Ancient Greek Culture

Joseph Frank

Archeology

Prof Maggidis

Final Paper

Ancient Greek Culture and its Relationship with the Procession

Greek religion was a defining institution that characterized Ancient Greek Culture. Since religious practices were physical manifestations of the religious views of the Ancient Greeks, rituals acted as a function for the particular micro and macro characteristics of the overall culture. The analysis of religious practices allow researchers to understand a plethora of facets within the ancient Greek culture. This paper will delve into practices that characterized the ancient Greek culture, specifically focusing on processional practices illustrating the relationship the act had with Ancient Greek Culture. According to Wenman,

The most significant illustration of a procession is located in the Parthenon. The illustration is etched on the frieze. The frieze encircles the exterior of the cellar, the back chamber and the two porches at a height that renders it almost invisible (page 70). It runs around the building for 160m and the procession is carved 6cm deep (page 70). The frieze depicts a procession beginning in the southwest corner with horsemen getting ready and concludes in the central east side of the Parthenon with a group of five figures. Many believe the Frieze depicts the Panathenaic festival. This is evident in the depiction of gathering outside the Agora, the chariot races, as well as the handing over of the peplos, in Athens. The depiction of a procession in such a marquee architectural structure signifies the importance of processional practices within Greek culture. Not only were processional activities embedded within the structures of ancient Greek structures, they also were embedded within the Greco

Since Greek religious activies derive from the overall culture. It can be speculated that processional activities mirrored various aspects of Ancient Greek Culture. This is evident in a number of aspects. Firstly, processional activities influenced the architecture of sacred sanctuaries within Greek polies. In addition to influencing the structure, processional practices influence the illustrations within marquee ancient Greek structures. This is evident in the illustrations embedded in the Frieze within the Parthenon. Secondly, has processional activities connected numerous facets of Greek life together. Processional activities bound the individual to the divine, created commonality among social classes, and link urban centers with their extra-urban counterparts. Finally, not only did processional activities influence Greek culture, Greek culture influenced processional activities. This is evident in incorporation of dance within a given