Center for Hellenic Studies

Rediscovering Hellenic Civilization at Its Core

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Visiting the Mycenaean Tholos Tomb

In the summers of 2003 and 2004 the Center for Hellenic Studies and the Harvard Alumni Association organized a travel-study program entitled, "Rediscovering Hellenic Civilization at Its Core." The goal of the program was to rediscover both the heroic and the classical Greek world, by way of combining a reflective reading of carefully selected classics with an equally reflective journey through places that connect with these classics. The places visited represent the very core of ancient Greek civilization, centering on three special areas of interest: the island of Crete, the land mass of the Peloponnese, and the city of Athens. Limited to 30 people or less, the small group size allowed for an intimate learning environment and the flexibility to visit unique, off-the-beaten-path sites.

2004 Program and Itinerary

From July 22 to August 4, 2004 a select group of Harvard Alumni sailed the Aegean aboard the 34-guest yacht Callisto and visited some of the most striking sites of the ancient world. Professor Nagy's lectures and readings focused on the visual and verbal art of the bronze age; these topics were illustrated through the artefacts, texts, and sites examined. The group first visited the following sites in the Peloponnese: Mycenae, Tiyrns, the Argive Heraion, Sparta, Pylos, and Olympia, and then sailed on to Crete. While in Crete the group visited primarily Minoan sites such as Mallia, Gournia, Phaistos, and Knossos.

2003 Program and Itinerary

2003 was the inaugural year for the "Rediscovering Hellenic Civilization at Its Core" program. A dedicated and engaged group of Harvard travelers toured the Peloponnese by coach, experiencing the unique topography and poetics of space that the Peloponnese has to offer.