Intro to Humanities
GED120 Intro to Humanities Unit 1 writing assignment
Question #1: Define classical humanism and illustrate by discussing the construction and decoration of the buildings of the Athenian acropolis. In your answer, refer specifically to the classical orders and the Parthenon’s sculptural decoration.
Humanism is a way of life that revolves around the interests of people. It stresses human worth and building up self-realization. Humanism was developed in Greece and Rome, and is generally due to philosophy and current literary works during 1400-1650. It is termed "Classical Humanism" because it was born during that time period. Classical Humanism had an impact during the Renaissance Era.
An example of classical humanism is reflected through the Athens Acropolis. This is the trademark monument of Athens and of Greece. Surrounded by the new Athens, the Parthenon still stands proudly over it, a reminder of the old aura of the city. The Acropolis and its Parthenon are the ultimate achievement of the city's classical architecture and symbol of greatness. Parthenon is a building which was burnt by Persians when it was under construction. It is basically a construction of a Greek temple dedicated to Greek goddess Athena Pallas or Parthenos (virgin). The Parthenon is a temple of the Doric order with eight columns at the façade, and seventeen columns at the flanks, conforming to the established ratio of 9:4. This ratio governed the vertical and horizontal proportions of the temple as well as many other relationships of the building like the spacing between the columns and their height. The most amazing fact about this perfect achievement is that its columns are made in a zigzag as to give the impression that its foundations are straight. The combination of Doric metopes and the Ionic frieze on the walls are considered unique masterpieces. On the east side, the metopes depict the fight of the Gods against the Giants, and on the east side, the Lapith battle against
Question #1: Define classical humanism and illustrate by discussing the construction and decoration of the buildings of the Athenian acropolis. In your answer, refer specifically to the classical orders and the Parthenon’s sculptural decoration.
Humanism is a way of life that revolves around the interests of people. It stresses human worth and building up self-realization. Humanism was developed in Greece and Rome, and is generally due to philosophy and current literary works during 1400-1650. It is termed "Classical Humanism" because it was born during that time period. Classical Humanism had an impact during the Renaissance Era.
An example of classical humanism is reflected through the Athens Acropolis. This is the trademark monument of Athens and of Greece. Surrounded by the new Athens, the Parthenon still stands proudly over it, a reminder of the old aura of the city. The Acropolis and its Parthenon are the ultimate achievement of the city's classical architecture and symbol of greatness. Parthenon is a building which was burnt by Persians when it was under construction. It is basically a construction of a Greek temple dedicated to Greek goddess Athena Pallas or Parthenos (virgin). The Parthenon is a temple of the Doric order with eight columns at the façade, and seventeen columns at the flanks, conforming to the established ratio of 9:4. This ratio governed the vertical and horizontal proportions of the temple as well as many other relationships of the building like the spacing between the columns and their height. The most amazing fact about this perfect achievement is that its columns are made in a zigzag as to give the impression that its foundations are straight. The combination of Doric metopes and the Ionic frieze on the walls are considered unique masterpieces. On the east side, the metopes depict the fight of the Gods against the Giants, and on the east side, the Lapith battle against
References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modernity Adventures in the Human Spirit, Philip E Bishop