Nike Of Samothrace Greek History Essay

Nike NIKE (NI-KEY) is a winged goddess of victory according to Greek mythology. She is said to sit at the side of Zeus. The twentieth century Nike footwear lifts athletes to new achievements. The ‘swoosh’ resembles the winged goddess who was an inspiration to warriors since the beginning of time. Phil knight had two influential people that inspired him to create Nike.

Stephen G. Miller, the author of Ancient Greek Athletics and many other academic writings lived a very astounding life. Miller spent a great portion of his life traveling between the United States and Greece. He went to school to become an archaeologist and afterwards became a professor at Berkeley and the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Miller was driven by Plato’s love for his work; however, he faced a minor setback when he realized Plato’s language was beyond what he could understand. He then decided to change his studies to archaeology because of his new-found love for amazing indoor and outdoor work. Miller had a unique perspective on ancient Olympic games because he directed excavations for multiple years at one of the Panhellenic sanctuary sites. He has written dozens of academic books along with children’s books, therefore I was excited to read this authors rendition of the earliest Olympic Games.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, also referred to as the Nike of Samothrace, is a marble Hellenistic sculpture of The Greek goddess of victory, Nike. Created in 190 BC by an unknown artist and constructed with parian marble, it stands at 5.57 meters although the goddess herself stands only at 2.75 meters. The sculpture was discovered in 1863 on the island of Samothrace on a French exploration led by amateur archaeologist Charles Champoiseau. In its original setting, the Nike was mounted on the prow of a stone ship in a temple, and was assumed to be overlooking the sanctuary of the great gods on the island of Samothrace. The sculpture has been displayed at the most distinguished museum in the world, the Louvre, in Paris, since 1884. Even in its current condition, this sculpture continues to inspire many across the globe with its vision of victory and triumph.

Many people have heard of Achilles, whether in Greek Mythology or when referring to the tendon in their foot. He is well known in the Iliad as the main force for the Achaeans in the Trojan War, dubbed the “swiftest warrior,” “Achilles dear to Zeus”, and “brilliant runner.” However many do not know the story of Achilles when he walks away from the Achaean campaign over a scuffle of war prizes. His action cripples the Achaean army, costing the lives of many. The story of the Trojan War is one where Achilles ultimately leads the Achaeans to Troy and kills Hector outside Priam’s walls. However, it was Patroclus, Achilles’ brother-in-arms, who should be accredited with the Achaean victories and know for his success against the Trojans in the

Since the beginning of time the people of the world have their share of beliefs. Greek mythology is the arguably the most popular region of study. In Ancient Greece every citizen had a patron that would protect them and pantheism was commonplace. The Romans admired the Greeks in their art and culture and even took different aspects of their gods. Polytheism was widely accepted in all cultures so the seed of mythology bloomed. The time line of the creations of gods to the end of their reign is an important factor in Greek Mythology.

The Winged Victory (Nike) of Samothrace is a powerful statue built by the Greeks around 190 BC. She was discovered on the Island of Samothrace in the northern Aegean. This statue stands at 10.76 feet which is very tall for a woman. She stood on the bow of a ship, poised and ready for action. The sculpture procures the strength and beauty of a woman. The pose, constitution, and her make up all contribute to the works powerful statement.

A low relief carving made in 410-407 BC, Nike Adjusting Her Sandal, was taken from a fragment of the parapet in the Temple of Athena Nike. As the goddess extends forward, her chiton slips from her body, and wings balance her stance. The covering lacks the pronunciation found in The Nike of Samothorace, as it drapes over her figure smoothly rather than extending texture. A direct reference to footwear and the importance of footwear can be extrapolated

The myths of Achilles are well known, and are mentioned in modern society. But, they have been morphed to society’s desires. This is demonstrated in the movie Troy, where the stories have been changed for modern audience. The director condensed the story, and changed the story to show some romanticism and love. This is shown from the absence of the greek gods, significance of certain characters, inaccurate information, the morphed traits of certain characters, and the falsehood of romantic presence. In greek society the gods played a great role in the Trojan war, which was not mentioned in the movie.

For instance, the “Warrior” sculpture portrayal a Greek Olympic warrior of a time period in which it could have been important as a representation of the Olympics since it was on its “way from the Greek mainland to Rome, where the Greek statuary was much admired and copied”. In addition, this “Warrior” is a symbolic power due its physical strength which he had to use for the constant fights to achieve its recognition of warrior. However, the head of “Alexander the Great” demonstrate a different power which is more authoritative by the fact of his noble position of king. The image of “Alexander the Great” can represent nobility and a position of leadership by only projecting its head such as a symbolic manner to identify his great power as a conqueror and authority of Greece. However, for the sculpture of “Alexander the Great” it can be distinguished that it is not necessary to use a human figure as a force or power, therefore by showing their head was acceptable to demonstrate his authority and power beyond the physical attributes such as the “Warrior”

The small group, led by Kodor, headed on to the entrance of the network of underground tunnels in Arazi. However, instead of the long corridor that went away from the cave, and from which other tunnels set off, a tall circular dome with a single opening —the one that they were using now— welcomed them. Theo thought of Ulder, the boys and his father. Would they have turned when faced with a non-entry way, or were they already on the other side of that wall of stone?

When examining the statue, there is an old woman bent and weary. Her posture helps clue us in, with her age and the state of her health. The figure is dressed in cloth that drapes off her body as she carries a basket that is filled with what we may think are offerings. On her head, there are vines that create a band around the top of her head used to signify the festival that was going on during that time. The specific detail that is seen on this statue persuades us to want to know the story of this woman. Doing so, the process involves lots of research about the time and art. During the hellenistic period, artists begin to introduce more inner beauty than physical beauty. There is an opportunity to learn more about the structure itself, then settle for what is given and seen.

The topic I chose is the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The most famous monument of Samothrace- and one of the earliest discoveries- is the great Winged Victory of Samothrace, also called the Nike of Samothrace. It was discovered in April 1863 by a French expedition led by archaeologist Charles Champoiseau. The Victory stands about 8 feet tall by herself, but with the ship prow, the statue stands at a little over 18 feet tall. The Winged Victory of Samothrace is thought to have been created around 200-190 BC. The Victory is made from Parian marble and the ship pedestal is made from gray Lartos marble. For the ancient Greeks, the goddess Nike represented the personification of victory. In the case of this particular work of art, there are many

The Goddess of Victory or Nike with wings like an angel and riding a chariot. This amazing Goddess gave winners of major battles and sports competitions wealth. If you ever meet Nike, you should not say, Hey, isn’t that a kind of sports shoe? unless you want to lose every competition for the rest of your life. The goddess does not find it amusing to be confused with footwear.

Another mystery surrounding the Nike of Samothrace is its very origin. Historians are not sure who the Greek master is that created her, or for that matter, when she was sculpted. The quest for the answer to both of these questions provides an interesting

The blueprint of a Nike Shoe originates from the Nike Research Lab located at the Nike World Headquarters in Oregon. At the Nike Research Lab, researchers carry