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Dr. Lily Filson

This course covers the art history of four ancient Aegean civilizations: Neolithic Helladic, Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean. Already "lost civilizations" by the time that Homer wrote down the oldest Greek epics, the art and culture which we look at in this course are the distant ancestors of Greek civilization. If you want to learn more about the Minoan Snake Goddess, the Treasury of Atreus, or the Mask of Agamemnon, this is the course for you.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Students will acquire familiarity with the three main ancient aegean civilizations' most well-known artworks and cultural identities.

Syllabus

Helladic Art
Helladic, Cycladic, and Minoan: Orienting Ourselves in the Ancient Aegean
Art and Architecture Coming Out of the Stone Age
Minoan Art
Read more
Palaces, Bulls, and Blood: Minoan Art and Religion Part I
Trees, Stones, and Nature Worship: Minoan Art and Religion Part II
Mycenaean Art
The Iliad and Art History: The Mycenaean Civilization with Course Vocabulary

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers Neolithic Helladic, Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean art history, which are foundational to later Greek culture
Taught by Dr. Lily Filson, an expert in Aegean archaeology
Suitable for learners interested in ancient art, history, and culture
Offers a comprehensive overview of the art and culture of these ancient civilizations
May require prior knowledge of ancient history or archaeology for full comprehension

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ancient Aegean Art History: Roots of Civilization with these activities:
Organize course materials
Organize, expand on, and review notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Show steps
  • Gather all materials in one place
  • Create a filing system
  • Review materials periodically
Review art history basics
Review past coursework or study materials and do practice questions
Browse courses on Art History
Show steps
  • Read through old textbooks or notes
  • Take practice quizzes or exams
  • Attend a review session or workshop
Read 'Art and Architecture of the Ancient World'
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art and architecture of the ancient world, including the Aegean civilizations
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters
  • Take notes on the key concepts
  • Discuss the book with classmates or a study group
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Look for supplemental Mycenean history online
This course covers a lot of ground when it comes to the history of the Mycenaeans. Searching for supplemental history online will help you dive deeper.
Show steps
  • Find a website or two dedicated to Mycenaean history.
  • Read through some of the articles and blog posts on the site.
  • Watch any videos that are available.
Create a timeline of Aegean art
Create a visual representation of the development of art in the Aegean region
Show steps
  • Research the major periods of Aegean art
  • Identify the key works of art from each period
  • Create a timeline that shows the progression of art styles
Analyze Aegean artifacts
Examine and interpret artifacts from the Aegean region to reinforce understanding of their cultural significance
Show steps
  • Visit a museum or online collection of Aegean artifacts
  • Select several artifacts for analysis
  • Describe the artifacts in detail
  • Interpret the meaning and symbolism of the artifacts
Take an online course on Aegean art
Supplement knowledge and skills through guided online instruction
Show steps
  • Research different online courses on Aegean art
  • Enroll in a course that aligns with your interests and learning goals
  • Complete the course modules and assignments
Attend a workshop on Aegean art
Engage with experts and fellow learners to delve deeper into the subject matter
Show steps
  • Research upcoming workshops on Aegean art
  • Register for a workshop that interests you
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities
Develop a lesson plan on Aegean art
Apply knowledge and skills by creating a resource for teaching Aegean art
Show steps
  • Determine the learning objectives for the lesson
  • Research and gather relevant materials
  • Design engaging activities and assessments
  • Create a detailed lesson plan outline

Career center

Learners who complete Ancient Aegean Art History: Roots of Civilization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Art historian
For an Art Historian who focuses on the ancient world, this course can serve as an introduction to the art and culture of the ancient Aegean. This could be a useful foundation in understanding the development of ancient Greek art and architecture.
Archaeologist
An Archaeologist may study ancient Aegean civilizations like those covered in this course, learning about their material culture and how it connects to the development of later civilizations.
Museum curator
Understanding the art and artifacts of ancient Aegean civilizations could be helpful to a Museum Curator whose work may include researching, preserving, and interpreting these materials within a museum context.
Professor
A Professor in the field of Art History or Classics may find this course useful in developing their knowledge of the ancient Aegean civilizations.
High School Teacher
A High School Teacher of an art, classics, or history course may benefit from this course to enhance their understanding of the ancient Aegean civilizations and their art.
Tour Guide
A Tour Guide specializing in historical or cultural tours may find this course helpful in expanding their knowledge of the ancient Aegean civilizations and their art.
Conservator
A Conservator specializing in ancient art could benefit from this course in increasing their knowledge of ancient Aegean art and materials.
Art Appraiser
This course may be helpful to an Art Appraiser who specializes in ancient art.
Archaeological Technician
An Archaeological Technician may use the knowledge gained in this course in their work excavating and analyzing ancient sites.
Architectural Historian
This course may help an Architectural Historian develop an understanding of the architectural traditions of ancient Aegean civilizations.
Archivist
An Archivist may find this course helpful in understanding and preserving historical documents and artifacts from ancient Aegean civilizations.
Art dealer
An Art Dealer who specializes in ancient art may benefit from this course.
Photographer
A Photographer specializing in documenting historical or cultural sites may use this course to enhance their understanding of ancient Aegean civilizations.
Museum Director
A Museum Director may find this course helpful in understanding the art and artifacts of ancient Aegean civilizations.
Cultural Anthropologist
A Cultural Anthropologist specializing in the ancient world may use this course to gain insights into the cultures of ancient Aegean civilizations.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ancient Aegean Art History: Roots of Civilization.
Comprehensive overview of the art and architecture produced by the Minoan, Cycladic, and Mycenaean civilizations. It valuable reference tool for students of Aegean archaeology and art history.
This textbook provides a great overview of Aegean art and architecture, and good choice for students who want to learn more about the subject.
Provides a detailed look at the Neolithic cultures of the Aegean, and valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the subject.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Cycladic Islands in the Bronze Age, covering topics such as the history, art, and architecture of the period. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Cycladic archaeology.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of Greek art, and useful reference for students who want to learn more about the subject.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Aegean civilizations, and good choice for students who want to learn more about the subject.
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the Aegean Bronze Age, and valuable reference for students who want to learn more about the subject.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Aegean Bronze Age, covering topics such as the history, culture, and art of the period. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Aegean archaeology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Mycenaean world, covering topics such as the history, culture, and art of the period. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Mycenaean archaeology.

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