Ancient and
Byzantine Greece
Overview
The programme is designed to give you a detailed overview of the major political, social,
economic and religious history of Greece from 3000 BC to AD 1460. There is a particularly
strong emphasis on the Bronze Age with visits to no fewer than five palace centres. A full
day is spent on the Akropolis and Agora in Athens. Other major sites from the Archaic and
Classical periods include Gortyn, Eleusis, Epidauros, Nemea, Delphi, Thermopylae and Dion
at the foot of Mt Olympus. Thessaloniki and Mystra furnish important Byzantine remains.
There are also of course a plethora of museums.
Dates
Wednesday 27th December 2024 to Monday 15th January 2025, ending just after breakfast.
Rest days
Wednesday 27th December is largely a day of rest after your arrival. Sunday 31st December
is a free day and the afternoon of Monday 1st January is free after our morning flight from
Athens to Herakleion. Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th January are Study Days in which you
must complete the Finals.
Overnight locations
Athens, Crete, the Peloponnese (Napflion and Mystra), Delphi and Thessaloniki.
Courses
Ancient Greece: Covering the History and Culture of the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic
Periods (3000-30 BC). Assessment by midterm essay, two final essays and a site paper travel
journal.
Roman and Byzantine Greece: Covering the History and Culture of Roman and Byzantine
Greece from 146 BC to AD 1460. Assessment by midterm essay, two final essays and a
travel journal.
Cost
TBA
Deposit and Final Payment
A nonrefundable deposit of $500 or the equivalent rounded up to the nearest currency unit is due on 10th September. The Final payment is due on 25th October. The early date is
necessary to secure the hotel rooms.
Housing
We stay in three and occasionally four-star hotels. Students will share a room with one
roommate.
Food
Breakfast is included in hotel stays and can be included at some dorms. The food allowance
for the rest of the day is €25. I usually provide a list of recommended bakeries, cafes and
restaurants in major locations, but you are free to eat where you choose. I disburse food
allowances weekly at the beginning of the week. You will sign a form to acknowledge
receipt at the time of disbursement.
Conduct
I expect hard work and engagement with the academic work. When difficulties arise or
fatigue sets in towards the end of the programme, let fortitude be your watchword. A
harmonious, positive attitude is vital for the successful completion of the academic work and
for a good personal and working environment for the group. You must be considerate and
respectful of your colleagues and of my assistant and myself. I will not tolerate bullying or
disparagement in any form. Disruptive or drunken students will be expelled from the course
immediately and without credit or recompense as will those who endanger the programme or
bring it into disrepute.
