Back to Aigai

by with No Comment Ancient Greek ArtNewsPowerpointsTravel
The Royal Burial Cluster of Philip II, guiding my students
Photo: Kostas Papantoniou

Back to Aigai, the 1st capital of the ancient Macedonians is always a pleasure!

Archaeological excavations have unveiled extraordinary riches of the past, a prosperous city enclosed by defensive walls, with an acropolis in the north-east foothills of the Pierian mountains. They discovered impressive temples, monumental public buildings, an imposing palatial complex, unique in its architectural characteristics, a theatre, and several “Macedonian” Tombs, the most important of which is the Tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.

Pinewood Grade 5 students visited the Tomb of Philip II, one of the largest of all “Macedonian” Tombs found in Greece. The monument was constructed of stone and consists of two vaulted rooms, the main burial chamber and the antechamber. The grandiose, imposing facade is adorned with marble double doors, two half-columns and an extraordinary painted frieze immortalizing a hunt of lions, bears, antelopes and boars in a semi-forested landscape.

Next to Philip’s Tomb is the plundered cist tomb of Persephone famous for its wall painting. Among the figures of the Fates and of Demeter seated on the “mirthless rock” is a depiction of the abduction of Persephone by the god of the underworld, Hades. The originality of execution, the power of conception and restraint of colouring all indicate an artist of great talent. Could the artist be Theban Nicomachus, famous for his rendering of the female figure?

“Back to Aigai” students enjoyed a day of myths, glorious history, fine arts, golden treasures, and … serene countryside, sunshine and autumn bliss. They were so smart but most importantly so kind and full of respect…They were attentive and engaged, they contributed so much to the successful outcome of our trip!

The official site of ancient Aigai is more than worth exploring: https://www.aigai.gr/en

Interesting to read: http://www.greece-is.com/exploring-ancient-macedonia-at-the-royal-tombs-of-aigai-vergina/

For a PowerPoint on the Royal Burial Cluster of Philip II – Photos by Kostas Papantoniou, please… Click HERE!

Dionysus and Ariadne

by with No Comment Ancient Greek ArtMythologyNewsPowerpoints
Dionysus and Ariadne, 200-250 AD, floor mosaic, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The Myth of Theseus, the Minotaur, Dionysus and Ariadne has it all! love, adventure, an impossible task, betrayal, and sacrifice. The adventure starts in the city of Troezene, where Theseus is born, and unfolds by travelling us to Athens, the island of Crete, the island of Naxos, and back to Athens again. My Grade 6 Host Country Studies students LOVE the Myth and the art, so, I prepared a PowerPoint Activity for them…

Instructions on what to do:

Research: Find 5 Artworks presenting the mythological princess Ariadne. Artworks can be paintings, sculptures, etc. How to do research for Artworks on Ariadne: Go to Google –Ariadne Myth – Pictures.

Research-Writing: Do not forget that the correct identification for each artwork you use is mandatory.  (Correct identification should include: Name of artist, the title of the artwork, date, medium, where the artwork is. For example, Titian, Bacchus and Ariadne, 1522-23, oil on canvas, the National Gallery, London)

Art: BE CREATIVE! Prepare an appealing PowerPoint!!!

For a short but well-documented presentation of the Mosaic, go to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki site on its Highlights and scroll down… http://amth.gr/en/exhibitions/highlights

For a PowerPoint on the Myth, please… Check HERE!

Archaeological Excavation Records

by with No Comment Ancient Greek ArtNews
Excavation Records – American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Call me old and old fashion… but I so much admire the painstaking effort, quality of craftsmanship and aesthetics of the “Vintage” Archaeological Excavation Records, of projects undertaken or supported by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Little gems… and future “works of art.” The pages in the top picture are from records of excavations that took place in ancient Corinth.

Some interesting sites to explore: https://www.ascsa.edu.gr/research/personal-papers-and-archives/excavation-records?fbclid=IwAR19KtywTfGp11l4-BGCzHI-ZeZjHfxLrXY1m815foTMBFJjuPlsUAaGdIA and https://www.lifo.gr/articles/archaeology_articles/251926/selides-apo-ta-imerologia-ton-amerikanon-arxaiologon-poy-eskapsan-stin-korintho?fbclid=IwAR0-2mUehuUQV4hxkmD2C_lThSsCFq7uA5LAh9jUPWkLL3gKeBYfNWoFIi0 in Greek, but with lovely photos.

One of my favorite places in Greece, “The oldest and largest U.S. overseas research center, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) provides graduate students and scholars from affiliated North American colleges and universities a base for the advanced study of all aspects of Greek culture, from antiquity to the present day. ” It is worth exploring their site https://www.ascsa.edu.gr/

For an Archaeological Excavation Records PowerPoint, please… Check HERE!

The Archaeological Excavation Records from ASCSA inspired me to work on a student project for my Grade 6 Host Country Studies class on the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. The idea is to create a classroom record of Museum Antiquities with correct identification, description and drawings. I am still working on it… please stay tuned!