During the Archaic period there were many sensational changes and innovations in the field of arts. At the end of the 8th century B.C. an almost sudden transition took place from the austere schematization of the Geometric period towards a more physiocratic and anthropocentric model. The new styles were inspired by eastern standards, which gave the name "orientalizing period" to the art of the 7th century B.C. However, the absorption of eastern elements happened with selectivity and creative imagination, a fact that allowed the development of a pure Greek archaic characteristic the following century.

In architecture, the use of masonry spread -a phenomenon aided by the prevalence of new techniques- and two orders were formed, which characterize Greek antiquity in the main, the Doric and the Ionic. Sculpture was developed early in Crete through the known "Daedalic style", which later developed the masterpieces of the 6th century B.C., that is the votives and tomb statues of kouroi and korai. From the practical arts we know more about the development of ceramics. Special techniques were developed in Ionia, Corinth and Sparta, but the richest and the most interesting production was the attic vases of black-figure and red-figure technique. Metalwork, also followed various local traditions allowing us to discern many workshops during the 6th century. Their most important works were statuettes for the sanctuaries, vases and symposium utensils, weapons, jewellery and beauty implements.

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