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Chapter Seventeen: The Ancient World
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
• The Earliest Art
• Mesopotamian Cultures
• Egyptian Civilization
• River Valley Societies of India and China
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
This Chapter Will:
• survey the early developments of Prehistoric, Sumerian, Egyptian, Aegean,
Greek, Roman, and Asian art
• identify visual characteristics of objects and images in the ancient world
KEY TERMS
Homo sapiens megalith civilization mudra
Paleolithic henge contrapposto bodhisattva
Neolithic minotaur pi
MyArtsLab RESOURCES
Closer Look: Reading The Palette of Narmer
Closer Look: The Design and Making of Stonehenge
Closer Look: The Snake Goddess or Priestess from Crete
Primary Source Document: The Code of Hammurabi
Primary Source Document: Plutarch (ca. 46–after 119 CE)
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Primary Source Document: Buddhacharita
Primary Source Document: Sermon of the Buddha
Interactive Flashcards
LECTURE AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
1. The Art of History
Introduce Part V of the textbook by defining art history and the methods used by art
historians. Discuss traditional methods such as formal style analysis as well as other
multi-disciplinary methods of interpretation such as sociological, psychological, feminist,
semiotic, and deconstructionist approaches. Stress that art history is connected to and
objects are found. For example, the discovery of the Valley of the Golden Mummies in
1996 revealed tombs containing thousands of mummies, expanding our knowledge of
ancient Egypt.
2. The Earliest Art
When discussing Paleolithic images of large hunted animals found in cave paintings at
Chauvet (554)and Lascaux (), explain the psychologically based theory connected with
the function of these images. The theory proposes that Paleolithic peoples believed that
they had the ability to take control of the spirit of an animal if they physically drew an
image of that animal. Prehistoric peoples may have believed this domination would
3. The Stone Ages
Distinguish between Paleolithic and Neolithic—Old Stone Age and New Stone Age—by
pointing out how the difference in lifestyle (Paleolithic peoples were hunters/gatherers
and Neolithic peoples were farmers/herdsmen) is reflected in subject matter, media, and
4. From Prehistory to Civilization
Differentiate between Prehistory (Paleolithic and Neolithic) and the characteristics of a
civilization. Illustrate the differences with a discussion of the complex societal structure
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5. Ancient Figures
Compare the figurative sculptures of all ancient civilizations presented in this chapter.
How did sculpture reflect the respective societies? What are the style characteristics of
each one?
6. Egyptian Civilization
Discuss the rigorous aesthetic, political, and religious organization of ancient Egyptian
culture. Elaborate on the relationship between the Pharaohs and the pantheon of
Compare the civilization of ancient Egypt to those in the Aegean region with a discussion
of the Toreador Fresco from Crete (fig. 568) and the Warrior Vase (fig. 569).
7. River Valley Societies of India and China
Civilization developed at roughly the same time in many parts of the world. In India, the
Harappans, lived in large cities and developed remarkable new technologies, art and
architecture. This civilization eventually declined but left behind religious and artistic
8. Complex Societies in the Americas
The earliest history of people in the Mesoamerica is still unclear, but there is evidence
that a people called the Olmec settled in the lowlands of southern Mexico around 1500
BCE. They build large ceremonial districts and created (sometimes monumental) art.
9. Art and the Olympics
Illustrate the progression of Classical Greek sculpture from Apoxyomenos (The Scraper)
(fig. 572) to Nike of Samothrace (fig. 573) and provide a base of understanding with a
brief history of the Olympics. The first Olympic games were held in 776 B.C.E. as part
of a religious festival in ancient Greece. They continued every 4 years for a millennium.
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10. Greek and Roman Art
Compare and contrast Greek and Roman art and the achievements of each culture. Stress
the significance of engineering, development of the arch and dome, and monuments of
11. Asian Art
12. Religion and Art
In a discussion of The Great Stupa in Sanchi, India (fig. 584), consider how religion
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
1. Prehistoric Letter
2. Mesopotamian Civilizations
In an essay, have students discuss the early civilizations in the Mesopotamian region.
3. Archeological Discoveries
Assign students to write a magazine article that reports on their recent discovery of a
major work of art from ancient Greek or Roman or Asian civilizations. Their article
4. Indus River Civilizations
Have students research the latest theories on early Indus River Valley civilizations,
particularly with regards to the “Aryan invasion” theory. This could initiate a classroom
HANDS-ON PROJECTS
For additional project ideas, remember to investigate the Hands-On Projects found on
MyArtsLab.
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1. Good Luck Charm
Have students research the Venus of Willendorf (fig. 555) and create their own amulet.
2. A Royal Palette (see the Closer Look in MyArtsLab)
Using the Egyptian canon of ideal proportions evident on the Palette of King Narmer
3. My Hero
Since the time of ancient Greece, artists have been inspired to create portraits of heroes
and heroines. Statues and monuments in city parks and plazas remind us of those who
Other Suggested Websites:
The Lascaux Homepage provides a complete view of the Lascaux Cave and the Hall of
the Bulls at www.culture.fr/culture/arcnat/lascaux/en/
The Institute of Egyptian Art and Archeology site exhibits the gallery of fake ancient
Egyptian objects at www.memst.edu/egypt/main.html
Suggested Videos and DVDs:
Beyond Survival: The Roots of Art
The Caves of Altamira
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Art and Science: Greek Fire
Light of the Gods: Greek Art
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Roman City
Ancient Rome: Story of an Empire,1998
Ancient Mysteries: Pompeii—Buried Alive, 1998
