Ancient and Medieval Warfare
This page contains artwork that was created OR inspired by warfare or patriotism in the Ancient or Medieval Eras,
David & Goliath
The story of David and Goliath is well known to most people, even non-Christians. It is the classic underdog story. Scholars have concluded that David would have lived from around 1040-970 BC. Click HERE for the story.
Three of the most famous depictions of David.
Smart History's analysis of Michelangelo's David
The Oath of the Horatii
This piece is unique in that art it really falls into two time periods. David painted it in 1785 as a commentary on the French Revolution YET it depicts a battle that took place somewhere between 672-642 BC in the Neo-Classic style, reminiscent of Ancient Rome.
Smart History's analysis of Jacques-Louis David's The Oath of the Horatii
Ancient Greek Warriors - The Spartan 300
Warfare was very important to the Ancient Greeks, to none more so than the Spartans. We see evidence of their military lifestyle in their art, especially on their vases.
Although the Battle of Thermopylae is ultimately a story of defeat for the Spartans, the tactics and warrior spirit shown by the Spartan soldiers perfectly captures their skills and dedication, making it the most famous of all of their conflicts. |
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Ajax and Achilles
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The scene depicted on this amphora (a vessel traced back to antiquity used to transport liquid or grain) by the Greek artist Ezekias, captures a moment of rest between two warriors. Since war was so important to the Ancient Greeks, most of their art depicts scenes of battle; yet this one show a moment of relative calm. Yet, even in relaxation, the Greek heroes display competitive characteristics.
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Nike of Samothrace
Column of Trajan
Trajan was a Roman Emperor who defeated the Dacians in AD 102. Then again in AD 106. This column is his story.
Roman Empire
Let's move from Ancient Greece to Ancient Rome. Click HERE to read an article that describes some key points and figures from the Roman Empire.
Click HERE for a 360, interactive view of the Roman Forum.
Click HERE for a bird's eye tour of all of Rome, including Trajan's Forum.
Click HERE for a 360, interactive view of Trajan's Market.
Click HERE for a 360, interactive view of Trajan's Forum.
Click HERE for a 360. interactive view of Trajan's Column as it sits in the Forum.
Click HERE for a 360, interactive view of the Roman Forum.
Click HERE for a bird's eye tour of all of Rome, including Trajan's Forum.
Click HERE for a 360, interactive view of Trajan's Market.
Click HERE for a 360, interactive view of Trajan's Forum.
Click HERE for a 360. interactive view of Trajan's Column as it sits in the Forum.
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For an INTERACTIVE viewing of the narrative on the column, CLICK HERE.
To view the column scene by scene, CLICK HERE, then click the images on the left for a variety of galleries that take you through the entire narrative. Each slide has an "I" that if hovered over, will provide further information. This is truly an extensive site covering an amazing work of art. |
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The Burning of the Sanjo Palace
The Japanese have developed a number of strategies for capturing, preserving and disseminating the essential elements of their national history – chronicles of sovereigns and events, biographies of famous and important people, and military conquests. In the late 12th century, the public showed an interest in the major battles, even the small skirmishes, between the families that fought for control over Japan. Selected medieval soldiers would have learned been responsible for recording the narrative of contemporary accounts in image form—like most Japanese art forms, this tradition would have been passed from generation to generation. |
Watch the video above to see how ancient swords were made in Japan. What can we learn about the Japanese culture of the past? of the present? What can we infer about the tradition of scroll drawing from the tradition of sword making?
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Measuring approximately 16 inches in height and 23 feet long, this hand scroll recounts the Night Attack on the Sanjo Palace during the Heiji Rebellion in 1159 Japan. CLICK HERE for an amazing interactive website that allows you to experience the scroll as it was intended. The reading of a Japanese hand scroll is supposed to be meditative. The scroll is unrolled from the left and rolled from the right allowing for a right to left reading experience. However, hand scrolls do not rely on text to tell the story. The "reader" is supposed to slowly meditate on each image, moving on only when the full image of that section has been studied.
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The central figures in the scrolls would have been (some still are) popularly well known, the major events are generally understood, and the impact of the events on the foundation of Japanese culture widely accepted. The accuracy of each of these historical records has become a compelling subject for further study; and some accounts have been shown to withstand close scrutiny, while other presumed “facts” have turned out to be inaccurate.
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The Burning of the Sanjo Palace scroll is just one of many chronicling the Heiji Rebellion; think of it as a chapter in a book The entire story is made up of 5 scrolls. Each scroll begins and ends with a written portion of the tale, describing the events depicted in the images. The Burning of the Sanjo Palace is the most famous of the five scrolls and is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Mass. Although we don't know for certain, we can assume the scroll was intended for mediation amongst the nobility and upper classes. It is also likely the warriors of the day would have studied the scrolls as well.
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Watch the videos to the right and left to explore the scroll in detail. The videos will allow you to study the "swift and violent staccato brushwork," the broad lines and vivid flashes of color." |
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Bayeux Tapestry
Not really a tapestry at all, the Bayeux Tapestry is the only surviving visual record of its kind. Let's explore the Battle of Hastings from a first hand account. For an overview of the history leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the battle itself, CLICK HERE.
Let's Take a Closer Look
Match the image the scenes on the left to the description on the right.
Submit your answers but clicking HERE. First team to get the correct answers will win a prize!
Match the image the scenes on the left to the description on the right.
Submit your answers but clicking HERE. First team to get the correct answers will win a prize!
1) The hand of God comes down from heaven to claim Edward's soul. (In other words, King Edward dies.) Edward is buried in Canterbury Cathedral.
2) A good luck omen is spotted in the form of a comet when Harold is crowned King. 3) William's spies tell him that Harold has taken the throne. William orders ships to be built so his armies can cross the channel. 4) The Norman ships are packed up with supplies including chain mail and weapons. 5) The Norman Ships cross the channel and land at Pevensy in England. |
6) William's army, tired from the trip, feasts.
7) The Normans build a fort to use as a base of operations. 8) With Harold's armies back in the south, William attacks, and the Battle of Hastings begins. 9) A rumor that William has been killed spreads through the troops and the Normans start to loose their composure. William takes off his helmet in battle to show his troops he is still alive and rallies his troops. 10)The battle comes to a close when Harold is struck in the eye with an arrow and dies. |
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