Myrtle in Greek art from the Archaic period to the end of the classical period: analytical descriptive study

Abstract EN

The myrtle plant is considered an essential part of Greek culture in the classical era, and it is one of the most important plants that received the attention of ancient civilizations in general and the Greeks in particular, as it was widely used in the decorations of Greek art.

It was associated with worship and religious rituals, and was a symbol of the goddess Aphrodite.

It was also associated with the Gods Dionysius, and Persephone.

It is a symbol revival of life, and it was used in Greek art a lot.

Besides its decorative form, it had important religious connotations, as it was used as a wreath on the heads of athletes or victors on the battlefields.

The plant of myrtle was mentioned by many Greek poets, Virgil mentions in Aeneid, that Augustus surrounded his temples with myrtle, Greek artists continued to use of myrtle as an important decorative element throughout the Greek era, and it was painted in Greek arts, either singly decorating the entire body of the masterpiece, or used as an auxiliary decorative element.