Although I was disappointed that the archaeological site of Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, was closed the museum was fascinating and gave me many insights into the transition of different lifestyles and perceptions throughout history.
King Aracelaus founded Pella and later King Phillip II and Alexander the Great ruled from this great city. It attracted many Greek artists such as Zeuxis and Euripedes. We actually got to view the mosaics that Zeuxis created in the luxurious homes of Dionysus and Helen.
We notice the transition from the modest city homes in Athens to the more luxurious houses in Pella. In earlier times, it was dishonorable to not participate in the city state whether it is voting or being on the jury. In Pella, we see people wanting to move away from the political life and retreat to extravagantly decorated homes. It was actually looked down upon to have these larger houses because one should be dedicated their time, money, and effort into the state and not themselves. One was considered useless and an "idiot" if they didn't fulfill their political duties.
In addition, discussion and fellowship moved from the public agoras to the private symposiums or drinking parties. A person's house was the new forum for debate and fellowship. Whereas there used to be a separation of public and private, agora and house, it is now merging into one. This also brought women closer to the action. Although, they technically were not allowed to listen to the conversations and participant in the symposium, it was still brought into their arena- the home. Actually, women in Sparta exercised much more freedom than other Greek women. Most Greek women remained in the house and that is why in paintings their skin is very pale. Spartan women were allowed to go out in public and interact with men and women around town.
Another transition I discovered was found within the coins. Coins used to feature the patron god or goddess and their tradition symbol. For example, in Athens, Athena was featured with an owl or olive branch. However, coins soon gave tribute to the emperors instead. This also parallels with the temples we have seen in Pergamon; the shift from Olympic gods to emperor worship. The temple dedicated to the emperor Trajan that sits above the temples for both Zeus and Athena is an example of the progression of devotion.
It is very interesting how the perspective of political obligation has changed over the years. Where do you think we are as a nation? Personally, I'm inclined to think that we are in a state of apathy, and it saddens me.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we are in a state of apathy. We dread jury duty, many of us don't vote, and we criticize the government yet don't contribute to improving it. People expect the government and such to fix all of our problems, when we as citizens are not helping the situation. It's like how we are dependent on doctors to cure as immediately and if they cannot it is there fault and deficiency, not our own. Whereas if we took better care of our bodies like eating bette and exercising maybe we wouldn't have these issues.
ReplyDeleteI like your analogy to health Linh! But I agree with both of you that our nation is in a state of Apathy. I think normal American citizens are just so fedup with the bureaucracy and partisan fights that they no longer care any longer. It takes more work to participate than to not. However, if you don't participate in the politics, then you have no right to complain when they do something that you don't like.
ReplyDeleteI think the political participation of the people in Pella mirrors that of the Salons in France during the Englightenment period which we studied in World Cultures III, I think. The Salons were places, usually homes, where elite women would invite philosophers and other thinkers to have conversations about politics and society. That was an example of the merging of the public and private sphere and the increased participation of women, albeit only in the highest social classes.
I also think we have to acknowledge that within our governmental system its really hard to find meaningful ways to contribute. Government at the local level has very little power, and this discourages people from meaningfully participating in politics.
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