Apoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture :: Essays Papers

Apoxyomenos and the Role of acrobatics in Ancient Hellenic Culture check to Marilyn Stokstad, the visual arts are among the most sophisticated forms of human communication, at once shaping and being shaped by their social condition (xxxviii). As this quote implies, artistic pieces invariably are a objurgation of the culture in which they were created. Thus, art is a potent means of deciphering the value and belief systems of old-fashioned societies. Apoxyomenos (330 BCE), or The Scraper, created by the sculptor Lysippos, is an enduring volition to the importance ascribed to athletics by the citizens of ancient Greece. Artistically, Apoxyomenos deviates from the standard Classical design of male athletes. The majority of Classical sculptors portrayed athletes actively engaged in competition. However, this figure is gazing into the distance while removing oil and dirt from his body exploitation a strigil (Stokstad, 165). This practice was commonly associated with athletes in an cient Greece and, thereby, communicated to the viewer that this was a piece pertaining to athletics. acrobatics were an expression of the philosophicalal, religious and civic set that were at the very heart of classical culture. In the world of the ancient Greeks, knowing individuals were expected to be balanced mentally, spiritually, and physically (http//www.mediaconcero.com/olympic/capital of Washington/ideal_o.php, kinsfolk 27, 2004). It was felt that athletics aided in the creation of such an individual. Athletic events during this period were not simply displays of physical prowess, but an integration of the facets of Greek culture. Education and intellectual discourse were accessories to athletic events. During competitions, spectators would engage in lectures and philosophic conversations concerning current events and other scholarly subjects. In fact, the Greek word for gym was the same as the Greek word for school (http//www.mediaconcerto.com/olympic/capital of Washi ngton/ideal_o.php, family line 27, 2004). Athletic events became a center of learning and exchange of ideas in Greek civilization. Athletic events at this time were also closely relate to the religious beliefs and practices of the Greek citizens. Each competition was devoted to a particularized pagan god. For example, the patron of the Olympics was Zeus. The Greeks believed that the physical strength and ability of athletes was a get gift from the gods (http//www.meiaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). Therefore, severally athlete competed not only in remark of his city-state, but also in comply of the gods. Civic implications were also apparent in ancient Greek athletics. The ancient world was one of constant conflict and political turmoil, and it was necessary for separately city-state to possess a strong military in order to hold on their autonomy.Apoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture Essays documentApoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture harmonise to Marilyn Stokstad, the visual arts are among the most sophisticated forms of human communication, at once shaping and being shaped by their social linguistic context (xxxviii). As this quote implies, artistic pieces invariably are a coefficient of reflection of the culture in which they were created. Thus, art is a potent means of deciphering the values and belief systems of ancient societies. Apoxyomenos (330 BCE), or The Scraper, created by the sculptor Lysippos, is an enduring testament to the importance ascribed to athletics by the citizens of ancient Greece. Artistically, Apoxyomenos deviates from the standard Classical way of male athletes. The majority of Classical sculptors portrayed athletes actively engaged in competition. However, this figure is gazing into the distance while removing oil and dirt from his body using a strigil (Stokstad, 165). This practice was commonly associated with athletes in ancient Greec e and, thereby, communicated to the viewer that this was a piece pertaining to athletics. Athletics were an expression of the philosophical, religious and civic values that were at the very heart of Greek culture. In the world of the ancient Greeks, wise to(p) individuals were expected to be balanced mentally, spiritually, and physically (http//www.mediaconcero.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). It was felt that athletics aided in the creation of such an individual. Athletic events during this period were not simply displays of physical prowess, but an integration of the facets of Greek culture. Education and intellectual discourse were accessories to athletic events. During competitions, spectators would engage in lectures and philosophic conversations concerning current events and other scholarly subjects. In fact, the Greek word for gymnasium was the same as the Greek word for school (http//www.mediaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004 ). Athletic events became a center of learning and exchange of ideas in Greek civilization. Athletic events at this time were also closely related to the religious beliefs and practices of the Greek citizens. Each competition was devoted to a circumstantial pagan god. For example, the patron of the Olympics was Zeus. The Greeks believed that the physical strength and ability of athletes was a localize gift from the gods (http//www.meiaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). Therefore, each athlete competed not only in honor of his city-state, but also in honor of the gods. Civic implications were also apparent in ancient Greek athletics. The ancient world was one of constant conflict and political turmoil, and it was necessary for each city-state to possess a strong military in order to affect their autonomy.