ART 211 Blog

The Alexander Sarcophagus , c. 312 B.C.E., Pentelic marble and polychromy, found in Sidon, 195 x 318 x 167 cm (İstanbul Archaeological Museums) The Alexander Sarcophagus was first discovered in the late nineteenth century in the royal necropolis (a city of dead kings and their families) in Sidon, Lebanon. It dates back to the late 4th century BC. It was made out of Pentelic marble, one of the highest quality marbles valued for its clarity, its strength, and its ability to care up very well. Historians originally thought that the Sarcophagus was made for Abdalonymus, King of Sidon, since it was found there, or maybe even Mazaeus, a Persian nobleman. It is indeed a spectacularly large, expensive and beautiful tomb. It is in the shape of the Greek temple. It is highly detailed before you look at the friezes. Friezes however carry two different stories. The Alexander Sarcophagus , c. 312 B.C.E., Pentelic marble and polychromy, found in Sidon, 195 x 318 x 167 cm (İstanbul Archaeological

Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater, or Amphitheatrum Flavium), c. 70-80 C.E., Rome, an ARCHES video      Theaters were a great attraction to ancient Greeks. They were a form of entertainment for them, something to look forward to after the long week of work. Historians say that "Greek theatre began in the 6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals." (1) That later was evolved into comedy and drama, which was widely popular among the population. They were utilizing the hillsides and natural terrain to its best abilities. They were mainly built in the downside slope so people who were sitting on the very top could still see the action and better hearing of the play. The steps going upward were made for the audience, while the bottom circular part was built for performers.       While Romans loved the concept of the theater, they borrowed the idea from Greeks, however made some modifications to the structures. As much as Romans loved thea