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Sights
under the Greek sun
The Acropolis
The ACROPOLIS
The Acropolis of the 5th c. BC is the most accurate reflection
of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest
peak, the Golden Age of Pericles. This fine sanctuary of
ancient Athens was dedicated primarily to its patron, the
*goddess Athena* and several famous buildings have been
erected upon it. The Parthenon (447-438 BC), dedicated to
Athena, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian
democracy at the height of its power. Erechtheion with the
famous Caryatides is an elegant building too.
Palace of Knossos
The Knossos Palace, built gradually between 1700 and 1400 BC, is the largest
Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and the ceremonial and political centre of
the Minoan culture. Beautiful frescoes decorate the walls of the palace; there are
pictures of young male and female adults fishing or flower gathering as well as
pictures of athletic feats. The palace has been suggested as the source of the myth
of the Labyrinth where the Minotaur was held, a creature that was half man and
half bull and who was eventually killed by Theseus. According to the myth, the
talented Daedalus tried to escape the palace together with his son, Icarus, by
fashioning wings of wax and feathers. Sadly, Icarus was so enchanted to be able
to fly that he flew too near the sun; his wings melted and fell into the sea that
now bears his name (the Icarian Sea).
Tragedy / Comedy
TRAGEDY
This Ancient Greek art form was performed in honour of Dionysius, the god of
wine and now of theatre. According to the philosopher Aristotle, tragedy is
characterized by seriousness and dignity and involving a great person who
experiences a reversal of fortune. Tragedy results in catharsis, that is, emotional
cleansing, for the audience in response to the suffering of the characters in the
drama. The three great writers of tragedy were Sophocles, Euripides and
Aeschylus.
COMEDY
Comedies were performed in honour of Dionysius and according to Aristotle, this
art form is a presentation of laughable people and involves some kind of blunder or
ugliness which does not cause pain or disaster. Aristophanes, the most important
dramatist, wrote plays characterized by pungent political satire. In this way he
lampooned the most important personalities and institutions of his day.
EPIDAURUS THEATRE
Epidaurus theatre is located near Argos, Greece. It was
built in the 4th century BC. This theatre delighted
Pausanias, the Greek traveller and geographer, for its
symmetry and beauty. Epidaurus theatre is still used for
dramatic performances. It seats up to 15.000 people and it
is marvelled for its exceptional acoustics.
• THE HERODION
THEATRE
• The theatre of Herodes
Atticus is part of the
Acropolis in Athens. It was
erected by Herodes in
memory of his wife Regilla
in 160 AD. It is
semicircular and can seat
around 5000 people. In
summer people take pleasure
in attending various plays,
concerts and ballets.
Delphi
Delphi was revered
throughout the Greek world
as the centre of the Earth and
the Universe. It was the major
site for the worship of the god
Apollo as well as the site of
the Apollo oracle. The
priestess of the oracle was
known as Pythia. Apollo
spoke through her and people
consulted her on everything
from important matters of
public policy to personal
affairs.
Charioteer
A statue of outstanding beauty is the Charioteer (the rein-holder) erected at Delphi in 474 BC
to commemorate the victory of a chariot team in the Pythian Games, which were held every
four years in honour of Apollo. It was originally part of a larger group of statuary, including
the chariot, four horses and two grooms; it is worth noticing the intense gaze of the statue.
When intact, this fine bronze work must have been imposing.