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

Apoxyomenos and the Role of athletics in Ancient Grecian Culture concord to Marilyn Stokstad, the visual arts are among the most sophisticated forms of human communication, at once shaping and being shaped by their social setting (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 set and belief systems of antiquated 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 antediluvian Greece. Artistically, Apoxyomenos deviates from the standard Classical mental example 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 development a strigil (Stokstad, 165). This practice was commonly associated with athlet es in ancient 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 determine that were at the very heart of Grecian culture. In the world of the ancient Greeks, learned individuals were expected to be balanced mentally, spiritually, and physically (http//www.mediaconcero.com/olympic/capital of Washington/ideal_o.php, kinfolk 27, 2004). It was felt that athletics aided in the creation of such an individual. Athletic events during this period were non 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/capi tal of Washington/ideal_o.php, family 27, 2004). Athletic events became a center of learning and exchange of ideas in Greek civilization. Athletic events at this time were also closely tie in 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 repoint gift from the gods (http//www.meiaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). Therefore, separately athlete competed non only in observe of his city-state, but also in delight in 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 to each one city-state to possess a strong military in order to keep back their autonomy.Apoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture Essays text fileApoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture agree to Marilyn Stokstad, the visual arts are among the most sophisticated forms of human communication, at once shaping and being shaped by their social setting (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 values and belief systems of ancient 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 representation 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 development a strigil (Stokstad, 165). This practice was commonly associated with athletes in anci ent Greece 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, intimate 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 lyceum 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 colligate to the religious beliefs and practices of the Greek citizens. Each competition was devoted to a proper(postnominal) pagan god. For example, the patron of the Olympics was Zeus. The Greeks believed that the physical strength and ability of athletes was a designate 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 celebrate their autonomy.