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Monday,
Today, I embarked upon a cruise around the Aegean. I felt lucky when I boarded the ship.
It was hot, windy, and the seas were choppy. But I didn't need to face any of those hardships. I entered into a strong metal hull, air conditioning, and motion stablizers. All were things ancient seafarers did not possess.
Greece was built on the sea. It was vital for transportation, resources, and trade. Mariners braved the elements to gain the benefits. However, there was a cost. Ancient Greek tales are full of the dangers. In the Odyssey alone, the men faced gail force winds, sea monsters, and multiple sinkings.
If you’ve taken my Archaeology 101 class, you already know wrecks like these produce a snapshot of life at the time. They contained not only Greek goods, but items from Africa, Cyprus, Cannan, the Baltics, and more. Even though warfare seems to be the norm, it was trade that truly dominated the Mediterranean.
This is the perfect time to talk about bronze. Why bronze? Many important ancient artworks were formed from this alloy (copper and tin). Sadly, most were lost. Unlike stone, bronze can be melted down and reused. A masterpiece could have been transformed into Persian weapons, then Roman cooking ware, then a Byzantine church door. In other words, they rarely lasted.
The Artemision Bronze was saved from that fate because it sank in an ancient ship. There's fierce debate about whether the figure represents is Zeus or Poseidon. It all comes down to the implement he was once holding, now lost. If a thunderbolt, it's Zeus. If a trident, it's Poseidon. My vote is Poseidon because the statue remained on the sea floor for over two thousand years. It seems fitting.
If you're interested in more ocean recoveries, check out the Riace bronzes.
I'm now in the Cyclades, a ring of islands in the middle of the Aegean Sea. This area is known for its beaches and nightlife.
As archaeology enthusiasts, we have little need of partying, drinking, or fun of any kind. Instead, we’ll fixate on another pile of rocks about a mile away. This is the island of Delos, which is the heart of the Cyclades.
It's is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. Apollo was born here, on Mount Cynthus. People from all over the region visited to worship at his temple.
After the Greeks expelled the Persians, this became the meeting place for the Delian League. You may remember it from our visit to the Acropolis. This is the spot where the treasury was kept before it was moved to the Partheon.
With a bustling town just outside the ship, I decided to combat the stereotype that archaeologists prefer the company of the dead over those still living. I ventured to Mykonos. Photos are below.
The sun was beginning to set when I reached the area near the iconic windmills.
Perhaps my efforts at socialization were worth it. In the search for the elusive souvenir, I found myself in an upscale clothing shop that specilized in the classical Greek peplos. Without a doubt, I knew my wife would look even more beautiful adorned in one of these.
Kalispera, Mykonos!
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