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The Metropolitan Museum Of Art

Classical Antiquity: A Legacy of Art, Culture, and History

Unveiling the Timeless Treasures of the Past

A Journey Through Time and Civilization

Step back in time to the fascinating era of classical antiquity, a period that shaped the very foundations of Western civilization. From the epic tales of Homer to the majestic sculptures of ancient Greece and Rome, classical antiquity is a testament to human ingenuity, artistic brilliance, and intellectual prowess.

Classical antiquity spans centuries, beginning with the literary works of Homer in the 8th century BCE and continuing through the rise and fall of the Roman Empire until the 5th century CE. This period encompasses pivotal cultural, political, and philosophical movements that had a profound impact on the course of human history.

In its purest form, classicism embodies an aesthetic philosophy rooted in the harmonious balance of proportion, symmetry, and order. Inspired by the art and architecture of ancient Greece, classical principles emphasized harmony, simplicity, and the pursuit of ideal forms. These principles permeated every aspect of society, from architecture to sculpture to literature.

The Metropolitan Museum Of Art