The Greek Awakening

This film is a fine, short introduction to Ancient Greek 5th C Classical art and the Parthenon in particular. Use
either the embedded viewer or the web link above to open the Films on Demand page and view the film. (Films
on Demand site is helpful if you'd like to also view the transcript of the film.)
Once you have finished viewing the segments on 5th C Classical art and architecture, please respond to the
questions listed below:

1. What is meant by the phrase, "the Greek Awakening" and why do the art historians and classical scholars
   interviewed here argue that it is central to our understanding Western culture?
2. Explain how specific historical event(s) influenced and perhaps even accelerated these new cultural
   developments in 5th C Greece. Give specific examples.
3. Who is Pericles and what role did he play in the rebuilding of the Acropolis? Why was the construction of a
   new temple in this location so important?
4. What is the Parthenon and to whom is it dedicated? How does the design and ornamentation of the building
   speak to this connection?

Sample Solution