The Acropolis hill, so called the "Sacred Rock" of
Athens, is the most important site of the city. During Perikles'
Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal
way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of
the period were erected on its ground.
During the Classical period (450-330 B.C.) three important temples
were erected on the ruins of earlier ones: the Parthenon, the
Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike, dedicated to Athena Parthenos,
Athena Polias, and Athena-Apteros Nike, respectively. The Propylaea,
the monumental entrance to the sacred area was also constructed
in the same period.
( The World of Dion )
The excavation of the area has brought to light a fortified city,
surrounded by cult areas, that was inhabitated continuously from
the Classical period to Early Christian times.Private residences,
public buildings, shops, and a large number of workshops are erected
in building blocks defined by the streets. On the south edge of
the ancient city are the public baths , an imposing complex covering
an area of over 4,000 square metres and dating from about A.D.
200.
The villa of Dionysos, the sanctuary of Demeter, a sanctuary devoted
to the cult of the Egyptian gods Sarapis, Isis and Anubis and
the small temple of Aphrodite Hypolympidia (Aphrodite worshipped
below Mount Olympos), are some of the important findings in the
site.
( The island of Delos )
Delos was the most important Panhellenic sanctuary, and, according
to mythology, the birth-place of Apollo and Artemis.
Delos was a sacred place with splendid buildings and sanctuaries
and as such, it was never forgotten; many references are preserved
by travellers who visited the island in the last centuries.
The most important monuments of the site are: The Agora of the
Competaliasts, the Temple of the Delians, the Minoan Fountain,
Terrace of the Lions, the Establishment of the Poseidoniasts from
Beirut, the Stoivadeion, the Theatre, Temple of Isis, the Temple
of Hera, the "House of Dionysos".
( Knossos )
Knossos is the site of the most important and better-known palace
of Minoan civilization. According to tradition, it was the seat
of the legendary king Minos. The Palace is also connected with
thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the
Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Icaros.
The most important monuments of the site are: The Palace of Knossos,
The Little Palace, The Royal Villa, House of the Frescoes, Caravanserai,
Temple Tomb, House of the High Priest, The South Mansion.
( Olympia )
One of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity, dedicated
to the father of the gods Olympian Zeus. Olympia is the birth-place
of the Olympic Games and also where they were held. We shall explore
some of the most important monuments of the site: The Temple of
Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Stadium, the Bouleuterion, the Philippeion,
the Leonidaion, the workshop of Pheidias, the Palaestra, the Gymnasium,
the Prytaneion, the Treasuries.
Also the archaeological museum of Olympia. It hosts in its collection
artefacts from the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Important exhibits
of the museum are: The sculptured ornaments from the Temple of
Zeus, Hermes of Praxiteles, Nike of Paionios, Zeus and Ganymedes.
( Samothrace )
The sanctuary is located on the north coast of the island, to
the west of the ancient city. The sanctuary was used for the worship
and performance of the mysteries in honor of the Great Gods, a
religious event of great importance during Greek and Roman antiquity.
The identity and nature of the gods worshipped on Samothrace,
the so-called "Kabeiroi", still remains a mystery.
The most important monuments of the site are: The Temenos. This
imposing structure had a commanding position on the site and was
actually the centre of the cult of the Great Gods. The Hieron
was the second important building of the sanctuary, after the
Temenos. The Tholos of Arsinoe. The Propylon of Ptolemy II. The
Stoa. The Anaktoron.The Sacred Circle.The monument of Nike.
( Santorini )
Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements
of the Aegean. Akrotiri was in contact with Crete but also communicated
with the Greek Mainland, the Dodecanese, Cyprus, Syria and Egypt.
The town's life came to an abrupt end in the last quarter of the
17th century B.C. when the inhabitants were obliged to abandon
it as a result of severe earthquakes. The eruption followed. The
volcanic materials covered the entire island and the town itself.
These materials, however, have protected up to date the buildings
and their contents, just like in Pompei.
( Delphi )
The ruins of Delphi were uncovered by the systematic excavations
of the French Archaeological School, which began in 1893. The village
of Kastri, which had occupied the area of the sanctuary since medieval
times, was moved to its present position. After the removal of huge
quantities of earth that had been accumulated with the landslides,
the remains of two sanctuaries, dedicated to Apollo and Athena Pronaea,
were finally uncovered. The excavations revealed more than five
thousands inscriptions of all kinds, statues, several miniature
objects, architectural decorative pieces, and all exquisite works
of art, representing the major cities of Greek antiquity.
Some of the most important monuments of the site are:
The Temple of Apollo , the Treasury of the Athenians, the Altar
of the Chians.
The Stoa of the Athenians, the Theatre of the sanctuary, the Stadium,
the Castalia spring, the Tholos, the Polygonal wall, the Gymnasium
The museum is actually an integral part of the sanctuary and contains
exclusively finds from the site of Delphi, mostly offerings and
architectural parts.
Scattered throughout the mountains and plains of Greece, and
in the bright blue sea of the Aegean, are sacred sites that have
been magnets to great numbers of pilgrims for thousands of years.
The attraction is intense and mystifying. We are fascinated by
the art and architecture of the temples, the wonderful photographic
possibilities, and the devotion of the thronging pilgrims.
Yet there seems to be something more: a spirit of place, a charged
energy, a mysterious feeling beyond our knowing.
ANCIENTSCAPES is the true beginning of our pilgrimage to Greece's
sacred sites.
Eight sacred landscapes of Greece's past, in breathtaking video
images, with original electronic and orchestrated music, based
on ancient greek musical patterns, transport the viewer to a pilgrimage
that won't be forgotten.
