Art of Ancient Civilizations

The art of the ancient world reveals a tremendous amount to modern historians about the culture, values and beliefs of these early civilizations. At a time when few people could read and write, art was an important means of communication, and a critical way to record important events.

A study of ancient art can be approached from a number of different ways. It can be looked at thematically, comparing and contrasting a certain theme or genre among various cultures. For example, funerary art reveals a great deal about how different cultures approached and prepared for death, as well as what they believed took place in the afterlife. A comparative study of ancient Egyptian and ancient Chinese funerary art would show two cultures with vastly divergent views on death. Similarly, an exploration of political themes in the art of ancient Greece and ancient Egypt would indicate the inherent differences between a democratic and a monarchical society.

Ancient art can also be explored chronologically. It is fascinating to compare and contrast different styles as they emerged over the course of a culture’s history, and as a result of the development of technology. Students can also find out how art developed as a result of cultural diffusion and the spread of ideas.

Art history can be integrated into any history or social studies curriculum easily. For teachers looking to do a broad study of the history of art, creating a visual timeline is a logical first step. All that is needed is a long piece of butcher paper and a computer hooked up to a printer. Students can print out images from the Internet and attach them to a timeline with a brief description of the artist and the work of art. This is effective for comparing and contrasting different eras, styles, and the progression of skill and technique.

Most students appreciate any opportunity to dress up or do something interactive in class. A fun and engaging way to study the history of art is to have a wax museum in which students dress up and pose as different paintings and sculptures from a variety of eras and cultures. What follows are more lessons that can help students learn about ancient art.

Art of Ancient Civilizations Lesson Plans:

Magnificent Mosaic

This hands-on lesson gives students an opportunity to create their own mosaics. This form of art was used by the ancient Greeks, the Aztecs, the Mayans, the Islamic people of Persia and India, as well as the people of the Byzantine era. To add an extra layer to this assignment, consider having students create a mosaic reflecting a scene from the history of a culture they are studying.

Form and Function

This lesson teaches students about the different types of vases that were used in ancient Greece. By closely comparing and contrasting two different vessels, students determine the significance of the content, and figure out what the vessel was used for. To further students’ study of Greek vases, and the art of vase painting, consider having students design and decorate a simple terra cotta flower pot using traditional Greek patterns, like the key, or depicting an event from Greek history or culture.

Egyptian Art: The Case of the Missing Mummy

No study of ancient Egypt is complete without a lesson about the importance of their funerary arts. In this lesson, students conduct research on ancient Egyptian sarcophagi and the art that adorned them. When their research is complete, students design and decorate their own mummy case.   

Communicating Through Art:  Drawing Conclusions About Culture Through Artifact Study in Ancient China

This valuable lesson encourages students to consider what the ancient Chinese felt was valuable, and how this is apparent through a study of artifacts. Students develop an understanding of the elements of ancient Chinese culture that are revealed in their art and architecture.