Although I was disappointed that the archaeological site of Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, was closed the museum was fascinating and gave me many insights into the transition of different lifestyles and perceptions throughout history.
King Aracelaus founded Pella and later King Phillip II and Alexander the Great ruled from this great city. It attracted many Greek artists such as Zeuxis and Euripedes. We actually got to view the mosaics that Zeuxis created in the luxurious homes of Dionysus and Helen.
We notice the transition from the modest city homes in Athens to the more luxurious houses in Pella. In earlier times, it was dishonorable to not participate in the city state whether it is voting or being on the jury. In Pella, we see people wanting to move away from the political life and retreat to extravagantly decorated homes. It was actually looked down upon to have these larger houses because one should be dedicated their time, money, and effort into the state and not themselves. One was considered useless and an “idiot” if they didn’t fulfill their political duties.
In addition, discussion and fellowship moved from the public agoras to the private symposiums or drinking parties. A person’s house was the new forum for debate and fellowship. Whereas there used to be a separation of public and private, agora and house, it is now merging into one. This also brought women closer to the action. Although, they technically were not allowed to listen to the conversations and participant in the symposium, it was still brought into their arena- the home. Actually, women in Sparta exercised much more freedom than other Greek women. Most Greek women remained in the house and that is why in paintings their skin is very pale. Spartan women were allowed to go out in public and interact with men and women around town.
Another transition I discovered was found within the coins. Coins used to feature the patron god or goddess and their tradition symbol. For example, in Athens, Athena was featured with an owl or olive branch. However, coins soon gave tribute to the emperors instead. This also parallels with the temples we have seen in Pergamon; the shift from Olympic gods to emperor worship. The temple dedicated to the emperor Trajan that sits above the temples for both Zeus and Athena is an example of the progression of devotion.