Ancient Greece

Greek culture can be said to have begun with the Bronze Age civilization of the Minoans
in Crete. The Minoans built vast palaces, and were skilled in metalwork, pottery, artwork
and the crafting of jewelry. Civilization on the Greek mainland followed closely behind
that of Crete, and Greece soon became the cultural center of the ancient world. Ancient
Greek civilization was at its zenith during the Classical era, from 499 BC to 79 BC.
The early Greeks were encouraged to be great thinkers and philosophers. Their scientists
and mathematicians laid the groundwork that made today's scientific discoveries
possible. They loved to gather together to discuss concepts, ideas, religion and politics,
spending much time in the agora (marketplace) in conversation and argument. Ancient
Greeks were great lovers of beauty, art, literature and drama, and enjoyed listening to
stories, fables and legends.
 Ancient Greek furniture

The Greek history of furniture can be traced back to the heritage of Egyptian furniture. The
earliest Greek civilizations borrowed styles and ideas from Egypt, but by the Classical era,
designs had subtly changed to a style that was uniquely Greek. Lines became softer, much
use was made of subtle and elegant curves, and more attention was given to comfort.
Although almost no furniture has survived the centuries, Greek artwork such as pottery
decorations and friezes depict daily Greek life inGreek homes, and this has given us an
accurate idea of early Greek furniture designs.
 Chair Scene.

Styles
Greek furniture styles were simple, elegant and tasteful. Although carving
and inlays were used, furniture was not over-decorated. Houses were not
cluttered with much furniture, and household items were made for use and
comfort rather than decoration. However, the Greek love of beauty and art
extended to furniture design, and the few simple items of furniture in an
early Greek household were often works of art in their own right.
Couches - Klines

Chest
Klismos chair
Ancient Rome
The Republic of Rome, later known as the Roman Empire, can truly be said to be the
birthplace of our modern civilization. Most legal systems today are based on Roman law;
Roman art, sculpture and literature are still enjoyed to this day, and most European
languages are based on Latin. The Roman genius for building and holding together an empire
brought an orderly system of government to lands far and wide, creating a world where
artists, craftsmen, designers and scientists could exercise their talents in peace and
prosperity.
Empire
The focal point of a vast empire, Rome quickly became a city of great wealth and prosperity.
With trade routes opening up, and Roman legions on hand to protect them, anyone with a
good head for business could become fabulously rich. An upper class of rich merchants and
important legislators soon sprung up, so that elaborate tastes in architecture and decor could
be indulged to the full. Roman empire houses and furniture designs have greatly influenced
our own lifestyles.
Wealthy Romans were interested in politics and political intrigues; they were also great
patrons of the arts. The Romans had a taste for drunken debauchery alongside which the
modern permissive society pales into insignificance. This lifestyle eventually eroded the
empire from within, so that when Rome was eventually attacked by hordes of barbarians, the
invaders met with little resistance, and the great Imperial Empire effectively died.
Ancient Rome Furniture
The main items of Roman
furniture found in the best
houses were couches or beds
( lectus ), chairs and stools,
tables and lamps. Adding
chests or wooden cabinets

Furniture in Roman houses tended to be sparse, since the occupants

liked space and simplicity in their decor. Beauty was created by mosaics,
frescos and water features and other features of Roman interiors rather
than by use of elaborate furnishings. However, the few items of Roman
Empire furniture were elegant and costly, using excellent materials and
craftsmanship. Pictures of ancient Roman furniture painted on frescos
and other artworks, together with the few pieces still in existence today,
have made it possible to reconstruct with accuracy the furniture in
Roman times.
Solium chair
Sella curulis
Medieval Times Life

The medieval time period (from the fall of the last Roman
Emperor, in 476 AD, to the fall of Constantinople, in 1453) was
the era in which furniture began to develop its modern
characteristics. Early medieval Europe was a place of unrest; the
medieval era was a time when not only nations but also lords of
the manor fought for supremacy and battled to establish
boundaries and kingdoms. Medieval history abounds with
struggles between countries, between rival barons, and between
neighbors. Large aspects of the medieval age are still in darkness
to us today - confusion even reigns as to spelling with many
variations of the term in use, such as midieval, medevil, midevil,
mideval, medival, mediaeval, and midievil!
Medieval furniture was primarily made of oak, since it was easy to obtain,
strong and durable. Perhaps the most important piece of medieval
furniture was the chest or coffer. Chests were originally made from hollow
tree trunks banded with iron, hence the origin of the modern word 'trunk'.
A type of chest known as the hutch could be used for packing household
possessions when traveling, but it was also used as a seat, a desk, a
table, and a couch for sleeping purposes. When not traveling, the hutch
was used for storage.

13th Century Hutch Chest

For the very early years of the medieval age, when Europe was in great
disarray, little can be said until we meet the rise of the Carolingian dynasty
in Germany in the mid 8th century. Following the Carolingian reordering
of European society we encounter the great, settled traditions of medieval
art, the Romanesque, and Gothic. Also discussed in this section is the
Eastern contribution to furniture design in the Byzantine world.
Benches, Stools, & Chairs
Benches and stools were commonly used for sitting in medieval
times - only the rich and important, or perhaps occasionally the
privileged head of the house, ever used an actual chair. Folding
chairs were popular amongst the medieval aristocracy, since they
could easily be transported when on the move.