What can you teach me about Greek Art/Culture?

[orange]

I'll be going to Athens, Greece this summer with a few students from college as part of a Study Abroad program. I will be taking 4 courses, one in basic Greek language, another in Ancient Greek and Near East history, one on Greek Art and Architecture, and another on Ancient Greek Drama.

In the history category, I'm set. There's not too much I can do to prepare for the language course (and it's cake) but if you can help there (basic phrases, words, pronunciations) that'll help. What I'd really like to learn more about, as a bit of a primer for this trip, is about aspects of Greek Culture, living, and especially Art.

This is partially because I am interested and always have been, and very timely because of (and it always comes down to this) a girl. Yes, a girl that loves Art History and who I've been talking with a lot lately. She's gorgeous and I want to make babies with her.

So erm yes, enlighten me please

[RGBVideo]

Yes, a girl that loves Art History and who I've been talking with a lot lately. She's gorgeous and I want to make babies with her.

So erm yes, enlighten me please

Well, THAT explains your new flag...

[DAVOUT]

Well, for a start, you have to know that the damn French have broken the arms of the Venus of Milo (yes, both), and that they store the remains in a place named Le Louvre in Paris. On your way back, you could make a stop; it is quite pleasant this year because for some reason there are not many American tourists.

[orange]

Originally posted by Tuomerehu

Well, THAT explains your new flag...

Yup

DAVOUT - Well, i know that. Sorry, won't be able to stop in France But I'd like to get to the Louvre someday, as well as the other great museums of the world

[Agathon]

You'll be doing well if you learn any useful amount of Classical Greek in one course. It isn't like learning a living language - mostly it's an exercise in pain. Don't imagine that you will be able to sit down and read Plato as though it were written in English, there are very few people who can do that.

Your best bet would be to get something like an Oxford Companion to Ancient Greece. Spend the most time on Classical Athens, since that is the most interesting bit. Read a couple of Plato's dialogues to get a feel for the setting. The Apology and Protagoras

But if you want to amuse yourself, get a copy of "Courtesans and Fishcakes". It's a study of drink, food and sex in Classical Athens and makes for an entertaining read. It is one of those rare books by an academic that anyone can read and enjoy.

As for cool Greek phrases, here's one of my favourites from my namesake, the gay tragedian Agathon:

monou gar autou kai theos sterisketai,
ageneta poien hass' ei an pepragmena.

Which means...

For of this alone is God deprived,
to undo that which has already been done.

[Boris Godunov]

Two words: Homoerotic Pottery.

[orange]

thanks for the suggestions, Agathon

Know anything about Greek Art?

[Agathon]

Originally posted by orange
thanks for the suggestions, Agathon

Know anything about Greek Art?

Not really. I've enough on my plate with Greek philosophy/science.

The Oxford Companion to Ancient Greece has a reasonable introduction though. Thucydides is also a good read and you can get a reasonable translation of it almost anywhere (it's a nightmare to translate - believe me).

Read Homer too. That will impress the Greeks.

[VetLegion]

Well I am don't know much, but if it is to help someone ..


Greeks are big sports fans. Football especially. Compliment Besiktas often. You can't go wrong with saying 'Fenerbahce champion!' to a native either. As for basketball, 'Maccabi Maccabi!' should get you lots of pleasantly surprised faces

[orange]

alright VetLegion, do you have me saying "**** [insert hometown hero name here]"?

Agathon - Thucydides done and done. I'll definitely look into your suggestions though

[Agathon]

Originally posted by VetLegion

Greeks are big sports fans. Football especially. Compliment Besiktas often. You can't go wrong with saying 'Fenerbahce champion!' to a native either. As for basketball, 'Maccabi Maccabi!' should get you lots of pleasantly surprised faces

[Maniac]

If you want to have a pleasant night with that girl, I can advise to drink Raki, Ouzo or Mythos.

Below you can see pictures of a few friends, in the process of drinking during my trip to Greece:

[orange]

they look like they just got out of a concentration camp

[Maniac]

Well the one on the right in the first picture seems a little skinny indeed. Stefaan on the left is normal though in my eyes. But I heard many Americans are overweight, so I assume they might look skinny to you compared to the average American.

[orange]

many Americans are overweight...but they look anorexic...and I don't think that's an "American perspective".

Bump for paiktis and the gang