
Lessons from the past: Study links Homer's school with the Odysseum
New important data on the historical and cultural evolution of Ithaca has emerged from the University of Ioannina research at the archaeological site known as Homer's School since the start of the 19th century.
Located in the northern part of the island, Agios Athanasios, has as its core a large rock formation at the foot of the village of Exogi, in a green area full of water springs.
The excavated antiquities are located on two mounds, which are connected by two carved staircases. The remnant of a Hellenistic tower (3rd century BC) dominates Ano Andiros, while most of Kato Andiros is occupied by a large rectangular building.
The earliest evidence of human activity at the site now dates back to the Final Neolithic phase (late 5th/4th millennium BC). They include, among other things, several dozens of flint artefacts and a few hundred fragments of pottery. As far as the Bronze Age evidence is concerned, a few dozen fragments from around 30 different vases from the late 14th and 13th centuries BC have been identified so far.
Of great interest is the intact underground fountain/tank on the site, with eccentric boulder walls, one of the few known of its kind. Based on its shape, its structural features and the discovery of Late Mycenaean cylinder fragments inside it, its dating to the Mycenaean paleolithic phase seems highly probable, as previous researchers have argued.
The Mycenaean settlement at Homer's School probably functioned to supervise the ports and lands and to protect and manage the rich water resources of the area.
As far as the historical periods are concerned, the maximum volume of ceramic material dates back to the Hellenistic and early Roman period (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). Among the total number of sherds of large vessels, 8 fragments of perianths common in sanctuaries have been identified so far.
In addition to a number of small objects, the groups of finds include: a total of 34, so far, fragments of clay votive offerings, a few dozen clay agnitha, a small hoard of gold jewellery and other, mainly bronze, jewellery and objects. More than 100 coins of various cities (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD) reveal a flow of visitors to the site.
From the ongoing work of sorting and cleaning (where appropriate) thousands of fragments of Hellenistic/Early Roman roof tiles, 14 examples of sealed tiles with Greek and Latin inscriptions have been identified.
Recent processing of the material has yielded a sample which preserves a seal of major importance, with the name [OD]YCCEOC (in the general) to the left. Another fragment shows an incised dedicatory inscription, with the name probably in the dative, perhaps of a pilgrim: ODYC[CEI
Regarding interpretation of the complex, the findings of W. Vollgraff's excavation (of 1904) at Upper Andros were taken into account. Of these, some are from the late Roman period, among them a miniature bronze bust with the features of Odysseus, according to the attribution of his figure in Greco-Roman art, but also in the bronze coins of Ithaca of the 4th-3rd century BC.
The flourishing function of the building complex is placed in the Hellenistic to early/medium Roman times (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). The ensemble is characterised by robust structures on dandera, incorporating impressive elements of carved architecture, as well as niches for votive offerings or inscriptions, which testify to the intensive cult use of Kato Andiros.
The Hellenistic monumental complex can now be linked with certainty with the Odyssey of Ithaca, and with the existence of a sanctuary/hero of Odysseus, which is mentioned, together with related games, in a resolution of about 207 BC from Magnesia in Asia Minor.
The character of Odysseus and his exact position in relation to the games have been the subject of fruitful scholarly debate since the 1930s.
Now, about a century after the discovery of the engraved dedicatory inscription EYCHIN ODYCCEI on a fragment of a Late Hellenistic clay mask from the Cave of the Bay of Polis, two new inscriptional testimonies have been found from of the same period (ODYCCEOC and ODYCCEI).
The evidence, along with other available data, suggests the development of a prominent public complex at the site that played a major role in the religious, social and possibly political life of the Ithacans of Hellenistic-early Roman times, but also with a wider pilgrimage character.
"The Municipal Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kefalonia-Ithaca and the University of Ioannina will make every possible effort to protect and promote the findings, with respect to our cultural heritage", says the announcement of the municipality.
"At the same time, the organization of scientific and informative events is planned, in order to give citizens and visitors the opportunity to be informed about the importance of these discoveries.
Ithaca continues to inspire and surprise us. Its land speaks and reminds us of the priceless value of our history and tradition", the statement concludes.
Staff at the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum and a global symbol of art, have cited an 'emergency meeting' of senior officials but offered no explanation or timeline for reopening.
Some frustrated ticket-holders gave up and left, creating a false impression that the line was moving. 'It's the Mona Lisa moan out here,' said Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, one of thousands of confused visitors corralled into unmoving lines beneath I.M. Pei's glass pyramid. 'Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.'
It's a rare thing for the Louvre to close its doors to the public. It has happened during war, during the pandemic, and in a brief 2019 staff strike - but never quite like this: with tourists lining the plaza, tickets in hand, and no clear sense of why the world's most famous museum had simply stopped.
As of midday, there was no official evacuation or further information from the museum. A message posted on the museum's website said: 'Due to strikes in France, the museum may open later and some exhibition rooms may remain closed. We thank you for your understanding."

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Euronews
5 days ago
- Euronews
Lessons from the past: Study links Homer's school with the Odysseum
New important data on the historical and cultural evolution of Ithaca has emerged from the University of Ioannina research at the archaeological site known as Homer's School since the start of the 19th century. Located in the northern part of the island, Agios Athanasios, has as its core a large rock formation at the foot of the village of Exogi, in a green area full of water springs. The excavated antiquities are located on two mounds, which are connected by two carved staircases. The remnant of a Hellenistic tower (3rd century BC) dominates Ano Andiros, while most of Kato Andiros is occupied by a large rectangular building. The earliest evidence of human activity at the site now dates back to the Final Neolithic phase (late 5th/4th millennium BC). They include, among other things, several dozens of flint artefacts and a few hundred fragments of pottery. As far as the Bronze Age evidence is concerned, a few dozen fragments from around 30 different vases from the late 14th and 13th centuries BC have been identified so far. Of great interest is the intact underground fountain/tank on the site, with eccentric boulder walls, one of the few known of its kind. Based on its shape, its structural features and the discovery of Late Mycenaean cylinder fragments inside it, its dating to the Mycenaean paleolithic phase seems highly probable, as previous researchers have argued. The Mycenaean settlement at Homer's School probably functioned to supervise the ports and lands and to protect and manage the rich water resources of the area. As far as the historical periods are concerned, the maximum volume of ceramic material dates back to the Hellenistic and early Roman period (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). Among the total number of sherds of large vessels, 8 fragments of perianths common in sanctuaries have been identified so far. In addition to a number of small objects, the groups of finds include: a total of 34, so far, fragments of clay votive offerings, a few dozen clay agnitha, a small hoard of gold jewellery and other, mainly bronze, jewellery and objects. More than 100 coins of various cities (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD) reveal a flow of visitors to the site. From the ongoing work of sorting and cleaning (where appropriate) thousands of fragments of Hellenistic/Early Roman roof tiles, 14 examples of sealed tiles with Greek and Latin inscriptions have been identified. Recent processing of the material has yielded a sample which preserves a seal of major importance, with the name [OD]YCCEOC (in the general) to the left. Another fragment shows an incised dedicatory inscription, with the name probably in the dative, perhaps of a pilgrim: ODYC[CEI Regarding interpretation of the complex, the findings of W. Vollgraff's excavation (of 1904) at Upper Andros were taken into account. Of these, some are from the late Roman period, among them a miniature bronze bust with the features of Odysseus, according to the attribution of his figure in Greco-Roman art, but also in the bronze coins of Ithaca of the 4th-3rd century BC. The flourishing function of the building complex is placed in the Hellenistic to early/medium Roman times (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). The ensemble is characterised by robust structures on dandera, incorporating impressive elements of carved architecture, as well as niches for votive offerings or inscriptions, which testify to the intensive cult use of Kato Andiros. The Hellenistic monumental complex can now be linked with certainty with the Odyssey of Ithaca, and with the existence of a sanctuary/hero of Odysseus, which is mentioned, together with related games, in a resolution of about 207 BC from Magnesia in Asia Minor. The character of Odysseus and his exact position in relation to the games have been the subject of fruitful scholarly debate since the 1930s. Now, about a century after the discovery of the engraved dedicatory inscription EYCHIN ODYCCEI on a fragment of a Late Hellenistic clay mask from the Cave of the Bay of Polis, two new inscriptional testimonies have been found from of the same period (ODYCCEOC and ODYCCEI). The evidence, along with other available data, suggests the development of a prominent public complex at the site that played a major role in the religious, social and possibly political life of the Ithacans of Hellenistic-early Roman times, but also with a wider pilgrimage character. "The Municipal Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kefalonia-Ithaca and the University of Ioannina will make every possible effort to protect and promote the findings, with respect to our cultural heritage", says the announcement of the municipality. "At the same time, the organization of scientific and informative events is planned, in order to give citizens and visitors the opportunity to be informed about the importance of these discoveries. Ithaca continues to inspire and surprise us. Its land speaks and reminds us of the priceless value of our history and tradition", the statement concludes. Staff at the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum and a global symbol of art, have cited an 'emergency meeting' of senior officials but offered no explanation or timeline for reopening. Some frustrated ticket-holders gave up and left, creating a false impression that the line was moving. 'It's the Mona Lisa moan out here,' said Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, one of thousands of confused visitors corralled into unmoving lines beneath I.M. Pei's glass pyramid. 'Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.' It's a rare thing for the Louvre to close its doors to the public. It has happened during war, during the pandemic, and in a brief 2019 staff strike - but never quite like this: with tourists lining the plaza, tickets in hand, and no clear sense of why the world's most famous museum had simply stopped. As of midday, there was no official evacuation or further information from the museum. A message posted on the museum's website said: 'Due to strikes in France, the museum may open later and some exhibition rooms may remain closed. We thank you for your understanding."

LeMonde
29-05-2025
- LeMonde
Archaeologists unearth remains of 3000 year-old-Mayan city in Guatemala
Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a Mayan city nearly 3000 years old in northern Guatemala, with pyramids and monuments that point to its significance as an important ceremonial site, the Central American country's culture ministry said Thursday, May 29. The Mayan civilization arose around 2000 BC, reaching its height between 400 and 900 AD in what is present-day southern Mexico and Guatemala, as well as parts of Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. The city named "Los Abuelos," Spanish for "The Grandparents," once stood some 21 kilometers from the important archaeological site of Uaxactun, in Guatemala's northern Peten department, the ministry said in a statement. It is dated to what is known as the "Middle Preclassic" period from about 800 to 500 BC, and is believed to have been "one of the most ancient and important ceremonial centers" of the Mayan civilization in the jungle area of Peten near the Mexican border, it added. "The site presents remarkable architectural planning" with pyramids and monuments "sculpted with unique iconography from the region," said the ministry. The city takes its name from two human-like sculptures of an "ancestral couple" found at the site. The figures, dated to between 500 and 300 BC, "could be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship," said the ministry. 'Unique canal system' The city, which covers an area of about 16 square kilometers was discovered by Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists in previously little-explored areas of the Uaxactun park. Nearby, they also found a pyramid standing 33 meters high with murals from the Preclassic period and "a unique canal system," according to the statement. "The set of these three sites forms a previously unknown urban triangle... These findings allow us to rethink the understanding of the ceremonial and socio-political organization of pre-Hispanic Peten," said the ministry. In April, scientists discovered a 1,000-year-old altar from Mexico's ancient Teotihuacan culture at Tikal, elsewhere in the Peten department. That find was interpreted as proof of ties between the two pre-Hispanic cultures, which lived about 1300 km apart. Tikal, about 23 km from Uaxcatun, is the main archaeological site in Guatemala and one of its biggest tourist attractions.


France 24
29-05-2025
- France 24
3,000-year-old Mayan city discovered in northern Guatemala
Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a Mayan city nearly 3,000 years old in northern Guatemala, with pyramids and monuments that point to its significance as an important ceremonial site, the Central American country's culture ministry said Thursday. The Mayan civilization arose around 2000 BC, reaching its height between 400 and 900 AD in what is present-day southern Mexico and Guatemala, as well as parts of Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. The city named "Los Abuelos," Spanish for "The Grandparents," once stood some 21 kilometers (13 miles) from the important archaeological site of Uaxactun, in Guatemala's northern Peten department, the ministry said in a statement. It is dated to what is known as the "Middle Preclassic" period from about 800 to 500 BC, and is believed to have been "one of the most ancient and important ceremonial centers" of the Mayan civilization in the jungle area of Peten near the Mexican border, it added. "The site presents remarkable architectural planning" with pyramids and monuments "sculpted with unique iconography from the region," said the ministry. The city takes its name from two human-like sculptures of an "ancestral couple" found at the site. The figures, dated to between 500 and 300 BC, "could be linked to ancient ritual practices of ancestor worship," said the ministry. - 'Unique canal system' - The city, which covers an area of about 16 square kilometers (six square miles) was discovered by Guatemalan and Slovak archaeologists in previously little-explored areas of the Uaxactun park. Nearby, they also found a pyramid standing 33 meters (108 feet) high with murals from the Preclassic period and "a unique canal system," according to the statement. "The set of these three sites forms a previously unknown urban triangle... These findings allow us to rethink the understanding of the ceremonial and socio-political organization of pre-Hispanic Peten," said the ministry. In April, scientists discovered a 1,000-year-old altar from Mexico's ancient Teotihuacan culture at Tikal, elsewhere in the Peten department. That find was interpreted as proof of ties between the two pre-Hispanic cultures, which lived about 1,300 km apart. Tikal, about 23 km from Uaxcatun, is the main archaeological site in Guatemala and one of its biggest tourist attractions.