Turkiye Archaic Period

tags: Archaic Period

Editor: Rasim Terzi (Mon, Feb 27, 2023 2:26 PM)

Turkiye Archaic Period

Turkiye Archaic Period

**Turkiye Archaic Period: Unveiling the Foundations of Western Civilization**

*Life and Culture in the Archaic Period:*

The Archaic Period, spanning from 800 to 480 BC, is a pivotal era where the foundations of the Western world were laid. This period witnessed the emergence of ancient cities across the Aegean islands, Thrace, Macedonia, Greece, and Western Anatolia. A defining feature was the establishment of City Statelets, known as polis, shaping the socio-political landscape.

In the early Archaic Period, cities were ruled by aristocrats and tyrants, leading to a later movement towards democracy—a Greek term, "demos krotos," meaning the power of the people. Additionally, colonial cities, known as Apoikiea, were founded on the shores of the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Aegean seas, reflecting the expanding influence.

Notable figures like Draco in Athens created the first written laws, forming the initial constitution. However, due to its severity, Solon of Athens later introduced a more balanced constitution, earning him a place among the Seven Sages of the Ancient World.

*The Seven Sages of the Ancient World:*

1. Solon of Athens
2. Thales of Miletus
3. Priene Bias
4. Periander of Corinth
5. Spartan Chilon
6. Cleobulos of Lindos
7. Pitacus of Lesbos

The Lydians' invention of coins during the Archaic period revolutionized trade, paving the way for cultural interactions during visits to Mesopotamia and Egypt. This period also saw the adoption of the Phoenician alphabet, contributing to more organized Archaic life.

*Philosophical and Artistic Developments:*

Philosophers like Thales, Anaximenes, Anaximandros, and Heraklatios emerged during this period, laying the groundwork for rational thought. Artistic developments, influenced by trade with Egypt and Mesopotamia, gave rise to sculptures resembling ancient Egyptians. Notable examples are the Kouros and Kore sculptures.

*Faith in the Archaic Period:*

Polytheistic religions prevailed in the Archaic period, with gods and goddesses believed to possess human-like qualities. The pantheon included prominent figures such as Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, and Aphrodite.

*Archaic Period Architecture:*

Inspired by the grand temples of Egypt and Mesopotamia, Ancient Greeks erected magnificent structures for their deities. Examples include the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Temple of Apollo in Didyma. These architectural marvels featured megaron-style designs, incorporating Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian columns.

*The End of the Archaic Period:*

Marked by wars resulting from Persian invasions in Anatolia, the Archaic Period concluded around 480 BC. The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, a testament to this era's grandeur, stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The legacy of the Archaic Period echoes through time, shaping the course of Western civilization.

Mon, Feb 27, 2023 2:26 PM

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