The Art of Ceramics in Ancient Greece

OVERVIEW

Pottery is one of the most common items to be found in archaeological excavations. The examination of different styles of pottery gives us an interesting view into ancient history. We gladly welcome you to the beautiful world of ceramics through our highly curated 14-day trail, where we explore the fundamentals of the art of ceramics in Ancient Greece, through visiting the cities of Athens, Corinth, Eleusis, Thebes, and Nafplio, as well as the islands of Poros and Aegina. Our experts will introduce you to the history of ceramics, iconography and anthropology in art through seminars, workshops, and guided tours of unique archaeological sites and museums.

Available throughout the year, upon request



OVERVIEW

Pottery is one of the most common items to be found in archaeological excavations. The examination of different styles of pottery gives us an interesting view into ancient history. We gladly welcome you to the beautiful world of ceramics through our highly curated 14-day trail, where we explore the fundamentals of the art of ceramics in Ancient Greece, through visiting the cities of Athens, Corinth, Eleusis, Thebes, and Nafplio, as well as the islands of Poros and Aegina. Our experts will introduce you to the history of ceramics, iconography and anthropology in art through seminars, workshops, and guided tours of unique archaeological sites and museums.

Available throughout the year, upon request



THE SYLLABUS

An introduction to Ancient Greek Ceramics

Upon completion of this module, the students will have a full picture of ceramics in ancient Greece from the Neolithic era up to the late classical period, since the educational program includes the design and construction of representative artifacts of every period and style (technique). The participants will also acquire knowledge and skills related to the manufacture of raw materials (clays and coatings) and -in some cases- tools, transmitted in an interactive and experiential way. The module is interdisciplinary and includes geology and chemistry data. It is also designed to be consistent with the sites and museums visited, as well as to comprehensively cover the timeline of ceramics in ancient Greece.

Interpreting the Iconography of Greek Myths

Students will approach ancient Greek mythology through the means of descriptive arts, such as sculpture, pottery, painting, minor arts, mosaics and coins. They will get to know representative myths regarding the actions of the Olympian gods and goddesses, the deeds of heroes and heroines, and the various demonic and fictional creatures that populate ancient Greek myths. They will explore the reasons for using particular mythical themes in the Greek and Roman world as well as the issue of the preservation of ancient Greek myths, and the way myths were understood in later periods. Students will come face-to-face with the challenges of studying iconography, through the analysis of symbols and images for which no correlating literary narratives exist.

Anthropology of Art

An introductory module focused on Art within the fields of anthropology and cultural studies. Students will become familiar with the social dimension of artistic productions and turn visual phenomena into cultural ones, by unfolding their multifaceted backgrounds. Think of the artist’s role and status or the role of an object’s form and function in the wider society, but also the aesthetic values of different cultures and different artistic spheres.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at some of the greatest cities of ancient Greece and their gems; Athens, Corinth, Eleusis, Thebes, as well as the islands of Poros and Aegina

• Admire some of the oldest and most diverse representations of the cultural beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks, through a magnificent survey of the art of ceramics

• Immerse yourself in the renowned Eleusinian Mysteries, the most sacred religious rites of ancient Greece and discover the mythical Thebes; a powerful city-state of the Classical period and home to a treasure trove of myths and legends

• Visit fascinating archaeological museums, such as the stunning National Archaeological Museum and the recently renovated Archaeological Museum of Thebes, guided by highly-qualified, licensed archaeologists

• Indulge in the ancient Greek art of ceramics through intriguing, on-site seminars and workshops by enthusiastic artists/lecturers

PERKS & OPTIONS

What is included in our programs?

  • 3 US credits provided by the Hellenic American University
  • Accommodation in hand-picked and well-located superior class hotels
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Professionals e.g. licensed guides, lecturers, and tour managers
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites
  • All land and sea transportation included in the itinerary of the specific program
  • Information material
  • Local taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to and from the airport in Greece

Optional

  • Airfares to and from Greece
  • Any custom request

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A world of clay – Study abroad in Greece
Link to A world of clay – Study abroad in Greece

A world of clay – Study abroad in Greece

Pottery was ubiquitous in classical antiquity. At a time when metal was expensive, and glass was a luxury out of reach for the majority of households.