When Egypt meets the Aegean: Interconnections in the Bronze Age Eastern Mediterranean (Thera [Santorini], Crete, Athens)
The Egyptian Collection of the National Archaeological Museum at Athens, one of the most important worldwide, will be the platform for the teaching of the ancient Egyptian civilization and its wonders, as well as its interaction with the people of Greece. The focal point of the course is the site of Akrotiri, the “Pompeii of the Prehistoric Aegean” at the magnificent island of Thera (Santorini) in the Cyclades. The students will familiarize themselves with all aspects of the Aegean Bronze Age through visits to the site itself, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the caldera which is a miracle of geology and the numerous key-sites of this unique island.
An essential part of the course is the trip to the near-by island of Crete, where the newly renovated Archaeological Museum of Herakleion, the majestic sites of Knossos and Phaistos and other important locations will be explored. Of equal importance will be a trip to the citadel of Mycenae in mainland Greece, a site that gave its name to an entire civilization, followed by a visit to the close-by citadel of Tiryns. In order to see the greater picture, a one-day trip to the modern city of Thebes (under which a major Late Bronze Age town thrived) will take place and there the course participants will explore the galleries of its brand new Archaeological Museum that offers a unique insight to the Aegean palatial society and its contacts with various eastern neighbors. The course will conclude in Athens.
The students will have the extremely rare opportunity to experience hands-on activities (e.g. metal and wall painting workshops) and behind the scenes visits at a number of instances, allowing them to comprehend better and deeper the material culture through actual contact with prehistoric artefacts. Distinguished scholars and specialists of Greek archaeology will be teaching throughout the course and share with the participants their academic interests and excitement. Apart from the assigned readings, the students will be benefitted by accessing some of the richest and specialized libraries of the world regarding the cultures of Eastern Mediterranean.
Course Details
Enrollment
This course requires a minimum enrollment of 10, with a maximum enrollment of 16.
Credit
60 contact hours
Fee Discounts
- $100 per course for students who submit their application with full payment postmarked on or before March 1.
- $100 per course for students who enroll and participate in two CYA summer courses.
- $250 per course for students from public universities.
- $100 per course for CYA semester students who enroll in a summer course.
Essential Information
The course starts and ends in Athens . Transportation between Athens, Santorini and Crete as well as during day excursions is included in the course fee.
Enrolled students will have access to detailed information prior to departure that will include directions to the Academic Center and other practical information about the course. CYA recommends the following websites for general information about Athens and Greece: http://www.athensguide.com/ and http://www.greektravel.com/; and about Santorini http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/santorini and Crete http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/crete
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course involves extensive travel. Be wary of overpacking. Pack only what you can carry comfortably, because you will be required to check- in and out of accommodations for each stay / travel segment of this course. It will also be useful to bring with you travel-size cosmetics.
Facilities
The CYA Academic Center is located next to the Athens Marble Stadium and houses classrooms, the library, the student lounge and cafeteria, computer facilities (including wireless access for those students who choose to bring laptop computers), laundry facilities, and administrative offices. The Academic Center is accessible Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Housing & Meals
Students are housed within walking distance of the CYA Academic Center in either CYA student apartments located in the Pangrati neighborhood of central Athens or in hotel accommodations arranged by CYA. CYA apartments are simply furnished and equipped with a full kitchen and air-conditioned bedrooms. Towels, linens and housekeeping service will be provided. Hotel accommodations in Athens or while travelling will be in simple 2- or 3-star hotels, double- or triple-occupancy, in air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included.
While the group is in Athes, a full mid-day meal will be served weekdays in the CYA cafeteria between the hours of 12:00-3:00 p.m. A welcome and a farewell dinner are also included.
Accommodations at Villa Mathios, at Akrotiri village on Santorini. Breakfast will be served daily. Dinner will be served Monday through Thursday.
Accommodations at Olympic Hotel in Heraklio town, Crete (last night on ferry boat returning to Athens). Breakfast will be served daily. No other meals included.
Accommodations at Victoria Hotel in Nauplio town. Breakfast will be served
