An adjective or descriptive phrase indicating some quality or attribute which the speaker or writer
regards as characteristic of the person or thing described, for example, “swift-footed” in the
expression “swift-footed Achilles.”fresco
Painting in watercolor on a wall or ceiling whose mortar or plaster is still fresh and moist, so that the
colors sink in and become more durable (figures 8, 16, and 89).
frieze
A horizontal band of decoration, usually either painted or sculpted in RELIEF (figures 50–2 and 75–
7).
Hellenodikai
Literally “assessors of Greeks,” the title of the judges or umpires who were responsible for the
organization and operation of the Olympic games.
helot
One of a group who had been collectively enslaved by, and was owned by, an alien state (especially
Sparta), as opposed to the more common type of slave, who was privately owned by an individual.
herm
A sculptural representation of a mortal or a divinity, usually the god Hermes (hence the name), in the
form of a pillar surmounted by a head and furnished with genitals (figure 59).
hoplite
A heavily armed foot soldier, equipped with helmet, shield, spear, and body armor covering his torso
and shins (figures 27 and 36).
hybris
Wanton behavior aimed at the humiliation of another person for the sole purpose of asserting one's
own actual or imagined superiority in status, power, wealth, and so on.
iambic
Referring to a metrical form that was considered to approximate to the rhythm of ordinary speech,
generally used in the Archaic Period for invective and satire, but later also used for epigram and other
serious purposes, including the dialogue of drama.
intaglio
A figure or design carved into the flat surface of metal, stone, or other hard material, as opposed to
carving in RELIEF.
kore
(plural: KORAI) An Archaic statue of a clothed young woman in a standing pose (figure 25).
kouros
(plural: KOUROI) An Archaic statue of a naked young man in a standing pose (figure 24).
krater
A large, deep bowl for mixing wine with water (figures 56 and 57).
maenad
A woman inspired to ritual frenzy by the god Dionysus, often represented in the wilds of the
countryside or mountains (figure 43).
nike
The Greek word for “victory,” often capitalized (Nike) to refer to Victory personified as a beautiful
goddess, usually winged (figure 76).