to find its place means, first of all, to find a place in the world for oneself, to protect one's personality from disintegration, agreeing to limitation , but at the same time subordinate the whole world to the idea of ​​this limitation.

Art of Greece.

During the period of Turkish domination, art - apart from the church and such folk and applied varieties as woodcarving, metal forging, pottery and embroidery - practically did not develop.

After the declaration of independence, King Otto I invited many Greek artists to study in Munich, where they were influenced by the Germanic art school 19th century

Subsequently, Greek artists trained in other countries of Western Europe, especially in France. As a result, despite attempts to preserve ancient and Byzantine traditions in art, the influence of Western European trends turned out to be predominant.

Leading place among the painters of modern Greece is Kostis Partenis, it was he who brought the ideas of French impressionism to Greece. Partenis, like many other Greek artists, did not dwell on any one style.

He went through a passion for expressionism, cubism and other modern trends. Prominent Greek artists Georgos Buzianis and Nikos Hadzikiryakos-Gikas worked in the spirit of Expressionism. In addition to modernists, a whole galaxy of neorealists has developed in the country, including Yannis Tsarukhis and D. Diamantopoulos.

Another significant group of artists, among whom stands out Fotis Kontoglu, successfully worked to revive the traditions of Byzantine art.

Modern Greek sculptors also belong to different European directions, but there remains a significant group of adherents of ancient traditions.

Of the representatives of the neoclassical school, Costas Dimitriades stands out, who was brought up in the spirit of French naturalism. Among those who moved away from the romantic school founded by Rodin, we note A. Apartis and M. Tombas, working in different modern directions. Abstract art represented in the Cubist sculptures by A. Apergis.

Music and theater.

In the area of musical art survived old tradition manifested in folk songs... These songs are divided into dance, family, mourning and heroic songs, many of them originated in the Byzantine era or even earlier.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Greek composers, like their compatriots in literature and art, relied on folk legends and ancient subjects. Attempts to create national music were undertaken by Manolis Kalomiris (1883-1963), E. Riadis (1890-1935) and Georgios Poniridis. Kalomiris used themes from Byzantine church music and set to music the poems of Palamas and Sikelianos.

Poniridis composed numerous songs, often based on lyric poems by Cavafy and other Greek poets. Modern tendencies expressed in the writings of Demetrios Skalkotas (1905-1945) and Georgios Sikelianos. Manos Hadzidakis - famous composer, who was often inspired by folk melodies.

The Athens Conservatory, long the center of Greek musical culture, has produced many international singers and composers, including the composer D. Mitropoulos (1896-1960) and the opera star Maria Callas.

After revival theatrical art at the beginning of the 20th century. in Greece there was an upsurge in drama. Opened in 1930 National Theater, and then a number of other theaters with a permanent troupe were formed.

Every year in Athens, Epidaurus and Dodona, right in the ancient amphitheaters, festivals of theatrical and musical art are held, at which artists National Theater antique dramas are performed.

Folk art.

In small towns and on the islands, centuries-old traditions of handicrafts are preserved. Gold and silver items are produced in Thessaloniki, Athens, on the island of Kerkyra (Corfu) and in Ioannina; embroidery and lace - in the Ionian and Aegean islands; Crete and Epirus are famous for their woolen blankets and handmade carpets. Greece also produces carved wooden, ceramic and forged metal products.

Cinema is very popular in Greece.

Several Greek films, including Never on Sundays, have won awards at international film festivals. Among Greek film stars, Melina Mercury has reached world fame. Filmmaker C.Costa-Gavras, who worked in France, received awards for films such as Z and the State of Siege.