greek-museums: Archaeological Museum of Patra:Mosaic floor with artistic and athletic contestsMulti-
greek-museums: Archaeological Museum of Patra:Mosaic floor with artistic and athletic contestsMulti-colored mosaic floor from a significant building at Psila Alonia. Two decorative zones with friezes illustrating various figures are framed by ogival pattern and astragalus. The upper zone depicts scenes from musical and dramatic events: a musician playing an avlos (flute) supports what is probably a poetic contest between two figures; a guitar player and three comedians follow, heading towards a table with prizes at the middle of the picture. A group of tragic actors is being followed by a chorus, tragic or dithyrambic, with a guitar player standing to its right, dressed in official clothing.The lower zone portrays athletic games, a combination of “traditional” greek events popular with Romans. From left to right: a torch relay runner, a “hockey player”, a discus thrower, a jumper, wrestlers, boxers, and a hoplitodromos (runner carrying a spear and shield). Depictions of wreathed athletes holding palm branches are inserted between the athletic scenes.Patras. Late 2nd - early 3rd cent. A.D These are some exhibits relevant to the cultural life of ancient Patras during the Roman period from the 1st to the 2nd century A.D. Mostly terracotta masks of satyrs and female roles - these wouldn’t be used in performances, they are more like commemorative souvenirs from popular roles one could collect in a market outside a theater.And lanterns depicting various pairs of gladiators in sensational moments from their matches.Again these little clay lanterns were made in bulk, and were extremely cheap, they were bought at souvenirs by the audience on their way in or out of the stadium. These objects paint an interesting picture about “fan life” in ancient Patras. Speaking of sport these two gesturing guys in the mosaic are particularly interesting - and I am wondering is this something with meaning in the context of their sport? Or are these guys addressing the cheering audience like athletes today do?So ancient Patras a vibrant town full of fun loving people loving the arts and naked oiled dudes, or ancientpunk dystopia living vicariously through spectacle? ———————–You: Like, Follow, Reblog. Me, an intellectual: Caffeinated drinks, pls? https://ko-fi.com/isabia -- source link