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2.4 Theories and Interpretations of Ancient Mediterranean Art

2 min readjanuary 22, 2023

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

General Overview

To be an art historian is to understand that the field is shaped by evolving theories and interpretations of artwork. These theories are usually developed as scholastic understanding related to these cultures increases. There is one main thing to understand: do not evaluate art from only a visual lense. Use the knowledge you have about their works' history, the culture and society that created it, etc. to form a deeper understanding of the works.

To further elaborate, we have included information directly taken from the AP Art History CED by the College Board, about information related to this skill within :

  • "Contextual information for Ancient Greek and Roman art can be derived from contemporary literary, political, legal, and economic records, as well as from archaeological excavations conducted from the mid-18th century onward" (pg. 60).

  • "Etruscan art... is illuminated primarily by modern archaeological record and by descriptions of contemporary external observers" (pg. 60).

Thus, "Theories and Interpretations of ," simply means that you must understand that the evidence we have related to a particular civilization influences our ability to understand their artifacts. As our knowledge deepens about a particular area, we can use various technologies from the ancient and modern world to form a deeper understanding of their artistic traditions.

Theories in Mediterranean Artwork

There are several interpretations of . These are the main theories historians have developed to be the functions of most art within this unit.

  • They could have been used to depict the gods and goddesses of the time; either as a way to worship the deity or venerate (honor) them. (Ex. The )

  • Some pieces are narrative art, meaning that they were used to tell stories and convey historical events. (Ex. )

  • Art might have been used as "political propaganda," or as a way for the king to display their wealth and reinforce their power and authority over their kingdom. (Ex. ).

Closing Thoughts

And that's it! Be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for getting through the second unit of the course. Next, we'll be going to Europe to see how these ancient civilizations have impacted the artistic culture and history of the continent; and how Europe will influence the works of the Americas. But for now, Happy Studying 🎉!

Key Terms to Review (4)

Ancient Mediterranean Art

: Ancient Mediterranean Art refers to the artistic traditions and styles that emerged in the civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It encompasses a wide range of art forms such as sculpture, painting, pottery, and architecture.

Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes

: The Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes is a monumental building located in Persepolis, Iran. It was built by the Achaemenid kings Darius I and Xerxes I as a ceremonial space for receiving guests and conducting official business.

Great Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon

: The Great Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon is an ancient Greek altar located in modern-day Turkey. Built in the 2nd century BCE, it features intricate friezes depicting mythological battles between gods and giants.

Palette of King Narmer

: The Palette of King Narmer is an ancient Egyptian artifact depicting scenes from Narmer's reign. It is significant because it represents one of the earliest examples of hieroglyphic writing and showcases early Egyptian iconography.

2.4 Theories and Interpretations of Ancient Mediterranean Art

2 min readjanuary 22, 2023

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

General Overview

To be an art historian is to understand that the field is shaped by evolving theories and interpretations of artwork. These theories are usually developed as scholastic understanding related to these cultures increases. There is one main thing to understand: do not evaluate art from only a visual lense. Use the knowledge you have about their works' history, the culture and society that created it, etc. to form a deeper understanding of the works.

To further elaborate, we have included information directly taken from the AP Art History CED by the College Board, about information related to this skill within :

  • "Contextual information for Ancient Greek and Roman art can be derived from contemporary literary, political, legal, and economic records, as well as from archaeological excavations conducted from the mid-18th century onward" (pg. 60).

  • "Etruscan art... is illuminated primarily by modern archaeological record and by descriptions of contemporary external observers" (pg. 60).

Thus, "Theories and Interpretations of ," simply means that you must understand that the evidence we have related to a particular civilization influences our ability to understand their artifacts. As our knowledge deepens about a particular area, we can use various technologies from the ancient and modern world to form a deeper understanding of their artistic traditions.

Theories in Mediterranean Artwork

There are several interpretations of . These are the main theories historians have developed to be the functions of most art within this unit.

  • They could have been used to depict the gods and goddesses of the time; either as a way to worship the deity or venerate (honor) them. (Ex. The )

  • Some pieces are narrative art, meaning that they were used to tell stories and convey historical events. (Ex. )

  • Art might have been used as "political propaganda," or as a way for the king to display their wealth and reinforce their power and authority over their kingdom. (Ex. ).

Closing Thoughts

And that's it! Be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for getting through the second unit of the course. Next, we'll be going to Europe to see how these ancient civilizations have impacted the artistic culture and history of the continent; and how Europe will influence the works of the Americas. But for now, Happy Studying 🎉!

Key Terms to Review (4)

Ancient Mediterranean Art

: Ancient Mediterranean Art refers to the artistic traditions and styles that emerged in the civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It encompasses a wide range of art forms such as sculpture, painting, pottery, and architecture.

Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes

: The Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes is a monumental building located in Persepolis, Iran. It was built by the Achaemenid kings Darius I and Xerxes I as a ceremonial space for receiving guests and conducting official business.

Great Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon

: The Great Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon is an ancient Greek altar located in modern-day Turkey. Built in the 2nd century BCE, it features intricate friezes depicting mythological battles between gods and giants.

Palette of King Narmer

: The Palette of King Narmer is an ancient Egyptian artifact depicting scenes from Narmer's reign. It is significant because it represents one of the earliest examples of hieroglyphic writing and showcases early Egyptian iconography.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.