During this period (700-480BC) the cult of the Olympian gods and the introduction and establishment of the Olympic games brought to the different tribes an awareness of their common roots, language, religion and customs that made them call themselves Greeks. The Greek alphabet originates from these times, hereditary rule was abolished and the city-state was formed where rule could be exercised by the citizens, the “aristoi” (the best) or by a monarch or tyrant, depending on the form of government. Slavery was common to this period, encouraged by wars and piracy. Archaic art was strongly influenced by the east, therefore it is called “orientalizing”. In the 7th century BC, great sculpture was made, stone temples were built, “black-figured” pottery made its appearance and lyric poetry was born.
The Archaic period
02 Aug 2012
by Archaeology Newsroom
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