Their clothing looks similar to styles that came from Persia, an empire to the east of Greece.ĭetail of the base of the terracotta volute-krater These women are Amazons from the mythical land of Scythia to the north and east of Greece.

All the female warriors are wearing or carrying something patterned. Notice the trousers of the two women on the right, the tunic worn by the woman mounted on the horse, and the shield held by the woman on the far left. The two male foot soldiers (called hoplites) in the center are holding shields decorated with laurel wreaths. What are the similarities and differences in the clothes they wear? One way is to look closely at the characters and how they are dressed. How can we tell who's who? There are a couple of ways to investigate. Look at the lower scene on the ancient Greek vase. Learn how to read what's happening on the vase and discover the story behind the battle.

The ancient Greek vase above, known as a krater, shows a scene from a myth about Amazons, or women warriors, battling the Greeks. Greek artists painted scenes from myths on walls, vases, jars, and cups. Greek citizens went to theaters to watch plays based on myths. They used myths to give accounts of their past history.

The ancient Greeks shared myths-stories about the adventures of superhuman beings such as gods and heroes. What kinds of stories do you share with your family, friends, or classmates? Are they stories about things you've done? Stories other people have shared with you? Stories from your imagination? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1907 (07.286.84) Terracotta volute-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water), ca. Attributed to the Painter of the Woolly Satyrs (namepiece).

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