Analysis of Archaic Age and Evolution of Greek Values

This essay explores the Archaic Age in Greek history, a period marked by the formation of city-states like Athens and Sparta, and significant developments in art, culture, and politics. The essay highlights key Greek values such as loyalty, hospitality, intelligence, and glory, which shaped everyday life and Greek civilization. It discusses the transition from stylized to naturalistic art, the flourishing of trade and colonization, and the shift in artistic styles from geometric to orientalizing forms. The essay also emphasizes the importance of individualism, justice, excellence, and rationalism in Greek society, and how hospitality was seen as a way to gain favor with the god Zeus. The essay concludes by noting the profound changes in Greek culture, values, politics, and society during the Archaic Age, driven by a deep-seated religious faith and acceptance of change.

Running head: ARCHAIC AGE AND GREEK VALUES
ARCHAIC AGE AND GREEK VALUES
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Author Note

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ARCHAIC AGR AND GREEK VALUES
The history of Greece can be categorised into three different periods- Archaic,
classical and Hellenistic period. It was during the Archaic period that the Greek government
began to form city-states like Athens as well as Sparta. The values of the Greeks effectively
shaped the civilisation into a culture. The essay aims to discuss Greek values and Archaic
Age.
During the Archaic age, Greek art became less stylised and was more naturalistic.
This period was also considered as the age of archaeology. It was during this period that
Greek culture, art, literature and cities flourished. This period was followed by the famous
classical period. There were also changes in politics and society. Trade at this period too
flourished and paved the way for colonisation. During this period, the early geometric style of
art and architecture was replaced by an orientalising form that was further replaced by black
pottery (Iancu, 2016). The four most essential values that were followed by the Greeks were-
loyalty, hospitality, intelligence and glory. These values were crucial for the everyday life of
the Greek people. Individualism, justice, excellence and rationalism were qualities that were
most valued by the people of Greece (Kane, 2017). Hospitality towards guests was an
essential value that was expected from everyone. They believed that if they treated their guest
with love and honour, then they could win the favour of god Zeus. Penelope, Argos Eumaios
and others represented values of loyalty.
Thus it should be noted that the history of the Greek period underwent a lot of
changes regarding culture, values, politics and society. They were highly religious people
who feared God and therefore accepted and welcomed the changes accordingly.

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ARCHAIC AGR AND GREEK VALUES
References
Iancu, L. M. (2016). Greek and Other Aegean Mercenaries in the Archaic Age: Aristocrats,
Common People, or Both?.
Kane, R. (2017). Through the Moral Maze: Searching for Absolute Values in a Pluralistic
World: Searching for Absolute Values in a Pluralistic World. Routledge.