Greek
Pottery
and its Archaeological
Importance
The classical archaeologist relies a lot
on pottery as important evidence for finding out about Greek
life. Pottery is used as a way of finding out how long ago
cities were lived in because pottery shapes and decoration
change over time.
Greek pottery also provides important
information for many parts of ancient Greek life through
painted scenes, especially on Attic Black and Red Figure
vessels. A large number of these scenes tell the myths and
legends of the ancient Greeks. Other decorations provide
valuable information about dress and objects of everyday
life.
Attic Red Figure Stamnos ca. 490 BC
By the Kleophrades Painter
On loan, Philadelphia Museum of Art
L-64-185
Heracles fighting the Nemean Lion.
After ruining all his weapons on the lion´s impervious
hide, Heracles must choke the monster to death. Afterwards
he wears its skull as a helmet and its skin for a cloak.
H. 33.5; L. 40.0; Dia. 30.0 cm. Photo courtesy Public
Information Office, Univ. of Pennsylvania Museum (Look
at enlarged version)
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