The Greek Play

One of the persistent challenges of any civilization is how to deal with the dead.  While humans aren’t the only species who bury their dead (e.g., some ants have burial chambers), humans have turned it into an art.  One important reason for dealing with the deceased is simple hygiene, but the more interesting reasons are cultural, especially to bestow honor and prepare for the hoped for after-life.  During early Mycenean times, underground tombs were dug within the city walls.  Below is one elaborate example unearthed by archeologists.  (click for larger view)

 In later Mycenaen times, burials took place away from the central city in gigantic chambers such as this.  Typically, each burial chamber was devoted to a single extended family and their household servants.  As you can see, this is an incredible amount of work for a relatively small number of people.  These pictures are of the fabulously well-preserved “Treasury of Atreus” a tholos-type tomb.  From left to right is the approach to the chamber and two images within the chamber (including its domed ceiling). 

Click on picture for larger image.

Professor Cohen led us on our initial tour of central Athens, and just look what we happened to see!  There’s nothing quite like your first glimpse of this icon of history. 

Hello all!

My name is Iwalani Martin.  I am going to be a Senior next year.  I am double majoring in dance and philsophy.  Just to introduce myself a little to those that will be reading our blogs.  I am getting super excited as I count down the days till I leave.  Only three days left till we leave on our trip to Athens, Greece.  I must finish packing though.  That is the hardest part of traveling.   Packing is hard always remembering which things to bring and not bringing too much and make sure that you meet the weight requirements with your luggage.  Thank you for sharing in this adventure and reading about all of our experiences we will being sharing as we have our adventure.  And now let the