Lecture-4 Greek Cities

Regional Contrast

Geographical features - Rugged landscape, poor land connection, hilly terrain - Natural defence for isolated settlements

Sea as trade routes, development of independent cities. The terrain allows for independent existence of cities, each with its own sub-cuture- the birth of City-State

Socio-cuturally and politically a big departure from egypt (nearest historical reference)

Democratic practices, lack of specialization amongst citizens, open discussions and debates, logic, reasoning - mind and the body

Theatre as a social check, music, arts, philosophy and sports are integral part of the citizen - active participating citizens (atleast during the early period)

The Acropolis - top of the hill becomes the place for temple and gathering. The Agora - Market place is relegated to the outskirts. Trade and commerce are not considered very noble activities. The mode of economy is dependent on exploitation of countryside, but lack of acknowledgement of the same

Cities have understanding with each other and collect together during war (Persia was a consistent threat). Cities do not have walls, during the early period

The housing areas are neglected and are not elaborated. The main focus is the acropolis- the heart of the city - the place for the people (often sanitation was poor around residential areas)

As greek city-state began to clonize, they found grid-iron as a effcient instrument to establish their control over colonies. ex- Melitus, Preine

Contribution of scientific principles of perspective by the way of collonade around the acropolis. Formalization of the city center

The Grid and the collonaned streets were later picked up by the romans in new colonies they established