Latest news with #Mycenaean
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Ithaca: New research reveals cultural and historical evolution at Homer's school
New important data on the historical and cultural evolution of Ithaca has emerged from the University of Ioannina research at the archaeological site known as Homer's School since the start of the 19th century. Located in the northern part of the island, Agios Athanasios, has as its core a large rock formation at the foot of the village of Exogi, in a green area full of water springs. The excavated antiquities are located on two mounds, which are connected by two carved staircases. The remnant of a Hellenistic tower (3rd century BC) dominates Ano Andiros, while most of Kato Andiros is occupied by a large rectangular building. The earliest evidence of human activity at the site now dates back to the Final Neolithic phase (late 5th/4th millennium BC). They include, among other things, several dozens of flint artefacts and a few hundred fragments of pottery. As far as the Bronze Age evidence is concerned, a few dozen fragments from around 30 different vases from the late 14th and 13th centuries BC have been identified so far. Of great interest is the intact underground fountain/tank on the site, with eccentric boulder walls, one of the few known of its kind. Based on its shape, its structural features and the discovery of Late Mycenaean cylinder fragments inside it, its dating to the Mycenaean paleolithic phase seems highly probable, as previous researchers have argued. The Mycenaean settlement at Homer's School probably functioned to supervise the ports and lands and to protect and manage the rich water resources of the area. As far as the historical periods are concerned, the maximum volume of ceramic material dates back to the Hellenistic and early Roman period (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). Among the total number of sherds of large vessels, 8 fragments of perianths common in sanctuaries have been identified so far. Related Christopher Nolan's next movie is an adaptation of Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey' In addition to a number of small objects, the groups of finds include: a total of 34, so far, fragments of clay votive offerings, a few dozen clay agnitha, a small hoard of gold jewellery and other, mainly bronze, jewellery and objects. More than 100 coins of various cities (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD) reveal a flow of visitors to the site. From the ongoing work of sorting and cleaning (where appropriate) thousands of fragments of Hellenistic/Early Roman roof tiles, 14 examples of sealed tiles with Greek and Latin inscriptions have been identified. Recent processing of the material has yielded a sample which preserves a seal of major importance, with the name [OD]YCCEOC (in the general) to the left. Another fragment shows an incised dedicatory inscription, with the name probably in the dative, perhaps of a pilgrim: ODYC[CEI Regarding interpretation of the complex, the findings of W. Vollgraff's excavation (of 1904) at Upper Andros were taken into account. Of these, some are from the late Roman period, among them a miniature bronze bust with the features of Odysseus, according to the attribution of his figure in Greco-Roman art, but also in the bronze coins of Ithaca of the 4th-3rd century BC. The flourishing function of the building complex is placed in the Hellenistic to early/medium Roman times (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). The ensemble is characterised by robust structures on dandera, incorporating impressive elements of carved architecture, as well as niches for votive offerings or inscriptions, which testify to the intensive cult use of Kato Andiros. The Hellenistic monumental complex can now be linked with certainty with the Odyssey of Ithaca, and with the existence of a sanctuary/hero of Odysseus, which is mentioned, together with related games, in a resolution of about 207 BC from Magnesia in Asia Minor. The character of Odysseus and his exact position in relation to the games have been the subject of fruitful scholarly debate since the 1930s. Now, about a century after the discovery of the engraved dedicatory inscription EYCHIN ODYCCEI on a fragment of a Late Hellenistic clay mask from the Cave of the Bay of Polis, two new inscriptional testimonies have been found from of the same period (ODYCCEOC and ODYCCEI). The evidence, along with other available data, suggests the development of a prominent public complex at the site that played a major role in the religious, social and possibly political life of the Ithacans of Hellenistic-early Roman times, but also with a wider pilgrimage character. "The Municipal Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kefalonia-Ithaca and the University of Ioannina will make every possible effort to protect and promote the findings, with respect to our cultural heritage", says the announcement of the municipality. "At the same time, the organization of scientific and informative events is planned, in order to give citizens and visitors the opportunity to be informed about the importance of these discoveries. Ithaca continues to inspire and surprise us. Its land speaks and reminds us of the priceless value of our history and tradition", the statement concludes.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ancient Greek inscriptions point to the ‘Sanctuary of Odysseus'
Archeologists have been exploring the historical origins behind Homer's The Odyssey for decades, if not centuries. As is the case for many of the world's poetic epics, at least some evidence suggests that the long-suffering protagonist was partially based on an actual individual. Even if The Odyssey's hero Odysseus never actually existed, excavation sites indicate people turned to him as a source of inspiration for thousands of years—even going so far as to sometimes worship him. The newest finds to shed light on both Odysseus and his followers come from his home island of Ithaca, at what's known as the Agios Athanasios–School of Homer. An announcement on June 9 from the Greek Ministry of Culture cites the discovery of a rare underground spring cistern dating to the 14th–13th centuries BCE, during the Mycenaean palatial period. According to archeologists, the settlement at the School of Homer likely functioned as a hub for supervising surrounding ports and lands while protecting the area's rich water resources. It's just one of a network of 7 to 8 sites dotting northwest Ithaca that appear to collectively define the major urban center described by Homer in The Odyssey. While archeologists still can't definitively point to Odysseus' existence, additional discoveries in the form of two late Hellenistic inscriptions illustrate the mythological figure's importance, which eventually contributed to his local veneration. The first is ΟΔΥCCEOC, the Greek genitive (i.e. possessive or attributive) case of Odysseus which suggests a writer referring to the location as the hero's palace or temple. The second iteration, ΟΔΥCCEI, is found on a dedicatory inscription possibly created by a visiting pilgrim. These correspond to a similar etching discovered at Ithaca's nearby Polis Bay cave site during the 1930s that reads 'ΕΥΧΗΝ ΟΔΥCCΕΙ,' or 'Thanks, Odysseus.' Combined with multiple ritual artifacts and a small bronze bust of the Homeric hero, it's clear the area remained a major 'sanctuary' dedicated to the legendary figure for centuries. 'The complex is characterized by robust structures on terraces, incorporating impressive elements of carved architecture, as well as niches for votive offerings or inscriptions, which testify to the intensive cultic use,' explained the Greek Ministry of Culture. Interestingly, even more recent finds at the School of Homer appear to predate the Odyssean pilgrimage site by thousands of years. The famous ruins' previously oldest artifacts dated back to the Bronze Age Mycenaean period around the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. Now, flint tools and pottery shards indicate that the earliest known human activity at the stone complex is traceable all the way to the Final Neolithic period (late 5th to 4th millennium BCE). Taken altogether, it appears that the site's importance and cultural significance extended back into the annals of time—even further than the mythical, ill-fated voyage of Odysseus.
Euronews
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Watch: India's Formula 4 star on the road to success
Shriya races in a predominantly male-dominated sport, but she's breaking barriers in Indian motorsport. Driven by passion, Shriya hopes to inspire a new generation of racers and put India on the map. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ New important data on the historical and cultural evolution of Ithaca has emerged from the University of Ioannina research at the archaeological site known as Homer's School since the start of the 19th century. Located in the northern part of the island, Agios Athanasios, has as its core a large rock formation at the foot of the village of Exogi, in a green area full of water springs. The excavated antiquities are located on two mounds, which are connected by two carved staircases. The remnant of a Hellenistic tower (3rd century BC) dominates Ano Andiros, while most of Kato Andiros is occupied by a large rectangular building. The earliest evidence of human activity at the site now dates back to the Final Neolithic phase (late 5th/4th millennium BC). They include, among other things, several dozens of flint artefacts and a few hundred fragments of pottery. As far as the Bronze Age evidence is concerned, a few dozen fragments from around 30 different vases from the late 14th and 13th centuries BC have been identified so far. Of great interest is the intact underground fountain/tank on the site, with eccentric boulder walls, one of the few known of its kind. Based on its shape, its structural features and the discovery of Late Mycenaean cylinder fragments inside it, its dating to the Mycenaean paleolithic phase seems highly probable, as previous researchers have argued. The Mycenaean settlement at Homer's School probably functioned to supervise the ports and lands and to protect and manage the rich water resources of the area. As far as the historical periods are concerned, the maximum volume of ceramic material dates back to the Hellenistic and early Roman period (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). Among the total number of sherds of large vessels, 8 fragments of perianths common in sanctuaries have been identified so far. In addition to a number of small objects, the groups of finds include: a total of 34, so far, fragments of clay votive offerings, a few dozen clay agnitha, a small hoard of gold jewellery and other, mainly bronze, jewellery and objects. More than 100 coins of various cities (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD) reveal a flow of visitors to the site. From the ongoing work of sorting and cleaning (where appropriate) thousands of fragments of Hellenistic/Early Roman roof tiles, 14 examples of sealed tiles with Greek and Latin inscriptions have been identified. Recent processing of the material has yielded a sample which preserves a seal of major importance, with the name [OD]YCCEOC (in the general) to the left. Another fragment shows an incised dedicatory inscription, with the name probably in the dative, perhaps of a pilgrim: ODYC[CEI Regarding interpretation of the complex, the findings of W. Vollgraff's excavation (of 1904) at Upper Andros were taken into account. Of these, some are from the late Roman period, among them a miniature bronze bust with the features of Odysseus, according to the attribution of his figure in Greco-Roman art, but also in the bronze coins of Ithaca of the 4th-3rd century BC. The flourishing function of the building complex is placed in the Hellenistic to early/medium Roman times (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). The ensemble is characterised by robust structures on dandera, incorporating impressive elements of carved architecture, as well as niches for votive offerings or inscriptions, which testify to the intensive cult use of Kato Andiros. The Hellenistic monumental complex can now be linked with certainty with the Odyssey of Ithaca, and with the existence of a sanctuary/hero of Odysseus, which is mentioned, together with related games, in a resolution of about 207 BC from Magnesia in Asia Minor. The character of Odysseus and his exact position in relation to the games have been the subject of fruitful scholarly debate since the 1930s. Now, about a century after the discovery of the engraved dedicatory inscription EYCHIN ODYCCEI on a fragment of a Late Hellenistic clay mask from the Cave of the Bay of Polis, two new inscriptional testimonies have been found from of the same period (ODYCCEOC and ODYCCEI). The evidence, along with other available data, suggests the development of a prominent public complex at the site that played a major role in the religious, social and possibly political life of the Ithacans of Hellenistic-early Roman times, but also with a wider pilgrimage character. "The Municipal Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kefalonia-Ithaca and the University of Ioannina will make every possible effort to protect and promote the findings, with respect to our cultural heritage", says the announcement of the municipality. "At the same time, the organization of scientific and informative events is planned, in order to give citizens and visitors the opportunity to be informed about the importance of these discoveries. Ithaca continues to inspire and surprise us. Its land speaks and reminds us of the priceless value of our history and tradition", the statement concludes.
Euronews
16-06-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Lessons from the past: Study links Homer's school with the Odysseum
New important data on the historical and cultural evolution of Ithaca has emerged from the University of Ioannina research at the archaeological site known as Homer's School since the start of the 19th century. Located in the northern part of the island, Agios Athanasios, has as its core a large rock formation at the foot of the village of Exogi, in a green area full of water springs. The excavated antiquities are located on two mounds, which are connected by two carved staircases. The remnant of a Hellenistic tower (3rd century BC) dominates Ano Andiros, while most of Kato Andiros is occupied by a large rectangular building. The earliest evidence of human activity at the site now dates back to the Final Neolithic phase (late 5th/4th millennium BC). They include, among other things, several dozens of flint artefacts and a few hundred fragments of pottery. As far as the Bronze Age evidence is concerned, a few dozen fragments from around 30 different vases from the late 14th and 13th centuries BC have been identified so far. Of great interest is the intact underground fountain/tank on the site, with eccentric boulder walls, one of the few known of its kind. Based on its shape, its structural features and the discovery of Late Mycenaean cylinder fragments inside it, its dating to the Mycenaean paleolithic phase seems highly probable, as previous researchers have argued. The Mycenaean settlement at Homer's School probably functioned to supervise the ports and lands and to protect and manage the rich water resources of the area. As far as the historical periods are concerned, the maximum volume of ceramic material dates back to the Hellenistic and early Roman period (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). Among the total number of sherds of large vessels, 8 fragments of perianths common in sanctuaries have been identified so far. In addition to a number of small objects, the groups of finds include: a total of 34, so far, fragments of clay votive offerings, a few dozen clay agnitha, a small hoard of gold jewellery and other, mainly bronze, jewellery and objects. More than 100 coins of various cities (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD) reveal a flow of visitors to the site. From the ongoing work of sorting and cleaning (where appropriate) thousands of fragments of Hellenistic/Early Roman roof tiles, 14 examples of sealed tiles with Greek and Latin inscriptions have been identified. Recent processing of the material has yielded a sample which preserves a seal of major importance, with the name [OD]YCCEOC (in the general) to the left. Another fragment shows an incised dedicatory inscription, with the name probably in the dative, perhaps of a pilgrim: ODYC[CEI Regarding interpretation of the complex, the findings of W. Vollgraff's excavation (of 1904) at Upper Andros were taken into account. Of these, some are from the late Roman period, among them a miniature bronze bust with the features of Odysseus, according to the attribution of his figure in Greco-Roman art, but also in the bronze coins of Ithaca of the 4th-3rd century BC. The flourishing function of the building complex is placed in the Hellenistic to early/medium Roman times (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). The ensemble is characterised by robust structures on dandera, incorporating impressive elements of carved architecture, as well as niches for votive offerings or inscriptions, which testify to the intensive cult use of Kato Andiros. The Hellenistic monumental complex can now be linked with certainty with the Odyssey of Ithaca, and with the existence of a sanctuary/hero of Odysseus, which is mentioned, together with related games, in a resolution of about 207 BC from Magnesia in Asia Minor. The character of Odysseus and his exact position in relation to the games have been the subject of fruitful scholarly debate since the 1930s. Now, about a century after the discovery of the engraved dedicatory inscription EYCHIN ODYCCEI on a fragment of a Late Hellenistic clay mask from the Cave of the Bay of Polis, two new inscriptional testimonies have been found from of the same period (ODYCCEOC and ODYCCEI). The evidence, along with other available data, suggests the development of a prominent public complex at the site that played a major role in the religious, social and possibly political life of the Ithacans of Hellenistic-early Roman times, but also with a wider pilgrimage character. "The Municipal Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kefalonia-Ithaca and the University of Ioannina will make every possible effort to protect and promote the findings, with respect to our cultural heritage", says the announcement of the municipality. "At the same time, the organization of scientific and informative events is planned, in order to give citizens and visitors the opportunity to be informed about the importance of these discoveries. Ithaca continues to inspire and surprise us. Its land speaks and reminds us of the priceless value of our history and tradition", the statement concludes. Staff at the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum and a global symbol of art, have cited an 'emergency meeting' of senior officials but offered no explanation or timeline for reopening. Some frustrated ticket-holders gave up and left, creating a false impression that the line was moving. 'It's the Mona Lisa moan out here,' said Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, one of thousands of confused visitors corralled into unmoving lines beneath I.M. Pei's glass pyramid. 'Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.' It's a rare thing for the Louvre to close its doors to the public. It has happened during war, during the pandemic, and in a brief 2019 staff strike - but never quite like this: with tourists lining the plaza, tickets in hand, and no clear sense of why the world's most famous museum had simply stopped. As of midday, there was no official evacuation or further information from the museum. A message posted on the museum's website said: 'Due to strikes in France, the museum may open later and some exhibition rooms may remain closed. We thank you for your understanding."
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Daily Mail
This Greek destination is the perfect blend of ancient and new - and the ultimate family holiday spot
As bath times go, it falls short of a Churchillian soak. But the three thousand year old terracotta tub, lined with spiral motifs and roughly the size of a double Belfast sink, brims with majesty and myth. For it was here, I tell my family dragooned into a morning tour of Greece 's best preserved Mycenaean palace, that Telemachus is said to have been bathed by King Nestor's youngest daughter after arriving at the elderly warrior's pile desperate for news of his missing father Odysseus, still not home from the Trojan War. 'Not much room to lie down, is there?' ponders Felix, 13. No, son, but with a panorama like this who can blame Homer's oldest and wisest hero for installing a unit that requires you to bathe bolt upright? With sweeping views of Navarino Bay and the sparkling Ionian Sea, this B.C. bathroom looks out onto heaven. Olive groves as far as the eye can see; perfect unspoiled sands. Not to mention, in an adjoining room, remnants of a wine store fit for Dionysius himself. No wonder, legend has it, Nestor lived for three generations. Similar life enhancing values can be found a few kilometres down the hill at the Costa Navarino resort, a high end collection of world class hotels that include the Peloponnese's first Mandarin Oriental, which blends Homeric hospitality with a sensitivity to landscape and heritage. Founded by Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, a shipping company owner and keen environmentalist, his vision was to create a destination that would have sustainability and Messinian culture at its heart. We are staying at the W Costa Navarino, the newest addition to his luxury tribe, where the old is thoughtfully mixed with the brand, spanking new. The spacious central lobby is a case in point: soft grey local stone walls are offset by gleaming floor to ceiling glass doors through which two perfectly appointed infinity pools call like Sirens luring us in for a swim. Without my glasses on, I spy what seems to be a collage of post-it notes covering the wall behind the reception desk. Turns out, it's a modern tableaux of Linear-B, a homage to the script discovered on clay tablets in Nestor's Palace and the earliest known form of Greek. See, kids? Classics can be cool. 'It is here,' concedes Evie, 17, so impressed by her trendy surroundings that her noise/parent cancelling headphones, worn every minute of the three hour drive from Athens airport, finally slide down to her shoulders. It may be nudging thirty degrees, but there's no mistaking the cool vibe among the clientele. If it weren't for the luggage, I'd think we'd stumbled in on a fashion shoot. The pool table in the adjoining W Lounge, home to the funky main bar and games area, has caught Felix's attention. I'm drawn to the stylish shelving units dotted with glossy design books and objets d'art. My husband, as ever, has an eye on lunch. Five minutes later, we're tucking into the tastiest Greek salad and a moreish house white as we sit on the terrace overlooking the sea. Thanks to the islet of Spacteria, which acts as a windbreaker, Navarino Bay is blissfully sheltered from the gusts that can grate with even the most devout Grecophile. I could sit here all day – if the hipsters would let me. Our interconnecting rooms, with gorgeous views of the sea, are light, bright and modern while also being highly absorbent of family mess – a conclusion I come to after a massage at the spa that leaves me comatose with calm. Down at the beachfront pool, the air of serenity continues - a fact my husband puts down to the absence of little ones, as the hotel only permits guests over the age of 12. Parents of toddlers, your time will come. Parents of teens, rejoice; for Costa Navarino has pretty much thought of everything. While days can be spent in a blur of water sports, golf (there are four immaculate courses), tennis, padel and pickleball, nights are enlivened by DJ sets in the central agora for which you can even rent your own statement party outfit. I keep this information to myself. For having tasted dinner at Parelia, a casual-cool beachside restaurant with the sort of oversized wicker lanterns that have me mentally stripping out the dated kitchen spotlights at home, I have no further need of evening entertainment. How could I in the face of its giant pan of ambrosial lamb, garnished with the best part of a rosemary bush and potatoes to die for? The dish would comfortably feed a family for a week. Not for the first time, I look at mine and wonder how half of them ended up vegetarian. Felix, my only carnivore, blinks at the tower of meat before him and vows to do his best. Our final day and we are coaxed out of our comfort zone for a cycling/hiking tour courtesy of Navarino Outdoors. Our charming guide Dinos, an astro-physicist about to start the olive picking season, cycles us to Voidokoilia beach via the flamingos of Limnothalassa lake. It's a beautiful spot, framed by the ruins of Old Navarino Castle and prompts him to break into song. I'm half expecting a Greek folk tune and am taken aback when I recognise the number: Ed Sheeran's Castle on the Hill. It's faintly surreal but we applaud and he laughs. Once again, with the lightest touch, ancient and modern align.
