Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sought and found the legendary graves of Mycenaean kings inside the existing
Cyclopean wall of the citadel rather than outside it, unearthing in the process the
magnificent treasures that today form the basis of the
Bronze Age collection
in the
National Archeological Museum in Athens. In 1884 Schliemann returned to Greece to
excavate another famous prehistoric citadel, this time at
Tiryns
.
Almost single-handedly, and in the face of continuing academic obstruction,
Schliemann had revolutionized archeology and the study of Greek history and
civilization. Although some of his results have been shown to have been deliberately
falsified in the sacrifice of truth to beauty, his achievement remains enormous.
The last two decades of the nineteenth century saw the discovery of other important
Classical sites. Excavation began at
Epidaurus
in 1881 under the Greek archeologist
Panayotis Kavvadias
, who made it his life's work. Meanwhile at
Delphi
, the
French
began digging at the
sanctuary of Apollo
. Their excavations continued nonstop from
1892 to 1903, revealing the extensive site visible today; work on the site has continued
sporadically ever since.
Evans and Knossos
The early twentieth century saw the domination of Greek archeology by an
Englishman,
Sir Arthur Evans
. An egotistical maverick like Schliemann, he too was
independently wealthy, with a brilliantly successful career behind him when he started
his great work at
Knossos
on
Crete
, discovering one of the oldest and most
sophisticated of Mediterranean societies, which he christened Minoan.
Evans first visited Crete in 1894 and headed for the legendary site of Knossos, which
had earlier attracted the attention of Schliemann. Evans succeeded in buying the site
and in March 1900 began excavations. Within a few days, evidence of a great complex
building was revealed, along with artefacts that indicated an astonishing cultural
sophistication: elegant courtyards and verandas, colourful wall-paintings, pottery,
jewellery and sealstones - the wealth of a civilization which dominated the eastern
Mediterranean 3500 years ago.
TOP ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
In a country with such a wealth of ancient remains as Greece, it's hard to pick out a definitive
list of highlights, but here are some of the most famous and unmissable sites.
THE CLASSICS
The Acropolis, Athens
Can rightfully claim
to be one of the most iconic images of
Western civilization. See p.65
Mycenae
The citadel of King Agamemnon
and cavernous tholos tombs never fail to
impress. See p.133
Knossos
The lava-preserved Minoan palace
contains some beautiful ancient frescoes. See
p.457
Delphi
Known as the earth's navel, this
extensive mountainside site still enchants
visitors. See p.204
Delos
Guarded by majestic lions, the treasury
of the Athenian Empire occupied the entire
island. See p.394
Vergina
The dazzling wealth of the
Macedonian dynasty is on display beneath an
apparently mundane earth mound. See p.287
THE BEST OF THE REST
Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samothráki
Idyllically located site that was a major centre
of an ancient mystery cult. See p.657
Olynthos
One of the best examples of an
ancient town, all laid out in neat grids. See
p.299
Bassae
This superbly well-preserved temple
is enhanced by its stunning location in the
Arcadian mountains. See p.176
Philippi
Extensive site that was equally
important in Roman and early Christian
history. See p.311
Paleopolis, Corfu
Relatively few people visit
the scattering of temples and basilicas in the
suburbs of Corfu Town. See p.711
Tiryns
Squat Mycenaean period citadel that
boasts some of the most impressive
Cyclopean walls ever built. See p.137
