Ancient Greek Antiquities

The architecture and sculpting styles of the Greeks have influenced the culture of many countries. People of ancient Greece were very creative and had great respect for various art forms. Ancient Greek antiquities are known for detailing and creative finesse in their handwork.

Ancient Greek Antiquities: Popular Types

Ancient Greek antiquities offer considerable variety as it depicts various civilizations and the country’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.

Some popular art forms include:

Pottery: Greek pottery is found in limited colors, such as red, yellow, black and white. The Greeks made drinking vessels such as:

* Cups

* Amphorae

* Kraters

* Jugs

* Libration bowls

Abstract designs were created during the Protogeometric and Geometric periods. Decoration of pottery was popular, and pertained to figures of gods and mythological heroes. Pottery can also be found depicting battle scenes and hunting activities. Heterosexual and male homosexual pictures were other common erotic themes they showed through their artwork.

Metal Vessels: The creativity of Greeks can also be seen through large metal vessels that were made during the Geometric and Archaic phases. They used casting and hammering to develop bronze vessels. The tripods made by the Greeks depict figural protomes in various shapes including griffins and sphinxes.

Terracotta Figurines: Making clay idols was popular activity even before the Minoan civilization. It included small figurines of gods in apotheosis with raised arms and also characters from daily life. Traces of surface paint can still be found in Tanagra figurines. The bronze figures produced in cities included:

* Tarsus

* Alexandria or

* Smyrna

Sculptures: The Greeks are recognized for their sculpting skills. They used marble and limestone to make sculptures. One can see precise comprehension of human anatomy in the bronze statues of ancient Greece.

Coins: Greek coins were not made with much emphasis on design as coins were not considered for their artistic value. However, the variety and durability of coins clearly depict Greek aesthetics.

Painting: Classical authors like Pausanias and Pliny state that panel painting was a highly respected art form in ancient Greece. The Greeks used tempera and wax painting techniques. Other popular painting traditions included vase painting and wall painting, with its roots going back to as early as the Minoan and Mycenaean Bronze Age.

Visit Medusa’s online store at  and browse through a variety of gems and jewelry, terra cotta and vases. Besides Ancient Greek antiquities, the store also features artifacts from ancient Egypt, Islamic, Byzantine and Holyland.