Ancient Mediterranean Art, 3500–300 BCE

Doric columns.

Adobe bricks.

Minarets.

Pointed arches.

An emphasis on youthful appearances reflected societal shifts toward valuing wisdom more than experience or age.

Increased abstraction emphasized spiritual qualities over physical likeness to assert divine association with rulership.

Portraits prioritized uniformity and anonymity as expressions of unity under the expanding Republic then Empire eras.

Portraits combined realism with idealization, serving both commemorative and propagandistic functions within society.

Men and women were portrayed as equals in social status during funerary practices.

Both genders exclusively exhibited militaristic traits through art depiction.

Women held higher authority than men in religious ceremonies only.

Only men were depicted in family portraits on sarcophagi.

Roman

Mesopotamian

Egyptian

Greek

A representation of everyday life meant to document common experiences rather than grand narratives or emotions.

An illustration depicting adherence to strict religious ceremonies devoid of individual characteristics or feelings.

A continuation of Classical restraint aimed at upholding traditional artistic canons from earlier periods.

An emphasis on drama and naturalism that engages viewers with vivid storytelling elements.

It suggests an early attempt at realistic representation based on observation.

It represents an adherence to mathematical principles in composition.

It reflects the importance of military conquest and expansionism.

It indicates the divine or elevated status of a ruler within society.

Their technological advancements in metallurgy techniques.

The importance placed on funerary practices and afterlife beliefs.

The influence of trade with neighboring civilizations like Greece.

The depiction of daily agrarian life as central to Etruscan culture.

Both types integrate writing systems into their designs depicting laws enacted by rulers depicted within them.

They portray individuals with idealized features symbolizing strength and wisdom.

Indicates a purely decorative aesthetic preference without deep cultural significance or ties to regional political and economic links.

Manifests a resistance to colonial appropriations and superficial adoptions of dominant iconography of the time, preserving a unique indigenous identity in the face of external interference.

Signals a complete rejection of aesthetic imports from other regions and a selective adoption of models adapted to specific local needs for funerary and utilitarian purposes, rather than a display of wealth and global influence.

Illustration and fusion of Egyptian, Assyrian, and local influences among the commercial elites of Byblos.

Egyptians

Phoenicians

Greeks

Romans