ABSTRACT
Cultivating peace requires understanding the fundamental significance of war, despite its horrors. During Mycenaean times, war was dominated by individual battles between notable figures, while in the Greek polis of archaic times, citizens acted collectively as a phalanx. The necessity of surviving (or perishing) together historically shaped social communities and drove technical and cultural advancements, as seen today, for example, in Ukraine. This concept is articulated by Heraclitus: “Bellum omnium pater” (“War is the father of all”). Archaeological evidence, from Corinthian helmets to depictions of warriors in vase paintings, attests to this development. Peace, relatively speaking, has been and remains less influential (from depictions of peace goddesses to symbols like the dove). However, achieving enduring individual happiness in times of peace necessitates wisdom, lest one lose oneself in a timeless, diffuse idyll. Following peace celebrations, individuals re-enter the private sphere, where they must define themselves within a social context. Juxtaposing ancient artefacts that explore themes of war and peace helps individuals establish personal positions and serves as a test for potentially idealistic peace concepts.
