Archaic Period

History:  600 - 480 BCE. During the Archaic period, Greece was divided into many independent city-states. It was becoming more advanced, direct democracy was introduced, and commerce grew. Several dominant city-states had emarged: Athens, Sparta, Thebes, etc. Athens experiences a golden age and becomes the political and artistic leader. Specific artists started to grow in demand.

Artists

• start to sign their own names on their artwork.

Art:

• The most prominent feature was the Archaic smile. It was a simple smile that the figures wore and was seen on all sculptures from this period.

 Wealthy patrons and city councils sponsored art.