Secrets of Archaeology Season 1 Episode 4 Athens: Western Splendor

Secrets of Archaeology is a documentary series that showcases the historical and archaeological marvels of ancient cities and civilizations. In season 1 episode 4 named Athens: Western Splendor, the show explores the ancient city of Athens, which was considered the cradle of Western civilization for its intellectual, political, and artistic achievements.

The episode starts with a brief history of Athens, which became one of the most powerful cities in ancient Greece during the 5th century BC. The show takes us through the streets of Athens, where archaeologists have unearthed evidence of ancient Greek architecture, such as the Parthenon, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, which are among the most iconic and well-preserved buildings of the ancient world.

The episode then takes a closer look at some of the mysteries that surround the construction of these iconic buildings. For example, the show explores the technique of the ancient Greek architects who created the illusion of straight columns on the curved surface of the Parthenon. Archaeologists have discovered the use of optical illusions such as the entasis, which is a slight swelling in the middle of the column, to counter the visual distortion that occurs when looking at long straight lines from a distance, creating the illusion of perfectly straight columns from afar.

The episode then goes on to explore the impressive artistic achievements of ancient Athens, such as the invention of the classical Greek art style, which has influenced countless artists throughout history. The show highlights the discovery of several masterpieces such as the marble statue of the ancient Greek Goddess, Athena Parthenos, which is considered one of the most significant examples of Greek sculpture ever found.

Furthermore, the episode shows us more about the importance of theatre in ancient Greece, which was a vital part of Athenian culture. The show takes us to the ancient theatre of Dionysus, where the theatre festival took place every year, and Athenians would watch performances by famous playwrights such as Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides. The show highlights the discovery of several masks from the ancient Greek theatre, which were used to help the actors convey a more profound range of emotions to the audience more effectively.

The episode then takes us beyond the impressive artistic and architectural achievements of ancient Athens to focus on the political and social achievements of Athenian society, which were responsible for shaping the western world as we know it today. Athens was the birthplace of democracy, a system of government that gave power to the people and allowed them to have a say in how the city was run. This system of government was revolutionary at the time and has since become a cornerstone of Western politics.

Overall, the Athens: Western Splendor episode of Secrets of Archaeology takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through the ancient city of Athens, showcasing its impressive artistic, architectural, political, and social contributions to the western world. It highlights the importance of ancient Athens in shaping our modern world and is a must-see episode for history buffs and enthusiasts alike.