When I think of some time of ancient time period---like those in which the Romans and Greeks lived---entertainment is not the first thing to come to mind. I think of government, war, weird dress, philosophy, gods, lightening, et cetera. So I’m shocked to see a Greek theatre center that seats more than 10,000 people. I do not know why, but I disassociate early civilizations from entertainment and leisure. This probably comes from history lessons. We learn---in high school, middle school, and even in published material---of the great ancient battles and pillaging. The conquests of nations is, I think, more important to educators. Prior to this class, I had never heard of Aristophanes and obviously then had never head of his plays. So, again, that a theatre structure capable of sitting so many people existed and that people actually sat and filled its seats---I’m implying this---is a cultural kick to me. The Greek community’s importance with regard to theatre was not the only thing I was surprised by.
The penile devices---in their disregard for decency and obvious size---were quite disgusting to me. But I think I nonetheless still learned something: that Greek drama was entertainment with smart content. The devices were weren’t geometrically misconstrued to a lack of mathematical capability, but rather were statements. Symbolic representation is part of art and I find it interesting that, even so long ago, artistic thinking was at such a level. I’m now seeing there could be a case made for this time period---400/500 B.C---having even separate stylistic approaches within it.
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