Ancient Greek Vase Themes
Greek vase designs incorporate many themes of mythology, life, victory, achievement and recognition. Below are several examples.
Nike was an ancient Greek goddess who personified victory. Nike is seen with wings in most vases and often commanding a chariot of horses. She was also depicted with famous ancient athletes, symbolizing their victories.
The Olympic events are present in many Greek vases. Figures include running. wrestling, discus and javelin throwing and other events.
The greatest Greek hero was Hercules, who was renowned for his strength and bravery.
Zeus commanded Paris, prince of Troy to judge, who was the fairest and most beautiful of the three Greek goddesses - Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Paris chose Aphrodite, who promised Paris the love of Helen leading to the Trojan war.
Zeus is the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who rules as king of the gods of Mount Olympus.
Hermes was the messenger and herald of the god of Mt. Olympus and was also inventor of the lyre. He is often identified with wings on his feet.
Wisdom was represented by an owl in Athens, Greece and the owl appears on Greek coinage and also vases.
The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens, who reported the victory.
The Greek god Poseidon was the ruler of the sea.
Athletic events on vases are foot races, discus and javelin throwing, wrestling, chariot racing, etc.
Victory was represented by a chariot with two or four horses often operated by the Greek goddess Athena.
More Greek Vases Figures and Themes
Athena is an ancient Greek goddess associated with wisdom, handicraft, and warfare.
Hoplites are Greek soldiers and often are depicted on vases as Spartans.
Aphrodite is an ancient Greek goddess associated with love, beauty, pleasure, passion and procreation.
Artemis, in Greek religion, the goddess of wild animals, the hunt, and vegetation and of chastity and childbirth.
A trireme was an ancient vessel and a type of galley that was used by the ancient maritime civilizations of the Mediterranean, especially the Greeks.
Greek heroes represented on vases includes Achilles, Ajax, Odysseus, Perseus and others.
