CIG-ICG

From My Time as a CIG Intern

2026-07-24T10:55:00.000+03:00

When I got the news that I would be spending my summer in Greece, I was ecstatic. Originally, I impulsively submitted an application to my university’s international program because I had become very engrossed in Greco-Roman classics and ancient philosophy during my first year of university. However, I thought my chances were slim when my program coordinator told me it was the university’s most competitive position, so imagine my surprise in December when I received an acceptance email.

On Lycabettus Hill

Before my internship at the CIG, I had never even done my own laundry, let alone lived independently. Even as I watched my mom weep beside my stepfather and little sister while I walked through the security line—leaving for the next three months—I couldn’t believe it. I had gotten so used to plans falling through that, even as I landed at the Athens airport and walked out with my massive luggage, I thought I was hallucinating. Clearly, I wasn’t hallucinating, because as soon as I left the airport, reality—and the cold May wind—hit me. My first month took a lot of getting used to: living with flatmates, taking care of myself while working, and living in a country whose language I couldn’t speak were all quite difficult.

The Parthenon

Working at the CIG made acclimating to Greece easier by giving me a routine. Most weeks, I would explore Athens’ museums, art galleries, and archaeological sites during the weekend. Then, during the week, I would be in the intern office by 9 a.m., where I helped with chores, library work, setting up for events and lectures, and researching sites I had seen over the weekend to post about them on the CIG’s social media. It was during this time that I decided to help restructure responsibilities of the intern position by modernizing the manuals used to pass wisdom obtained by previous interns, as well as our approach to communication through social media. I especially enjoyed experimenting with different types of media and formatting to deduce what people statistically responded to best. Still, I found watching my art bring the CIG more attention the most rewarding.

Traditional Greek wedding attire (Museum Of Modern Greek Culture)

As a student of political science, most of the archaeological information I now had to interact with was completely foreign to me aside from my basic understanding of classical art, philosophy, and literature. It was very interesting to learn about different aspects of the field, my favourite being the use of archaeology to trace how civilizations developed over time and how war and imperialism in Greece explain its formation as a modern state. I was equally curious and frequently inquired about why the archaeologists I met had decided to pursue their specialties, as well as the reality of living in Athens from locals, as my greatest motivation for coming to Greece had been to familiarize myself with people raised in a culture different from my own.

Socrates & Confucius (Agora)

The more I learned about Greek history beyond its ancient past as the Athenian city-state that bore elements of modern liberal democracy, the more curious I became about the rest of Europe, and by mid-May, I had planned another trip. This one was to Austria, another state previously ruled by an imperial power that was ousted after WWI and replaced by a—then—collapsing democracy. Though I would be lying if I said I visited Vienna only for its political significance, as I also have a great love of Mozart and Klimt—whose many works are displayed on my bedroom walls.

Emperor Charles VI (State Hall of the Austrian National Library)

“Mother with Children” by Gustav Klimt

“Apotheosis of the Renaissance” by Mihály Munkácsy

Travelling to Athens, Vienna, and Rome, and discovering lush greenery and insignificant buildings held up by pillars shaped into classical statues was a massive shock for me, especially as someone accustomed to the GTA, where every suburban house and skyscraper looks limp and lifeless. As for Europe as a whole, I was so satisfied by its walkability that I renounced public transit. As expected, this didn’t pan out well for my feet during my long-weekend trips, when I walked around 50 kilometres in each of the cities I visited—especially Rome, which I also mistakenly visited in mid-July.

Rome was stunning: around—and within—every corner stood heaps of monuments, fountains, and statues. Although I was a melting sardine packed beside hundreds of other tourists, I don’t know whether any interior can measure up to the sublimity of the papal apartments and chapels in the Vatican or St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Ecstasy of Saint Teresa” by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

St. Peter’s Basilica

Gallery of Maps (Vatican Museums)

But culture isn’t much without history, and history isn’t much without the religions that shaped it. I have always written religion off as a generalized “Other” whose principles I can commend but whose instrumentalization I condemn. However, living in and visiting places where monarchs ruled by divine right, and religion both shaped and was shaped by the conquest and the integration of foreign religions, piqued my interest. This interest grew when I finally decided to read the only physical book I had brought with me: Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov”, which I would highly recommend to anybody.

“The Bishop of Old Patras Germanos Blesses the Flag of the Revolution” by Theodoros Vryzakis

Ultimately, it is this interest that tied together my experience working at the CIG and living in Athens. Most of the time, I prefer to consume the world with only my eyes, but—as with the active love preached in Christianity—one must act within the world if one wants to make any impact upon it. For the first time in my independent life, I have shown myself that if I give myself to the world, I can change my circumstances, stoking my ambition to care for those within it.

Nicole Kulova, York University intern, summer 2026

The Odyssey in Boeotia? Connecting ancient Eleon with Homer

2026-07-17T10:47:00.000+03:00

The biggest news from Hollywood this summer has been about the newest blockbuster film from Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey. In addition to its huge success and popularity, discussion focuses on the historical accuracy of various elements of the movie, sometimes with informed insight and other times with only strong opinion. Often, these discussions fail to recognize that the ‘history’ of Homer’s epic poems is a highly fraught question that scholars, philologists and archaeologists, have been struggling with since antiquity and something that can never be satisfactorily answered because the poems we associate with Homer are creative, evolving works of fiction that are adapted to their audiences. The film and the discussions it has generated provide an opportunity for our archaeological project at ancient Eleon to highlight some of the material connections with have excavated with the ‘worlds’ of Homer.

Publicity photo for Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey (2026)

Ancient Eleon, located in central Greece about 14 km east of Thebes, has been under study by members from the Canadian Institute since 2007 when a regional survey was conducted. The Eastern Boeotia Archaeological Project (EBAP), as we are called, started excavations in 2011 as a synergasia (collaboration) of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Boeotia and the CIG and is currently directed by Dr. Alexandra Charami of the Ephorate and Brendan Burke (University of Victoria), Bryan Burns (Wellesley College) and Trevor Van Damme (University of Warwick). In 2026, the team returned to the elevated limestone ridge on the western edge of the village of Arma, about 14 km east of Thebes, for six weeks of excavations and we found further connections between Eleon and ‘Homer’s world’.

EBAP/Eleon excavation team 2026

Although far from the Troad, the site of ancient Eleon in Boeotia is connected to Troy through two passages in the Iliad that name the site. The first is Eleon’s inclusion in the Catalogue of Ships (appearing in Book 2.500) as one of cities among the Boeotian contingent the leads the Greek forces to Troy at the start of the war. The second passage (10.266–267) offers more specific heroic connections between Eleon and the Homeric heroes, specifically, Odysseus: The boar’s tusk helmet worn by Odysseus is given an elaborate genealogy that connects three generations through a series of exchanges back to Odysseus’ own grandfather, Autolykos, who visited Eleon. At Eleon, Autolykos stole the helmet from the well-built house of Amyntor, the son of Ormenos. This line of Odysseus’ family was also featured in a lost play of Euripides, the Phoenix, with action unfolding in front of the palace of Amyntor at Eleon, according to some commentators. That follows the third mention of Eleon in the Iliad, when Phoenix recounts the dispute with his father, which led him to run away and eventually become part of Achilles’s contingent. He describes the strongly-built courtyard house of Amyntor and the wealth of the family as relatives tried to smooth tensions through feasting:

They singed the hides of many pigs and stretched

the carcasses, that shone with fat, across

the fire for cooking, sacred to Hephaestus.

They drank enormous quantities of wine

from huge wine-jars belonging to my father.

Iliad 9.466-69, Emily Wilson, translator

With this background, we can ask, what are the archaeological indicators that might connect the literary imagination of Homer with the material world we were excavating at ancient Eleon? The site of ancient Eleon has three major periods of Bronze Age activity: pre-Palatial (ca. 17^th-16^th c. BCE), connected to the elaborate burials complex we call the Blue Stone Structure; the Palatial period (15^th to 13^th c BCE), the age contemporary with the elaborate administrative complexes at Mycenae, Pylos and Tiryns and the age of Linear B records (12^th c BCE); and the post-Palatial period, referred in ceramic terms as the LH IIIC period, (12^th-11^th c BCE). The post-Palatial period was relatively short, and a period of resilience in aftermath of wide-spread destructions of major palace centers. At Eleon, it’s the levels dating to the LH IIIC early and middle that provide evidence for the endurance of Mycenaean culture at secondary centers. Elements of all these ages are preserved in the epic poems of Homer.

Excavations in the Northwest quadrant of Eleon has uncovered a multi-room complex dating to the LH IIIC periods (early and middle). The northern section is divided into two large rooms, each of which features a centrally positioned hearth. In the central room we have four post supports surrounding the hearth, in form comparable to, though much simpler than, a Mycenaean palatial megaron. This complex in the Northwest and comparable structures in the further southwest were roofed with large clay tiles, flat pan tiles, covered with half-cylindrical cover tiles. The fired clay roof tiles demonstrate that these were buildings of some significance, requiring a great deal of organized labor for their construction. The buildings likely had a public function, rather than a domestic one. We might even imagine stories of Troy being retold here around the multiple hearths.

NW quadrant Eleon 2019 and roof tile fragments from the SW 2026

In the Southwest quadrant of ancient Eleon, we have architecture at a different orientation than the Northwest and finds which suggest religious activity. Here people may have made offerings of prized possessions, perhaps in gratitude for success in war or hunting. One find in particular suggests this and it is a section of a boar’s tooth with small drill holes in three locations. Two of the drill holes are through raised portions of the tooth, which were likely intended to hold the tusk fragment, fixing it onto a helmet, like the one described by Homer in book 10 of the Iliad. We have a second fragment of a boar’s tusk from nearby as well. While two tusks do not make a whole helmet (it is estimated that thirty boars would be needed for one complete helmet) the fragments we have are evocative.

We thus have tantalizing indications of Homer’s world: large, tile roofed public structures with hearths inside for banquets and story telling and boars tusks likely from a hero’s helmet.

Boar’s tusk helmet from Zafer Papoura Knossos (Heraklion Museum) and boar’s tusk from Eleon showing drill holes

À travers les carnets, la Grèce / Greece through the sketchbooks

2026-07-03T15:29:00.000+03:00

Le voyage d’étude en Grèce a offert à notre groupe de l’Université de Montréal une immersion rare dans les paysages et les vestiges qui ont façonné la pensée et l’esthétique du monde antique. D’Athènes au Péloponnèse, les étudiants en architecture et en histoire de l’art ont observé, exploré et surtout dessiné avec une sensibilité remarquable. Leurs carnets témoignent d’un regard attentif, curieux et profondément humain. Ce blog rassemble leurs créations, pour célébrer à la fois leur talent et la beauté intemporelle des lieux qui les ont inspirés.

The study trip to Greece offered our group from the University of Montreal a rare immersion into the landscapes and ancient sites that shaped the thought and aesthetics of the ancient world. From Athens to the Peloponnese, the architecture and art history students observed, explored, and above all sketched with remarkable sensitivity. Their sketchbooks reveal an attentive, curious, and deeply human gaze. This blog brings their creations together, celebrating both their talent and the timeless beauty of the places that inspired them.

« Bonjour! Je m’appelle Clara et je m’apprête à débuter ma dernière année au baccalauréat en histoire de l’art. »

“Hello! My name is Clara, and I’m about to begin my final year of the bachelor’s degree in art history.”

« L’hiver dernier j’ai suivi le cours ART1800 : Techniques et procédés picturaux, où j’y ai découvert un intérêt pour le dessin et l’aquarelle. De mon coup de crayon novice, je me suis donné le défi de continuer mon apprentissage en voyage en peignant et en dessinant les œuvres d’art grecques qui m’interpellaient le plus. Les étudiant.e.s en architecture m’ont été d’une aide précieuse pour aiguiser mon œil et surpasser mes préoccupations perfectionnistes. Merci a elleux! Je continue désormais à remplir mon carnet de croquis dans les grands musées parisiens. » Clara Jacquoudet étudiante au baccalauréat en Histoire de l’art à l’Université de Montréal.

“Last winter, I took the course ART1800: Techniques and Pictorial Processes, where I discovered an interest in drawing and watercolor. With my novice pencil stroke, I challenged myself to continue learning while traveling by painting and sketching the Greek artworks that resonated with me the most. The architecture students were an invaluable help in sharpening my eye and pushing me beyond my perfectionist worries. Thanks to them! I’m now continuing to fill my sketchbook in the great Parisian museums.” Clara Jacquoudet student in the Bachelor’s program in Art History at the University de Montréal.

« Je m’appelle Chaza Rafaee et je viens de terminer ma première année au baccalauréat en architecture à l’Université de Montréal. »

“My name is Chaza Rafaee, and I’ve just completed my first year of the bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Montreal.”

« Ce voyage en Grèce a été une expérience particulièrement marquante pour moi. Voir en personne ce que nous avions étudié en classe – incluant l’histoire de l’architecture grecque, les temples, les châteaux, les sanctuaires, les différents styles architecturaux, les textures, les matériaux ainsi que les méthodes de construction utilisées à l’époque – était réellement fascinant. J’ai également beaucoup apprécié découvrir l’histoire et le contexte propres à chaque site. La manière dont chaque lieu raconte une partie de l’histoire de l’architecture m’a permis non seulement d’enrichir mes connaissances architecturales, mais aussi de m’inspirer pleinement pour mes futurs projets. »

“This trip to Greece was a particularly meaningful experience for me. Seeing in person what we had studied in class — including the history of Greek architecture, temples, castles, sanctuaries, architectural styles, textures, materials, and the construction methods used at the time — was truly fascinating. I also greatly enjoyed learning about the history and context specific to each site. The way each place tells a part of the story of architecture allowed me not only to deepen my architectural knowledge, but also to find genuine inspiration for my future projects.”

« Durant ce voyage, réaliser des croquis a été très important pour moi. Le dessin m’a permis de capturer des détails architecturaux tout en observant les sites d’une manière différente, en prenant le temps de remarquer des éléments que l’on aperçoit parfois moins lors d’une simple visite. Pour moi, ces dessins sont à la fois des souvenirs de ce magnifique voyage et un moyen de mieux comprendre l’architecture, son histoire et les traces qu’elle laisse à travers le temps. » Chaza Rafaee étudiante au baccalauréat en architecture à l’Université de Montréal.

“During this trip, sketching was very important to me. Drawing allowed me to capture architectural details while observing the sites in a different way, taking the time to notice elements that can sometimes be overlooked during a simple visit. For me, these sketches are both memories of this wonderful journey and a way to better understand architecture, its history, and the traces it leaves through time.” Chaza Rafaee student in the Bachelor’s program in Architecture at the University de Montréal.

« Les compositions classiques suggèrent des arrangements réguliers, des proportions reconnaissables, une symétrie bilatérale, des points de vue frontaux forts, bref, une certaine rigidité dans la composition géométrique. Ces a priori pourraient être induits par les figures canoniques néoclassiques comme le Capitole de Washington et l’urbanisme entourant le National Mall jusqu’au Lincoln Memorial, ou à une autre échelle, l’articulation des villas palladiennes. »

“Classical compositions suggest regular arrangements, recognizable proportions, bilateral symmetry, strong frontal viewpoints, in short, a certain rigidity in geometric composition. These assumptions might be influenced by canonical Neoclassical figures such as the Washington Capitol and the urban layout surrounding the National Mall up to the Lincoln Memorial, or, on another scale, the articulation of Palladian villas.”

« Alors en visitant les sites séculiers et sacrés grecs, j’aurais cru y apercevoir des systèmes orthogonaux stricts, des grilles de mesures et des modules normalisés et peu de place à l’accident. Après tout, la Grèce antique demeure réputée pour son développement des arts, des sciences, des mathématiques, de la géométrie, de la juste mesure. C’est ce que suggère d’ailleurs le terme « classique » : un juste milieu des qualités, caractéristique d’une référence incontournable servant de modèle. »

“So, when visiting Greek secular and sacred sites, I expected to find strict orthogonal systems, measurement grids, standardized modules, and little room for accident. After all, ancient Greece remains renowned for its development of the arts, sciences, mathematics, geometry, and the pursuit of precise measure. This is, after all, what the term “classical” suggests: a balanced set of qualities, characteristic of an essential reference serving as a model.”

« Or, bien que j’aie pu observer fondamentalement un langage visuel et formel ubiquitaire, riche et sophistiqué, la planification des sites semblait pour le moins arbitraire : les décalements des bâtiments, les arrêts et détours dans les parcours et les changements d’angles et de plans se multiplient ; l’implantation acquiert des caractéristiques semblables à un développement organique, spontané, et surtout, pittoresque. »

“Yet, although I did observe a fundamentally ubiquitous, rich, and sophisticated visual and formal language, the planning of the sites seemed rather arbitrary: building offsets, pauses and detours along pathways, shifts in angles and planes multiplied; the layout took on characteristics akin to organic, spontaneous, and above all picturesque development.”

« À la première année du bac d’architecture, nous sommes encouragés à analyser l’espace grâce au croquis. Armé de mon carnet et de crayons, je tentais de comprendre l’implantation, la relation entre les bâtiments et l’expression formelle générale des lieux. Par le relevé au pas, par la promenade, par de longs moments méditatifs, j’ai voulu saisir l’esprit du site et réfléchir aux règles de composition sous-jacentes régissant le déploiement des systèmes : c’est la nature des études de cas plus techniques. D’autres fois, paralysé par le sublime ou simplement ennuyé pendant dix minutes d’attente de l’autobus, je sortais mon carnet et ma plume pour composer un sketch rapide. »

“In the first year of architecture school, we are encouraged to analyze space through sketching. Armed with my notebook and pencils, I tried to understand the site layout, the relationship between buildings, and the general formal expression of the places. Through pacing measurements, walking, and long meditative moments, I sought to grasp the spirit of the site and reflect on the underlying compositional rules governing the deployment of its systems: this is the nature of more technical case studies. Other times, paralyzed by the sublime or simply bored while waiting ten minutes for the bus, I would pull out my notebook and pen to compose a quick sketch.”

« De nos jours, la pratique de la photographie reste plus accessible que jamais, et c’est une chance fantastique. Alors quelle est la place du croquis? L’intérêt reste qu’il encourage au plus long moment de pause. Il nécessite une certaine concentration et une meilleure observation des détails de la Nature de chaque chose ; l’apprentissage s’intègre finalement de façon durable. »

“Today, photography is more accessible than ever, and that is a fantastic opportunity. So what place does sketching still hold? Its value lies in the longer pause it encourages. It requires a certain concentration and a sharper observation of the details and the Nature of each thing; the learning ultimately becomes deeply integrated.”

« Deux mois plus tard, au moment où j’écris ce texte, mes croquis me rapportent à des moments précis du voyage, à des souvenirs vivides dans mon esprit : parfois à des logiques architectoniques uniques, parfois simplement à des moments heureux avec un groupe de voyageurs étudiants/enseignements fantastiques. » Émile Goyer étudiant au baccalauréat en Architecture à l’Université de Montréal.

“Two months later, as I write this text, my sketches bring me back to precise moments of the trip, to vivid memories in my mind: sometimes to unique architectonic logics, sometimes simply to happy moments shared with a group of wonderful student travelers and teachers.” Émile Goyer student in the Bachelor’s program in Architecture at the University de Montréal.

The Anglophone Summer School 2026

2026-06-26T15:20:00.000+03:00

From May 17 to June 6, 2026, the Canadian Institute in Greece welcomed 22 students from universities across Canada for its annual Anglophone Summer School. Combining lectures with visits to archaeological sites and museums, the program offered participants the opportunity to experience firsthand the monuments and landscapes they had previously encountered only in textbooks. The first and third weeks of the course combined lectures at the Canadian Institute with guided visits to major archaeological sites and museums of Athens and Attica. The second week was dedicated to a field trip across the Peloponnese, allowing students to explore key archaeological monuments firsthand. Throughout three weeks of travel across Attica and the Peloponnese, classroom discussions came to life as students explored the monuments, museums, and cultural heritage that have shaped the history of Greece.

The program started on May 17 with a welcome dinner, giving students the opportunity to meet one another before embarking on their journey through Greece. Lectures began the following morning at the Canadian Institute, introducing many of the themes that would accompany the group throughout the program. During the first week, morning lectures explored topics including Bronze Age Greece, the Acropolis, the topography of ancient Athens, and Greek pottery and sculpture. Each afternoon, students stepped beyond the classroom to experience these subjects in the places where history unfolded.

The first excursion took the group to the summit of Mount Lycabettus, where panoramic views provided an introduction to the topography of Athens. Over the following days, students visited the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, admiring, among other monuments, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, while considering their architectural, historical, and cultural significance. Visits to the Classical and Roman Agoras offered insight into the civic, political, and commercial heart of the ancient city, while the National Archaeological Museum provided the opportunity to examine masterpieces spanning thousands of years of Greek history. A day trip to the island of Aegina concluded the week, where students explored the Temple of Aphaia before enjoying free time by the sea, followed by a free day to discover Athens.

On May 25, the group departed for the Peloponnese, where the program shifted from lectures to an intensive week of visits across some of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. The journey started at the Sanctuary of Demeter at Eleusis before crossing the Corinth Canal to visit Acrocorinth and Ancient Corinth, whose Temple of Apollo remains one of the city’s most recognizable monuments.

The following day students immersed themselves in the world of the Mycenaeans through visits to the Late Bronze Age citadels at Mycenae and Tiryns. Entering the tomb of Atreus, walking through the Lion Gate, exploring the palatial remains, and standing beneath the Cyclopean fortifications brought Bronze Age Greece vividly to life. The day concluded with an exploration of Nafplio’s old town and a visit to the medieval Palamidi Fortress, adding another chapter to the region’s long and fascinating history.

The journey continued to Epidaurus, where students explored the Sanctuary of Asklepios, one of the most important healing centres of the ancient Greek world, and tested the remarkable acoustics of its theatre, which continues to host performances today. At ancient Nemea, they visited the sanctuary of Zeus and its museum before learning about the region’s long-standing wine-making tradition while enjoying a tasting of local wines at the Bairaktaris Winery.

Travelling south, the Summer School visited the Archaeological Museum of Sparta before exploring the medieval city of Mystras, with its many churches, Frankish castle, and the recently restored Palace of the Despots. The day concluded with a free afternoon in the city of Kalamata.

The following two days focused on Messenia, beginning with a visit to Ancient Messene, where students explored one of Greece’s best-preserved ancient cities including its Theatre, Stadium, Agora, and Asklepieion. The trip continued to the west coast of Messenia, where the group visited the Castle of Pylos and its museums, which display material from important archaeological sites in the region as well as underwater discoveries from across Greece. Students also learned about the Battle of Navarino, a decisive event in the Greek War of Independence. The visit to the archaeological site of the Palace of Nestor, the best-preserved Mycenaean palace, was followed by a stop at the impressive medieval fortress of Methoni, and well-deserved time at the beach in front of the fortress. The next day the group continued north to Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, where students explored the sanctuary of Zeus and practiced running at the ancient stadium.

The final week began with the journey across the Rio-Antirio bridge to visit the Panhellenic Sanctuary at Delphi, at the foot of Mount Parnassus, home to the famous Oracle of Delphi, whose pronouncements influenced political and religious decisions throughout the ancient Greek world. The spectacular mountain landscape provided a dramatic setting for one of the most important sanctuaries of the ancient Greek world. A stop at the fortress of Eleutherai brought the group back to Athens, and the next day students presented the results of their on-site projects and reflected on their experiences of sites visited along the trip. The final trip took students to the Sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron and the Sanctuary of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

The Summer School concluded with a farewell dinner in the picturesque neighbourhood of Anafiotika in Plaka. After three weeks of shared discoveries, lively discussions, long bus rides, and unforgettable archaeological sites, students said goodbye carrying not only a deeper understanding of Greece’s past, but also friendships and memories that will remain long after the journey home.

Reflecting on the Summer School, many students emphasized that the program offered far more than the opportunity to visit famous archaeological sites:

"The trip was absolutely amazing! It was surreal to see all the ancient sites I've been learning about in class for years and walk the same paths as the Ancient Greeks. The bus trips through the countryside were lovely, the food was delicious, and swimming in the Mediterranean was fantastic. I also made really great friendships with people I would never have met otherwise. I am so glad I went!"

Another student reflected on the diversity of experiences the Summer School offered:

"Overall, my experience on this trip has been amazing! I tried new foods, tasted local wines, met new people who I now consider friends, and saw places I never thought I would get to experience in person. One of my favourite stops was the island of Aegina, with its beautiful landscape and the impressive Temple of Aphaia and Sanctuary of Apollo."

La découverte du monde égéen antique : L’école d’été 2026 des Cyclades et de la Crète, Partie 2 / The Discovery of the ancient Aegean : The 2026 Cyclades and Crete Summer School, Part 2

2026-06-19T15:05:00.000+03:00

Par / by Marianne Locas-Ouimet

Du 10 au 29 mai, les étudiants ont voyagé entre Athènes, les îles des Cyclades et la Crète afin d’étudier l’histoire et l’archéologie de la Grèce antique.

From the 10th to 29th of May, the students traveled from Athens into the Cycladic Islands and then to Crete, in order to study ancient Greek history and archeology.

Après la découverte d’Athènes, de Paros et de Délos, le groupe de l’école d’été du circuit Cyclades et Crète a poursuivi sa route vers Santorini.

After discovering Athens, Paros and Delos, the Cyclades and Crete Summer School continued towards Santorini.

Dès notre arrivée, la route en épingle qui grimpe au sommet de la falaise nous a offert une vue à couper le souffle (pour celles qui ont eu le courage de regarder !). Cette visite a été l’occasion d’admirer cette île magnifique, emblématique des Cyclades, et de plonger dans la civilisation de l’Âge du Bronze grâce à la découverte d’Akrotiri, site jadis enseveli sous les cendres d’un volcan. Certains ont profité de leur temps libre pour contempler la vue sur la caldeira, d’autres ont sillonné les ruelles étroites, tandis que d’autres encore ont visité l’exposition sur l’histoire des femmes dans l’Antiquité au musée archéologique de Fira. Coup de cœur pour les fresques vivantes et colorées du musée préhistorique de la capitale !

As soon as we arrived, the winding road climbing to the top of the cliff offered us a breathtaking view (for those who dared to look!). This visit gave us the chance to admire this magnificent island, an emblem of the Cyclades, and to immerse ourselves in Bronze Age civilization through the discovery of Akrotiri, a site once buried beneath volcanic ash. Some took advantage of their free time to enjoy the view over the caldera, others wandered through the narrow streets, while still others visited the exhibition on the history of women in Antiquity at the archaeological museum of Fira. A special favorite was the vivid and colorful frescoes in the prehistoric museum of the capital!

Par / by Kadeeja El Barkouki

Après une traversée sur une mer houleuse (où nous avons dû défendre ardemment nos sièges sur le bateau !), nous sommes finalement arrivés à destination : la Crète!

After a crossing a rough sea (during which we had to fiercely defend our seats on the boat!), we finally arrived at our final destination: Crete!

Par / by Sonia Thibeault

Notre dernière semaine de voyage a amené les étudiants à parcourir l’île de Minos du nord au sud et d’est en ouest : des montagnes aux gorges d’Imbros, des musées incontournables comme celui d’Héraklion aux trésors de petits musées jalonnant la magnifique route de la Messara, de l’Antiquité minoenne aux monastères byzantins, des palais grandioses comme Phaistos aux sites prisés des férus d’archéologie comme Gournia, sans oublier les plages et les eaux cristallines de Matala.

During the final week of our journey, the students explored the island of Minos from north to south and from east to west: from the mountains to the Imbros Gorge; from must-see museums such as the Heraklion Museum to the treasures of the small museums scattered along the magnificent Messara route; from Minoan antiquity to Byzantine monasteries; from the grand palaces of Phaistos to archaeological gems beloved by enthusiasts such as Gournia; and, of course, the beaches and crystal-clear waters of Matala.

Par / by Sonia Thibeault

Les coups de cœur ont certainement été le site archéologique de Knossos, dont les reconstitutions d’Evans ont au moins le mérite de faire revivre la monumentalité des centres de pouvoir minoens, les grottes de Sfendoni, où nous avons admiré chauves-souris et stalactites, les kilomètres de marche dans les gorges d’Imbros, ainsi que la charmante ville de Chania, dernière étape de notre périple crétois.

The highlights were certainly the archaeological site of Knossos, whose reconstructions by Arthur Evans succeeded in bringing back to life the grandeur of the Minoan centers of power; the Sfendoni Cave, where we admired bats and stalactites; the many kilometers of hiking through the Imbros Gorge; and the charming city of Chania, the final stop on our Cretan journey.

Par / by Élizabeth Fortier

Après une dernière nuit en mer, nous avons profité d’une ultime journée libre à Athènes avant de nous retrouver pour une soirée de clôture à l’Institut canadien, le temps d’un bilan, puis de festoyer dans une taverna traditionnelle pour les derniers au revoir !

After one final night at sea, we enjoyed a last free day in Athens before gathering for a closing evening at the Canadian Institute—a time to reflect on the trip and take stock of our experiences—followed by a celebration in a traditional taverna for our final goodbyes!

Par / by Kadeeja El Barkouki

Ce magnifique voyage a été riche en découvertes, en exploration de l’histoire et en amitiés pour cette superbe cohorte 2026 !

This wonderful journey was filled with discoveries, exploration of history, and friendships for this outstanding Class of 2026!

Par / by Roxane Dansokho & Lena Bach

Sur la route des cités antiques du Péloponnèse / On the road through the Ancient cities of the Peloponnese

2026-06-12T12:00:00.000+03:00

Après ce premier chapitre riche en découvertes athéniennes, il était temps pour nous de poursuivre l’aventure au‑delà de la capitale. Le séjour ne faisait en effet que commencer : une seconde partie tout aussi passionnante nous attendait de l’autre côté du canal de Corinthe, au cœur du Péloponnèse, terre de mythes, de paysages grandioses et de sites archéologiques parmi les plus célèbres du monde grec. C’est donc avec enthousiasme que nous avons quitté Athènes pour prendre la route, prêts à explorer cette région emblématique et à vivre de nouvelles expériences, entre visites, apprentissages et moments partagés.

After this first chapter filled with Athenian discoveries, it was time for us to continue the adventure beyond the capital. The trip was only just beginning: a second, equally fascinating part awaited us on the other side of the Corinth Canal, in the heart of the Peloponnese, a land of myths, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the most famous archaeological sites in the Greek world. With great enthusiasm, we left Athens and hit the road, ready to explore this emblematic region and experience new moments of learning, discovery, and shared memories.

Nous avons commencé par Éleusis, haut lieu des Mystères antiques, dont l’atmosphère solennelle a immédiatement plongé le groupe dans une autre dimension. Puis, cap sur Corinthe et l’impressionnante Acrocorinthe, dont les remparts perchés offrent une vue spectaculaire sur l’isthme et les montagnes environnantes.

We began with Eleusis, the sacred center of the ancient Mysteries, whose solemn atmosphere immediately transported the group into another dimension. Then we headed toward Corinth and the impressive Acrocorinth, whose hilltop walls offer spectacular views over the isthmus and the surrounding mountains.

La suite du voyage nous a menés à Mycènes et Tyrinthe, où les murailles cyclopéennes ont rappelé à quel point les héros homériques savaient voir grand. Le château de Palamède à Nauplie, avec ses escaliers interminables et son panorama sur la baie, a offert un mélange parfait entre défi sportif et récompense visuelle. À Épidaure, l’acoustique du théâtre a, comme toujours, impressionné tout le monde.

The journey then took us to Mycenae and Tiryns, where the cyclopean walls reminded us just how grand the Homeric heroes envisioned their world. The Palamidi fortress in Nafplio, with its endless stairs and sweeping views over the bay, offered the perfect blend of physical challenge and visual reward. In Epidaurus, the acoustics of the theater impressed everyone, as always.

Le séjour a aussi été ponctué de moments plus ludiques, notamment nos fameuses courses “olympiques” : d’abord sur la piste antique de Némée, puis à Messène, avant de terminer en beauté à Olympie, là où tout a commencé il y a près de trois millénaires. Entre deux visites, nous avons également découvert un vignoble de la région de Némée, l’occasion parfaite de goûter aux spécialités locales dans une ambiance détendue.

The trip was also punctuated by lighter moments, including our now‑famous “Olympic” races: first on the ancient track of Nemea, then in Messene, before ending in style at Olympia, where it all began nearly three millennia ago. Between visits, we also explored a vineyard in the Nemea region, the perfect opportunity to taste local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.

Notre route nous a ensuite conduits à Sparte et au château byzantin de Mystras, véritable ville médiévale figée dans le temps, avant de rejoindre le palais de Nestor, l’un des rares complexes mycéniens encore lisibles dans son organisation. Enfin, Delphes, au pied du mont Parnasse, a offert une conclusion grandiose à cette traversée du Péloponnèse.

Our route then led us to Sparta and the Byzantine fortress of Mystras, a true medieval city frozen in time, before reaching the Palace of Nestor, one of the rare Mycenaean complexes whose layout remains clearly readable. Finally, Delphi, at the foot of Mount Parnassus, offered a grand conclusion to this journey across the Peloponnese.

De retour en Attique, notre périple s’est achevé par deux sites emblématiques : le temple de Poséidon au cap Sounion, dominant la mer Égée, et le sanctuaire de Brauron, dédié à Artémis. Deux lieux où paysages et archéologie se répondent, parfaits pour conclure ce chapitre du voyage.

Back in Attica, our trip ended with two emblematic sites: the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the sanctuary of Brauron, dedicated to Artemis. Two places where landscape and archaeology echo one another, perfect for closing this chapter of the journey.

A fond farewell: Looking back at my time at the Canadian Institute

2026-06-05T11:45:00.000+03:00

Looking back on my year as the Neda and Franz Leipen Fellow at the Canadian Institute in Greece, I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I’ve had.

My main focus this academic year has been completing revisions on my PhD dissertation. As a bit of a recap, my research examines the consumption and production of pottery in the countryside of the ancient city of Metaponto in southern Italy. I developed a revised typology for the important black gloss pottery from the countryside, while simultaneously studying patterns of settlement in the chora in order to better understand how ancient inhabitants lived in and exploited the landscape. With the resources of the various libraries in Athens, I have been able to finish the revisions for my dissertation, and I now look forward to a defence this summer.

In addition to my dissertation work, I have been trying to develop new research projects while here in Greece. In March, I had the opportunity to present some of my new ideas as part of the CIG’s spring lecture program. My talk looked specifically at rural sanctuaries as nodes of social and economic activity in the countryside, and I benefitted greatly from the constructive feedback of the audience. I am grateful to be part of such a supportive and intellectually stimulating community of classicists and archaeologists in Athens.

In April, my parents visited Greece for the first time, and I had the pleasure of playing tour-guide for them. It was really special to lead them around the Acropolis and the Agora, and to visit some of my favourite restaurants in Athens (shoutout to Mavro Provato!). From Athens we took a ferry to Mykonos to explore some of the Cyclades. Delos and Naxos were particular highlights for me – the abandoned kouroi in the Naxian landscape are a must-see! We ended our trip with several days in Nafplio, which is such a wonderful place to visit in the Spring. We ate incredible food, shopped for souvenirs, and made daytrips to Mycenae, Nemea, and Tiryns.

There is much that I will miss after the fellowship ends, including living in Athens and attending academic and cultural events. Most of all, I will miss my friends and our daily coffee breaks, Pickleball Sundays, and brewery trips. I am very lucky to have had such a wonderful community around me during this experience. For them, and for Athens itself, this is not goodbye, but until next time.

Eric Del Fabbro
Neda and Franz Leipen Fellow 2025-2026

La découverte du monde égéen antique : L’école d’été 2026 des Cyclades et de la Crète / Exploring the Ancient Aegean: The 2026 Cycladic and Crete Summer School

2026-05-29T11:41:00.000+03:00

L’école d’été 2026 des Cyclades et de la Crète d’ICG a officiellement commencé.

The 2026 Cycladic and Crete CIG Summer School has officially begun.

Du 10 au 29 mai, les étudiants voyagent entre Athènes, les îles des Cyclades et la Crète afin d’étudier l’histoire grecque, de l’âge du Bronze jusqu’à aujourd’hui. Cette année marque également la première édition du programme réunissant des étudiants francophones et anglophones au sein de la même trajet.

From May 10th to May 29th, students are travelling across Athens, the Cycladic islands, and Crete to study Greek history from the Bronze Age to the present day. This year also marks the first time the program has brought together both Francophone and Anglophone students within the same Summer School.

La première semaine s’est déroulée à Athènes, où les étudiants ont suivi des cours à l’Institut canadien en Grèce selon leur langue d’enseignement. Les conférences portaient sur l’archéologie, l’histoire ancienne, la religion et la culture matérielle, offrant aux participants les bases historiques nécessaires avant le départ pour les îles.

The first week was spent in Athens, where students attended classes at the Canadian Institute in Greece according to their language of instruction. Lectures focused on archaeology, ancient history, religion, and material culture, providing the historical background needed before heading into the field.

En dehors des cours, le groupe a exploré plusieurs des musées et sites archéologiques les plus importants de la ville, notamment le Musée archéologique national, le Musée d’art cycladique, le Musée Benaki, l’Acropole et l’Agora d’Athènes. Voir ces objets et monuments en personne a permis aux étudiants d’établir des liens entre les thèmes abordés en classe et les vestiges du monde antique, tout en suscitant des discussions sur la vie quotidienne, le commerce, la religion et la politique dans l’Antiquité.

Outside the classroom, the group explored some of the city’s most important museums and archaeological sites, including the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum, the Acropolis, and the Athenian Agora. Seeing these objects and monuments in person gave students the opportunity to connect lecture material with the physical remains of the ancient world and sparked further discussion about daily life, trade, religion, and politics in antiquity.

Après Athènes, le groupe a quitté le continent pour les Cyclades. Pour plusieurs étudiants, il s’agissait d’une première traversée en traversier sur la mer Égée. Le premier arrêt était Paros, où le groupe a visité le Musée archéologique, le village de Lefkès et le port de Naoussa tout en découvrant l’histoire et les paysages de l’île.

After Athens, the group departed for the Cyclades. For many students, it was their first time travelling by ferry through the Aegean. The first stop was Paros, where the group visited the Archaeological Museum, the village of Lefkes, and the port town of Naoussa while exploring the island’s history and landscape.

Depuis Naoussa, les étudiants se sont rendus à Délos, le sanctuaire traditionnellement associé à la naissance d’Apollon et d’Artémis. La visite du site a permis au groupe d’examiner les vestiges de l’un des plus importants centres religieux et commerciaux du monde égéen antique. Un court arrêt à Mykonos a également offert l’occasion de discuter de la célèbre mosaïque de Dionysos provenant de la Maison de Dionysos à Délos, ainsi que du rôle des images mythologiques dans les espaces domestiques.

From Naoussa, students travelled to Delos, the sanctuary traditionally associated with the birth of Apollo and Artemis. Walking through the site allowed the group to examine the remains of one of the most important religious and commercial centres of the ancient Aegean. A short stop in Mykonos also provided the opportunity to discuss the famous Dionysus mosaic from the House of Dionysus on Delos and the role of mythological imagery within domestic spaces.

Alors que le voyage se poursuit à travers la mer Égée, les étudiants se dirigent désormais vers un paysage marqué à la fois par les forces de la nature et par l’histoire humaine.

As the journey continues through the Aegean, students now move toward another landscape shaped as much by natural forces as by human history.

Athènes, laboratoire à ciel ouvert / Athens, an open-air laboratory

2026-05-22T11:11:00.000+03:00

C’est avec un grand plaisir que nous vous annonçons le début de la cinquième édition consécutive de l’école d’été Athènes–Péloponnèse, une aventure désormais incontournable pour nos étudiants comme pour l’équipe encadrante. Pour cette nouvelle aventure, nous sommes en compagnie de 37 âmes passionnées.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the beginning of the fifth consecutive edition of the Athens–Peloponnese Summer School, an experience that has now become essential for both our students and the teaching team. For this new adventure, we are joined by 37 passionate participants.

Du 3 au 13 mai, notre séjour athénien a offert une immersion à la fois formatrice et conviviale au cœur de la capitale grecque. Chaque matin, les cours d’archéologie classique dispensés dans les locaux du ICG ont permis aux étudiants d’acquérir une base commune solide, qu’il s’agisse d’analyse de la céramique, de compréhension des sanctuaires ou de lecture de l’architecture antique. Ces notions ont ensuite pris tout leur sens lors des visites de l’après‑midi, où l’Acropole, les agoras, les musées et les quartiers historiques se sont révélés comme autant de prolongements concrets des enseignements du matin.

From May 3 to 13, our stay in Athens offered an experience that was both educational and convivial at the heart of the Greek capital. Each morning, the classical archaeology courses held in the ICG facilities allowed students to acquire a solid common foundation, whether in ceramic analysis, the study of sanctuaries, or the reading of ancient architecture. These concepts then took on their full meaning during the afternoon visits, where the Acropolis, the agoras, the museums, and the historic districts appeared as concrete extensions of the morning lessons.

L’expérience athénienne ne s’est toutefois pas limitée aux sites archéologiques : l’ascension du mont Lycabette, la promenade sur la colline des Muses (Philopappou) et les découvertes culinaires, notamment lors du dîner à la taverne Klimataria, ont permis au groupe d’apprécier la ville dans toute sa diversité. Entre apprentissages, panoramas impressionnants et moments partagés, Athènes s’est imposée comme un cadre à la fois stimulant, chaleureux et riche en découvertes.

The Athenian experience, however, was not limited to archaeological sites: the ascent of Mount Lycabettus, the walk on the Hill of the Muses (Philopappou), and the culinary discoveries—especially during the dinner at the traditional taverna Klimataria—allowed the group to appreciate the city in all its diversity. Between learning, breathtaking views, and shared moments, Athens proved to be a stimulating, welcoming, and richly rewarding setting.

Le vendredi, changement de décor : direction l’île d’Égine pour une parenthèse maritime. Entre la traversée en bateau, l’ambiance détendue du port et la visite du sanctuaire d’Aphaia, cette journée a offert un parfait équilibre entre culture et escapade en bord de mer.

On Friday, the scenery changed: we headed to the island of Aegina for a maritime interlude. Between the boat crossing, the relaxed atmosphere of the port, and the visit to the sanctuary of Aphaia, the day offered a perfect balance between culture and a seaside escape.

Le samedi soir, certains étudiants ont prolongé l’expérience grecque en assistant au concert de Déspina Vandi et Konstantinos Argyros, une immersion festive dans la scène musicale locale qui a marqué les esprits.

On Saturday evening, some students extended their Greek experience by attending the concert of Despina Vandi and Konstantinos Argyros, a festive immersion in the local music scene that left a lasting impression.

Pour le reste du séjour, chacun a pu arpenter Athènes à son rythme : ruelles animées, cafés en terrasse, marchés colorés, couchers de soleil sur les collines… La ville s’est révélée sous toutes ses facettes, entre patrimoine millénaire et énergie contemporaine.

For the remainder of the stay, everyone was free to explore Athens at their own pace: lively streets, terrace cafés, colorful markets, sunsets over the hills… The city revealed itself in all its facets, between millennia‑old heritage and contemporary energy.

Après ces journées intenses et riches en découvertes, notre aventure athénienne touchait déjà à sa fin. Entre les cours du matin, les visites passionnantes, les panoramas depuis les collines et les moments partagés autour de la table, Athènes nous a offert un début de séjour aussi formateur que chaleureux. Mais l’école d’été ne s’arrête pas là : une seconde partie tout aussi captivante nous attendait de l’autre côté du canal de Corinthe. C’est donc avec enthousiasme que nous avons quitté la capitale pour prendre la route du Péloponnèse, prêts à explorer ses sites mythiques, ses paysages impressionnants et ses traditions locales.

After these intense and discovery‑filled days, our Athenian adventure was already coming to an end. Between the morning courses, the fascinating visits, the panoramic views from the hills, and the shared meals, Athens offered us a beginning of the program that was both enriching and warm. But the summer school does not end there: a second, equally captivating chapter awaited us on the other side of the Corinth Canal. With great enthusiasm, we left the capital and set off toward the Peloponnese, ready to explore its mythical sites, impressive landscapes, and local traditions.

Welcome, Nicole!

2026-05-07T10:54:00.000+03:00

This week, we welcomed our new intern from York University, Nicole Kulova, who will be with us in Athens until July.

Nicole is a second-year Honours student in Political Science and Philosophy whose education in classics, philosophy, political theory, and history has inspired her interest in understanding how Greek ideas have shaped modernity.

She believes that gaining exposure to the everyday functioning of Athens and the Canadian Institute through seminars, lectures, engagement with scholars, and mundane duties will deepen her understanding of how culture, politics, and memory have been shaped by both the ancients and their investigators.

Nicole aims to apply what she learns to the latter half of her undergraduate studies and her pursuit of legal expertise in law school.

Jonathan Tomlinson
Assistant Director

My Unforgettable Internship Experience

2026-04-10T11:51:00.001+03:00

Ever since my first trip to Crete in 2016, I have heard the siren’s call of Greece tempting me to return. Then in 2025, armed with my undergrad Classics knowledge, I was fortunate enough to join the CIG’s 3-week Attica and the Peloponnese Summer School Program and became more drawn into the archaeology, history, and land than ever. So, when I was offered this 3-month internship, I accepted the opportunity without hesitation. Escaping Ontario’s coldest and snowiest winter months was an added bonus to what I knew would be an unforgettable experience.

I was responsible for a variety of tasks around the Institute to ensure that everything was running smoothly. I was in charge of preparing the CIG social media posts which gave me an excellent way to share my experiences and to further research the sites and museums I had visited. I was also able to help out with events like hosting the Friends of Canada, the CIG’s Fellow’s lecture, and the Paris Arnopoulos Lecture, giving me the opportunity to engage with the information presented in lectures and to meet plenty of new people. This year is the CIG’s 50th anniversary and in preparation, I typed out excerpts from a book detailing accomplishments of Canadian archaeologists and the beginnings of the Institute. It was very interesting learning about our contributions to research in Greece and the struggles the Institute went through just to exist. I greatly enjoyed the main project I worked on throughout the three months: polishing up the organizational details of the Fred Winter Digital Archive. Working with the Fred Winter Archive by ensuring that information on each file was correct, complete, and organized in an easy to search way made my detail-oriented side extremely satisfied.

With Athens as a hub, I used whatever free time I had to explore museums and archaeological sites. The city itself had so many sights (and sites) to see and museums to explore, perfect for visiting on weekdays after mornings at the Institute. I used my weekends for travelling further outside of Athens. Taking ferries from Piraeus and Perama, I visited Aegina (perfect for the pistachio-lover that I am), Salamina, and, finally, Crete, returning there after a 10-year absence. I took advantage of the bus tours from Athens to go to Delphi, Mycenae, Epidauros, and Nafplio, exploring parts of these sites that I had missed and appreciating the landscapes that hold so much history. A highlight of my trip was my visit to the Archaeological Museum of Marathon and my adventures making my way to the Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods. I navigated the limited Saturday public transportation between Athens and Nea Makri, braved the full range of Greek weather, and spent an appropriate amount of time walking around.

I did not focus exclusively on archaeological experiences, fascinating and valuable as they were. I was also determined to immerse myself into the culture of the Greek people here now. I followed their lead, allowing myself to slow down to enjoy life and the world around me. I spent my down time exploring the parks and green spaces around the city, braving the cold water with a couple of swims in Lake Vouliagmeni and in the sea, and watching beautiful sunsets atop the Pnyx and Philopappos Hill. After these three months, I discovered my regular gyro place and bakery whenever I wanted to satisfy my appetite with Greek food while sitting in the sun. I was also fortunate enough to experience two important holidays during which the CIG was closed: Clean Monday and Greek Independence Day. Using the days off to my advantage, I was able to participate in the dancing, singing, and kite flying celebrations of Clean Monday and stand among the crowd to watch the military parade on Independence Day.

These months have been full of experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime and I’m so grateful that I was given this opportunity. It’s hard to believe that it’s finally over and I am leaving the daily life I had gotten used to. The siren’s song is as strong as ever, though, and I’m sure that I will be back before long; there is still so much I will see and experience.

Tammy Markov, University of Waterloo intern, winter 2026

Welcome, Tammy!

2026-01-19T11:48:00.004+02:00

A few days ago we welcomed our new intern from the University of Waterloo, Tammy Markov, who will be with us in Athens until April.

Tammy is currently studying for her BA in Honours Classical Studies, and she has an interest in the Hellenization of the ancient world especially during the Hellenistic period and in exploring interdisciplinary approaches to archeology.

Tammy participated in our 2025 Peloponnese Summer School and is looking forward to further immersing herself in Greek culture for a deeper understanding of both the contemporary and ancient Greek world. In this way, during her internship, Tammy hopes to continue to support the connection between Greek and Canadian researchers and institutions.

Jonathan Tomlinson
Assistant Director

My time as the CIG Intern

2026-01-02T06:04:00.011+02:00

After getting the news that I would be the next intern at the Canadian Institute, I was over the moon (and slightly terrified) to have the chance to live and work in Athens for three months. The internship could not have come at a better time, even if the days before were a blur of packing chaos. I had just wrapped up my final class at Concordia a few weeks earlier. I was still riding the “wait, did I actually graduate?” wave before immediately cramming my entire life into a single suitcase and jumping into an Uber to catch my flight.

It didn’t quite feel real until I walked outside the Eleftherios Venizelos airport and was hit by a wave of heat and the all-too-nostalgic smell of Greece. I was in the right place.

Most of my time at the Institute was spent doing a little bit of everything, which honestly ended up being one of my favourite parts of the job. Some days I was in the library cataloguing new books or trying to track down elusive LC numbers. Other days I was deep in the Fred Winter archives, comparing decades-old folders to digital spreadsheets and slowly building a searchable system. I also managed all the Institute’s social media, writing posts, editing photos, and discovering my one true passion: Canva. On top of that, I updated the fieldwork pages on the website (24 of them!), rewriting summaries and adding bibliographies so each project had a proper presence. Researching all these Canadian archaeological projects connected to the Institute was a pleasure; I learned so much about the history of Canadian research here and gained a clearer picture of the impact we’ve had in the field.

Left: Monastiraki Flea Market
Centre: Photography exhibition at The Art Foundation (TAF)
Right: Graduate showcase at the Athens School of Fine Arts

Before long, I fell into a lovely routine: mornings in the Institute library, afternoons wandering around Athens, and evenings spent chatting with my roommates or popping into whatever event was happening that day. I’m pretty sure I shattered my all-time step count record just aimlessly roaming the city. I will miss my favourite cafés, going running through the National Garden, and the countless trips to museums, flea markets and pop-ups around Athens.

I was also really lucky to be here for several events hosted at the Institute this fall, including an embassy reception, a Canadian film screening, a lecture by Dr. Margaret Aiken, and the opening of the Institute’s exhibition on Kastorian communities in Canada. It was so cool to see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into setting up an exhibition like this and then watch it all come together on opening night. I was happy being able to help out wherever I could, whether it was running last-minute errands, assembling furniture, ironing tablecloths, or greeting guests at the door. It was a very charming mix of responsibilities that made me appreciate just how many tiny moving parts go into making these events work.

Even though I’d been to Greece before, most of my time had been split between Athens and Crete, so I hadn’t seen much of the mainland. One of the best parts of living in Athens for three months is how easy it is to escape the city for little weekend adventures, and I made it to several places that had been sitting on my must-see list forever: Mycenae, Epidaurus, the Meteora monasteries, and the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina. In mid-October, I hopped on a bus to Delphi and ended up solo-hiking the 18km loop to the Corycian Cave. Delphi was absolutely surreal—sunny when I arrived, then suddenly swallowed in this thick, misty fog that made the whole sanctuary feel magical (I could barely see two steps in front of me). Despite nearly getting trapped in a herd of goats with their very angry shepherd dog at the top of Mount Parnassus, this was easily my favourite trip of the entire three months.

Spending the fall in Athens as the Canadian Institute’s intern has been such a privilege, and I genuinely can’t believe how fast it went by. I’m not emotionally prepared to say goodbye to Greece, or its sunsets, and return to -25 snowy Montréal, but here we are. I hope to be back again soon!

Aiko Byrne, Concordia University intern, Fall 2025

Reflections from Athens: A semester of research and discovery

2025-12-26T06:11:00.001+02:00

I have been extraordinarily fortunate to spend the last two years in Greece, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided by the Neda and Franz Leipen Fellowship, which has allowed me to continue living in a city and country that I have come to love deeply. In September 2025, I began my stay at the Canadian Institute in Greece with the hope of finishing my PhD thesis over the course of the academic year. The resources and hospitality of the CIG have greatly aided my progress towards this goal.

My doctoral research centers on Greek pottery collected during a field survey of the landscape around the ancient city of Metaponto in southern Italy. In particular, I have developed a revised typology for the important black gloss pottery from the Classical and Hellenistic periods. With ceramic studies, it is essential to have access to a broad variety of comparative material – in this I have been very well served by the libraries of the CIG and other foreign archaeological institutes such as the American and British Schools. I have also been able view material from important collections such as those housed in the National Archaeological Museum and the Athenian Agora. With the help of these resources, I have revised several chapters of my dissertation this semester and submitted a journal article related to my work.

In addition to my own research, this semester has been full of social and cultural enrichment. I have been able to expand my horizons by attending academic and cultural events in Athens. Highlights include a concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, movie night at the CIG, and the Greek Religion Seminars at the Swedish Institute in Athens. Such events are also a great opportunity to make connections with other scholars, many of whom have become good friends!

It is a true privilege to live in Athens for a long period. Becoming a regular at local coffee shops, seeing the Acropolis from every vantage point, sampling the best of both Greek and foreign cuisines – these are just a few of the joys that come from calling this city home (at least temporarily!). The city is also a great base for exploring other parts of Attic and Greece, and I have been able to take short trips to incredible sites like the cave of Pan at Daphni. These trips have broadened my knowledge of both ancient Greece and the modern nation.

My first semester at the CIG has flown by in a blur of library work, coffee breaks, and museum visits. I am very happy to have made good progress in my work and developed many personal connections in Athens. I am grateful for the support of the Institute’s staff and the Neda and Franz Leipen Fellowship, which have facilitated this wonderful experience. As I return home for the holidays, I am already looking forward to another great term in 2026!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Καλή Χρονιά!
Eric Del Fabbro, Neda and Franz Leipen Fellow 2025-2026

The Abdera Urban Plan Project (AUPP): Results from the 2025 season

2025-10-13T11:53:00.042+03:00

In June 2025, the AUPP began its second season with excavations at the site of the Roman period Insula of Houses at Abdera. The project is co-directed by Maria Chrysafi, Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Xanthi and Dr. Maria Papaioannou from the Department of Historical Studies at the University of New Brunswick, under the auspices of the Canadian Institute in Greece and the Greek Ministry of Culture. Abdera is a coastal site in northern Greece nestled between the Rhodope mountains and the Aegean Sea with a spectacular view of the island of Thasos. Not far along the coast, to the west, is the site of Argilos where another CIG project was in full swing. Students from different disciplines and institutions – Canada, the US and Greece – convened to put into practice the knowledge they acquired in the classroom and from past experiences at other sites. Cohorts of workers and archaeologists from the Ephorate of Antiquities of Xanthi and professional museum staff offered their expertise and supervision to the group.

Left: David Pogoson, (Civil Engineering, University of New Brunswick); Centre & Right: Site supervisor, archaeologist Efie Kosmidou, Ephorate of Xanthi (centre): training session

Investigations of the Insula of Houses, begun in 1952 by Dimitrios Lazarides, were later continued by the Greek Archaeological Service. The results from last year’s geophysical survey (2024) conducted by FORTH allowed us to map remains of courtyard and peristyle houses beneath the surface and confirm the presence of another housing block to the east. This year our goal was to locate the road bordering the north side of the insula and the north wall of the Roman period peristyle house, reexamine Lazarides’ trench in the east portico of the house and locate remains of the Hellenistic period. Work at the site was supervised by archaeologist Efie Kosmidou from the Ephorate of Antiquities of Xanthi who was always’ on the go.’ She is to be commended for her expertise and skills in organizing workers, students, trenches, site documentation, and making sure that all ran smoothly.

Above: aerial view of excavations along northern limits of Insula of Houses; Below: work along the north wall of the peristyle house. Students: Left: David Pogoson; Right: Kate Seeger, Michaela Mirkopoulos, Maria Zatusevschi, Mary Lucovich & Maria Georgia Papoutsi

Work commenced along the north side of the peristyle house where a small section of the north wall and an extensive destruction layer came to light. This was a challenging site to dig as the soil was as hard as concrete and work progressed slowly. Consequently, we were unable to reach the foundations of the wall as originally planned. We also excavated, northward, along the east wall of the peristyle house hoping to locate the road delineating the northern limits of the insula. There is much debate about the exact location of the road.

Left: Excavations in the east portico of the Roman period peristyle house. Lazarides’ trench (1954); Right: covering Lazarides’ trench

Excavations in the east portico of the Roman period peristyle house were more productive. We located and excavated Lazarides’ trench which offered a treasure trove of surprises! Work began at a slow pace as the surface soil, like elsewhere, was rock hard but conditions changed, and the team managed to reach the flagstone pavement of an earlier, Hellenistic phase. This trench served as an excellent case study for documenting earlier excavations practices which intrigued us all.

Washing pottery sherds in the garden of the Abdera Museum. From bottom left to right: “Shy Kitty” (Abdera), Kate Seeger (St. Mary’s University, Halifax,) Maria Zatusevschi (University of Dallas, Texas), Maria Papoutsi (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Mary Lucovich (University of Dallas, Texas), Mikaela Mirkopoulos (Toronto & University of Arizona), David Pogoson (University of New Brunswick), Athanasia Koutoula, Sinem Sadik and Chrysanthi Marinou (Demokritus University of Thrace)

Students took part in a multitude of tasks, from digging to sifting through dirt for small finds, keeping diaries and washing pottery in the courtyard of the Abdera Museum in the company of a camera-shy kitty (lower left corner) that arrived daily and on time to watch everyone work. Conservator Katerina Christou was always present to assist with the pottery and surprise us by presenting the small finds after cleaning and restoration: what a difference! Other educational activities included pottery classes at the museum offered by the co-directors, Maria Chrysafi (EAX) and Maria Papaioannou (UNB).

From Left to Right: Hiking up to Hellenistic fortress; view at the top; Inside Macedonian tomb

Students also engaged in a variety of weekend excursions which included visits to the old city of Xanthi and its museums (especially the Folklore Museum and the most intriguing Museum of Shadows), the nearby Lagoon of Porto Lagos with its two little islands connected by wooden bridges, each with a church (the Monastery of St. Nicholas and the Church of Panaghia Pantanassa), and the famous pink flamingos! A field trip up to the well-preserved Hellenistic fortress at Kalyva on Mt. Rhodope was accompanied by a breath-taking view of the surrounding forests and visit to the well-preserved 2^nd century BC Macedonian tomb. Many thanks to archaeologist Kiki Hatziprokopiou (Ephorate of Xanthi), who although on sabbatical leave offered to conduct the tour. And last but certainly not least, the island of Thasos was also on the list, and a dip in the Aegean was a popular choice!

A visit to the site by his Grace Bishop of Polystylon, k. Sophronios and excavation team

During the excavation season, officials and members of the local community and tourists took a keen interest in our project and came to visit the site and ask questions … which we were not always able to answer! Among those that honoured us with their presence was his Grace Bishop of Polystylon, k. Sophronios, who after touring the Byzantine Acropolis of Abdera, known as Polystylon, made his way down to our site. As an antiquities enthusiast and ardent supporter of archaeological projects he wished us a productive season.

AUPP 2025, Team

We thank all the workers, museum and hostel staff, archaeologists, surveyor Athanasios Deliorides, archaeologist Konstantinos Darakis for aerial photos of the site, and the Director of the Ephorate of Xanthi Maria Chrysafi, for their hard work and hospitality. It would be amiss not to mention our cook ‘kyria Efie’ who with her delicious meals made sure the students were ready for a hard day’s work.

This project would not have been possible without the generous financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Xanthi.

We are looking forward to discussing and analyzing the results of this year’s 2025 activities and planning for the 2026 season. The outcomes will afford a better understanding of the complexity of Greek town planning and provide a more nuanced approach to the study of the built environment and those who shaped it.

Maria Papaioannou, co-director AUPP, University of New Brunswick

Welcome, Eric and Aiko!

2025-09-22T11:45:00.017+03:00

The new academic year has begun at the Institute, and we welcome the Institute’s 2025-2026 Neda and Franz Leipen Fellow, Eric Del Fabbro, and Concordia University intern, Aiko Byrne.

Eric Del Fabbro is a PhD candidate in the Department of Greek and Roman Studies at McMaster University. He is a writing a thesis entitled “Settlement dynamics in the ancient chora of Metaponto: An archaeological investigation into the social, political, and economic history of the countryside.” under the supervision of Dr. Spencer Pope.

The countryside around the ancient polis of Metaponto in southern Italy has been the subject of an intensive field survey aimed at understanding patterns of rural settlement from prehistory to the early modern period. Eric’s project uses the ceramic artifacts collected from the survey to identify the chronology and function of the rural sites. The countryside was occupied by a dense network of farmsteads, necropoleis, and sanctuaries from the Archaic to Hellenistic period. His research seeks to understand how changes in rural settlement over time were connected to broader political and social developments that affected the whole polis. It also investigates questions related to the production and exchange of pottery in the chora.

Thanks to the Neda and Franz Leipen Fellowship, Eric hopes to complete the writing of his dissertation and do supplementary research on Greek Hellenistic pottery. During his nine-month stay in Greece, he will not only have access to a wide array of publications at the Canadian Institute in Greece and other foreign institutes, but he will also be able to study ceramic artifacts in the storerooms of the Athenian Agora and other major collections.

Aiko Byrne has recently completed her BA in Honours Classics: Ancient History and Archaeology at Concordia University in Montreal. She is especially interested in Late Bronze Age urbanism, household archaeology, and the use of digital methods in archaeological research.

Through her internship, Aiko hopes to deepen her understanding of cultural heritage work abroad while supporting meaningful partnerships between Canadian and Greek researchers and institutions.

Jonathan Tomlinson
Assistant Director

À la découverte d’Argilos : la saison de fouilles 2025 / Unearthing Argilos: 2025 Excavation Recap

2025-08-22T15:50:00.001+03:00

Plus de soixante étudiants universitaires et d’étudiants de CEGEP venus de partout dans le monde se sont réunis à Asprovalta, dans le nord de la Grèce, du 2 juin au 14 juillet 2025. Les participants ont pris part à des fouilles archéologiques sur le site d’Argilos, tout en réalisant des analyses approfondies des artefacts au musée d’Amphipolis, sous la supervision d’experts chevronnés.

Nos travaux sur le terrain ont été répartis entre deux secteurs dynamiques du site : le plateau Angelopoulos et le secteur commercial Koutloudis.

Over sixty university and CEGEP students from around the globe convened in Asprovalta, Northern Greece, between June 2 and July 14, 2025. Participants engaged in both onsite excavation at Argilos and detailed artifact analysis at the Amphipolis Museum under the guidance of seasoned experts.

We split our fieldwork between two vibrant sectors of the site: the Angelopoulos plateau and the Koutloudis commercial sector.

Plateau Angelopoulos / The Angelopoulos plateau

Découvert en 2022, le plateau Angelopoulos en est à sa troisième saison d’exploration. Après avoir cartographié une rue orientée nord-sud croisant une grande avenue est-ouest, notre objectif sur quatre semaines était de déterminer la fonction d’une vaste structure située au sud de cette avenue. Les fouilles ont confirmé qu’il s’agissait d’une grande maison munie d’une cour intérieure, révélant de nouvelles perspectives sur l’organisation domestique à Argilos. Un immense merci à Maria Clermont-Mignault et Ariane Poulin pour leurs efforts dans ce secteur.

Discovered in 2022, the Angelopoulos plateau entered its third season of exploration. After mapping a north–south street intersecting a grand east–west avenue, our four-week goal was to unlock the purpose of a large structure just south of that avenue. Excavations confirmed the building served as a large house with an interior courtyard, offering new insights into domestic organization in ancient Argilos. A huge shout-out to Maria Clermont-Mignault and Ariane Poulin for taking charge of this sector with expertise and enthusiasm.

Secteur Koutloudis / Koutloudis sector

Dans le quartier commercial, les efforts se sont concentrés sur la zone est, avec l’ouverture de cinq tranchées dans le bâtiment P et la mobilisation de quatre équipes dans le bâtiment Q. Le but principal était de mettre au jour la dernière couche d’occupation et d’évaluer si elle correspondait à la conquête de la ville par Philippe II de Macédoine en 357 av. J.-C. Chaque salle a révélé divers artefacts et éléments architecturaux intéressants, qui ont tous contribué à reconstituer les morceaux du « casse-tête » Argilos

In the commercial quarter, efforts concentrated on the eastern zone, with five trenches opened in Building P and four teams operating in Building Q. The primary aim was to expose the final occupation layer and assess whether it corresponded to Philip II of Macedon’s conquest in 357 BCE. Each room produced various interesting artifacts and architectural features, all of which aid in uncovering the pieces of the puzzle called Argilos.

Secteur Koutloudis, deux équipes situées dans P9 et P10 supervisées par Lola Baillet / Koutloudis sector, Rooms P9 and P10 supervised by Lola Baillet

Keven Ouellet et Sophie Crawford présentent leur palmette / Keven Ouellet and Sophie Crawford Presenting their Palmette

Deux projets spéciaux ont également été réalisés dans cette zone. Le premier consistait à dégager la porte est de la ville, que nous croyons être l’entrée principale en raison de sa proximité avec l’agora et la grande avenue menant au cœur de la cité. Le second portait sur l’exploration de deux immenses canaux de drainage qui dirigeaient les eaux vers la mer Égée. Merci à Keven Ouellet, Shelby Vieira, Lola Baillet, Samuel Chaput, Ian House, François Gignac et Niko Vasilikoudis pour leur encadrement des participants et l’organisation du travail dans ce secteur.

We also undertook two special projects in this area. The first was the uncovering of the Eastern gate of the city, which we believe may be the main entrance of the city, judging by its proximity to the Agora and the large avenue that leads into the city. The second was the exploration of two massive drainage channels that directed water toward the Aegean. Thank you to Keven Ouellet, Shelby Vieira, Lola Baillet, Samuel Chaput, Ian House, François Gignac, and Niko Vasilikoudis for leading and mentoring these trenches.

Sofia Aragones travaille dans le drain près du bâtiment P / Sofia Aragones Working in the Drain near building P

Cette année, nous avons également modernisé notre système de géolocalisation en temps réel, avec l’acquisition d’un nouveau récepteur GNSS avancé, afin de nous aider à préciser les coordonnées précises et les données d’élévation pour chaque artefact et élément architectural d’importance. L’intégration de ces données à notre plateforme SIG nous aide à comprendre la stratigraphie et les relations spatiales du site. Nous remercions tout particulièrement Frédéric Lemyre-Corbeil pour son importante contribution à cet aspect de notre travail.

This year we also revamped our real-time geolocation system, with the acquisition of a new advanced GNSS receiver to assist us in capturing precise coordinates and elevation data for every artifact and architectural feature. Integrating this data into our GIS platform helps us in understanding the site’s stratigraphy and spatial relationships. Special thanks to Frédéric Lemyre-Corbeil for his important contribution to this aspect of our work.

Frédéric Lemyre-Corbeil : À la recherche des satellites / Frédéric Lemyre-Corbeil: Harnessing the Power of Satellites

Le musée d’Amphipolis a joué un rôle central dans le travail post-fouille. Les étudiants y ont lavé, identifié, catalogué et interprété les artefacts, contribuant directement à la reconstitution du récit d’Argilos. Saskia Deluy et Laure Sarah Ethier Boutet ont dirigé ce volet, formant les étudiants à toutes les étapes du traitement des objets, complétant ainsi le cycle de fouille pour les recherches futures. Nous avons également reçu la visite de notre zooarchéologue, Angelos Gkotsinas, qui a, encore cette année, captivé l’auditoire avec un cours de zooarchéologie portant sur l’économie pastorale et l’exploitation animale à Argilos.

The Amphipolis facility served as a critical center for post-excavation work. Students undertook the washing, identification, cataloguing, and preliminary interpretation of artifacts, thereby contributing directly to the narrative of Ancient Argilos. Saskia Deluy and Laure Sarah Ethier Boutet led this project, teaching students how to handle, identify and catalogue these artifacts, completing the excavation process for future studies. On top of this, as a special guest, Angelos Gkotsinas engrossed the students with a zooarchaeology course on pastoral economies and animal exploitation at Argilos.

Nettoyage de poterie au musée par des étudiants engagés / Students Engaged in Pottery Washing at the Museum

Pierre-Alexandre Audet présente fièrement un os / Pierre-Alexandre Audet showing off a Bone

À l’arrière du musée, deux professionnels ont soutenu nos travaux par leur savoir-faire. Christos Kountouras, notre dessinateur technique, a produit une documentation visuelle précise et détaillée de chaque objet. De son côté, la conservatrice Dimitra Kampouri a pris en charge les artefacts spécialisés, veillant à leur stabilisation, leur restauration et leur préservation pour les générations à venir. Nos remerciements les plus chaleureux à la directrice de l’Éphorie, Dimitra Malamidou, et au gardien-chef Giorgos Galios, ainsi qu’à toute l’équipe du musée pour leur accueil et leur soutien indéfectible.

At the back of the museum, two professionals were supporting us through their expertise. Christos Kountouras, our draftsman, produced precise and detailed visual documentation of each object in the form of technical drawings. On the other side was conservator Dimitra Kampouri, who collected all specialized artifacts and ensured that they were stabilized, reassembled, and preserved for centuries to come. Heartfelt thanks to director Dimitra Malamidou, head guard Giorgos Galios, and the entire museum staff for their warmth and support.

Shelby Vieira présente à Pella / Shelby Vieira Presenting at Pella

Pour équilibrer le travail rigoureux avec des moments de détente, nous avons organisé des excursions vers divers sites et musées à Pella, Vergina, Thessalonique, Stagire, Thasos et Philippes. Chaque visite a enrichi la compréhension historique des étudiants et leur a permis de faire des liens concrets avec leurs découvertes sur le terrain.

To balance hard work with inspiration, we organized weekly field trips to various sites and museums at Pella, Vergina, Thessaloniki, Stagira, Thasos, and Philippi. Each visit deepened our students’ appreciation for the region’s layered history and helped them identify their findings and look forward to what they may find in the future.

Keven Ouellet présente la Maison hellénistique à Argilos / Keven Ouellet presenting the Hellenistic Mansion at Argilos

La 33e saison de fouilles à Argilos a permis des découvertes majeures, a affiné nos méthodes de travail et a suscité de nouvelles questions de recherche. Merci encore à tous les étudiants, membres du corps professoral et du personnel pour leur dévouement. Grâce à leurs efforts collectifs, les prochaines campagnes s’annoncent prometteuses et Argilos continuera de révéler les secrets du monde antique.

The 33rd season of excavation at Argilos yielded significant discoveries, refined our methodological approaches, and generated new research questions. Thank you once again to all students, faculty, and staff for their dedication, as their collective efforts lay the groundwork for forthcoming campaigns, ensuring that Argilos will continue to yield insights into the ancient world.

L’équipe Argilos 2025 / The Argilos 2025 Team

2025 Study Season at Ancient Eleon in Eastern Boeotia

2025-08-08T15:37:00.029+03:00

In 2025, the Eastern Boeotia Archaeological Project worked for five weeks (May 18 to June 21), focused on studying the excavated remains from ancient Eleon and survey material from the surrounding region. We have been working in the modern town of Arma since 2007, as a synergasia of the Canadian Institute in Greece and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Boeotia.

While it is very exciting to excavate and uncover new material, it is also extremely important to have time to go back to study the results of our field work and to bring our research toward publication. This is what is normally done in an archaeological study season, and this was our work in 2025.

Not only did we make progress toward the publication of our excavated and survey research, but we also used the study season as an opportunity for focused training as part of the University of Victoria’s Archaeological Field Work practicum. Ten students enrolled in the course (GRS 495) for academic credit and participated in all aspects of the research project. One aspect of the project that was the focus of our study this summer were the tombs excavated in the Blue Stone Structure. This burial complex dates to the Early Mycenaean period (ca. 1700-1600) and contains multiple burials at least 50 individuals. The goals of our study season were to examine each tomb individually, to assess aspects that might be unique to specific tombs, and what elements had shared characteristics. To accomplish this, we assigned small groups of students specific tombs and they were tasked with going through the excavation records (notebooks, photographs, databases, drawings, etc.) to write short reports on each tomb. They also presented their work to each other in an afternoon session which provided an opportunity for the students to hear from each other and what they each had found. It was a very good learning process and also resulted in summary material that is very useful to the project and our goals of publishing the tomb assemblages.

In addition, students assisted graduate students and post-doctoral team members on their research. One project was focused on the many Archaic figurines that we have excavated. The formal analysis of the figurines was directed by Dr. Haley Bertram who has worked with the EBAP team since 2011. This work was coordinated with petrographic research directed by Dr. Janelle Sadarananda (Skidmore College) to look at the various types of clays that were used for ceramics and figurines.

Professor and project co-director Trevor Van Damme (University of Warwick) directed ceramic studies in our apothiki (storage and research area). Trevor oversaw research focused on the Archaic levels at Eleon and on the earlier Mycenaean material. Students were engaged in the research by cleaning, sorting, weighing and describing the ceramic remains. They would look for joins and if enough were found from different sherd pieces, this material could be sent to our conservator, Nefeli Theocharous for mending. Once a significant amount of a pot was restored, the vessel could be drawn and photographed.

This painstaking work was very rewarding for the students who were able to see the many different aspects of an archaeological project that go beyond excavation.

In addition, the analysis of the human remains excavated from the Blue Stone Structure was directed by Professor Nicholas Herrmann of Texas State University. Most tombs contained multiple interments, so there is typically one articulated individual while the remaining individuals have been moved to the periphery of the tomb or redeposited in subfloor pits. These remains are commingled and fragmented and the analysis is very meticulous. The goals are to document, inventory, and photograph (when necessary) the skeletal material as well as resolve commingled deposits. A long-time EBAP team member, Krysten Cruz, is nearing completion of her dissertation research focused on understanding biological relationships among those buried within the BSS tombs. Her work includes information from select studies of ancient DNA, proteomics, and isotopes, that amplify the results of her study of patterns of biological relatedness evident through direct measurement of physical features in the skeletal remains. . For example, Krysten looks at detailed measurements of many hundreds of teeth from the BSS complex and can make suggestions about their relatedness as well as aspects of individuals’ health and lived experience based on their dentition.

Our study season was not confined to the apothiki. The final aspect of the work worth noting was the field study we conducted focused on the excavated remains of the fortification system around the lower town of Eleon. In 2024, we uncovered a substantial segment of walls connected by towers to the west and south of the Eleon acropolis. This was the area that faced the major Boeotian city of Thebes. The walls we uncovered date to the late Archaic period and seem to have only been in use for a short period of time (perhaps a few decades). Additional elements of the wall are extant at surface level in the fields around the acropolis and we were able to record their alignment with the parts we previously excavated.

Overall, it was a very good season for us at Eleon, resulting in progress toward the final publication of our previously excavated finds, and revealing interesting material for future research projects at the site. We continue to be grateful to the CIG and Jonathan Tomlinson for the helpful advice they have provided us with for nearly 20 years.

Brendan Burke, co-director, EBAP

First Season of the Southern Mani Archaeological Project!

2025-07-25T15:25:00.084+03:00

In May 2025, under the auspices of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Lakonia, with a permit through the Canadian Institute in Greece, the Southern Mani Archaeological Project (SMAP) initiated pedestrian field survey in the area of Porto Kagio on the southwestern coast of the Mani peninsula. SMAP is directed by Drs. Chelsea Gardner (Acadia University), William Parkinson (Field Museum / University of Illinois at Chicago), and Rebecca Seifried (University of Massachusetts-Amherst), and during this initial pilot season we recorded material dating from the prehistoric period through the time of Turkish occupation, and mapped the Achilleio fortification. The following is a blog post written by undergraduate student research assistants Cameron Barnard, Bella MacQuarrie, and Christos Zigoumis.
– Chelsea Gardner and Bill Parkinson

Introduction

In May, a team of 15 gathered in Mani, Lakonia – in the southern Peloponnese – for the first season of the Southern Mani Archaeological Project. With funding from SSHRC, the goal of SMAP is to better understand the southern Mani peninsula’s history, landscape use, and resource exploitation as well as the relationship between southern Lakonia and the wider eastern Mediterranean region from a diachronic perspective. The team was made up of the three project directors; Dr. Mo Snyder as geological field supervisor and their student, Bella MacQuarrie; a lab supervisor; two photogrammetrists; four ethnographers led by Dr. Manos Spyridakis from the National and Kapadostrian University in Athens; and three student assistants. The students engaged in pedestrian survey and collection of a 0.5 km² area of interest (see Figure 1), discovering pottery sherds from the Neolithic up to the early modern period. At the same time, Dr. Snyder and Bella conducted daily fieldwork as part of an ongoing project to map the geology of the Mani Peninsula.

Figure 1. Image of study area of interest.

Fieldwork

The day began at 8:15AM, when everyone would jump in the cars to drive to site. Once there, a quick briefing would occur and we would go over the location(s) being surveyed and conduct a daily safety check. With pedestrian survey, every day was different! One day, it would be easy walking across rocky beaches or overgrown terraces, and others it would be breaking through thorn bushes and large spiderwebs down the side of the mountain (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Dr. Gardner in the field.

At times, the visibility was so poor we could not see the ground at all. Each unit surveyed was unlike the one before it. When ceramics or tile were found, they were counted, weighed, and bagged (see Figure 3). Backpacks would grow heavier throughout the day as ceramic samples were collected. When the fieldwork was over, the team would return to the hotel / base of operations, where the collected ceramics were washed and left to dry. Then the lab manager, Dr. Shannon Dunn (Bryn Mawr College), would sort and group the ceramics in each unit (based on time period, material, shape, etc.) and they would be entered into the database. The students would then photograph each group and upload the details on the database as well. Other skills the students learned during the season in Greece include georeferencing, ceramic analysis, and artifact cataloguing.

Figure 3. Team members (including Dr. Gardner and Cameron Barnard) counting sherds for the unit.

Results

The amount of material discovered far exceeded expectations, with the total count reaching approximately 1,200 individual sherds. Although many ceramic fragments were small and non-diagnostic, other pieces, such as rims, bases, handles, and glazed pieces can be diagnostic of different chronological periods (see Figures 4-6). The majority of these diagnostic pieces were found in concentrated areas, such as around buildings, above the beach, and under over-hanging rocks. This pattern possibly suggests that these ceramics had washed down from higher up the mountain, where buildings or a settlement could have been. This concentration of material is even more impressive since only ~10% of the 0.5 km² area of interest was surveyable; the rest of the landscape was inaccessible due to steep hills, dilapidated terraces, and dense thorny bushes. The team will head back to Greece later this year to review the ceramics with experts who study different time periods.

Figure 4. Diagnostic ceramic pieces, such as rims and bases.

Figure 5. Ceramic handles.

Figure 6. More diagnostic ceramic pieces.

Structures

The survey area proved not only to be rich in artefacts, but also in the number of structures and anomalies we were able to rediscover. One day, we found a rock-cut cistern (Figure 7) – which may be ancient – as Medieval cisterns are usually constructed of stone blocks rather than rock-cut, which was a surprise and further attests to continued human occupation of this area. Our LiDAR map showed this feature, but we had initially assumed it to be a sinkhole, so avoided it. It was only when the geological team approached it (thinking it was a sinkhole) that we made this discovery, showing that it is important to have many specialists on one team for the study of a specific area.

Figure 7. Rock cut cistern with view of the landscape and sea, immediately behind is the rock wall.

Near this cistern we also found graffiti cut into the exposed bedrock which consists of names, symbols, and dates (mostly 1950’s) which was convenient to us who wanted to know how old the graffiti was (Figure 8).

Figure 8. One graffito of a Greek last name.

Further down between two remas (dried riverbeds) appeared to be a large fortification wall with terraced walls inside gradually going down in elevation (Figure 9). The terraced walls were quite ordinary as most of the survey area had them, even if they were overgrown. But the wall was completely out of the ordinary. It was constructed of relatively small stones with no mortar or binding material in between and remained to a height of about four or five feet. It may have stood taller at one point as there was rockfall in most places, which might suggest that the wall may have at one point in history served a defensive purpose. But that doesn’t align with the shoddy construction and lack of evidence found within the walls, but there could be artefacts buried beneath the later terraced walls.

Figure 9. The rock wall.

A few days after this, Dr. Rebecca Seifried and student assistant, Christos Zigoumis, had the opportunity to explore a ruined structure which the locals referred to as “Frankoklisi” (Frankish church). This toponym excited the both of them since the Frankish presence in the Peloponnese lasted a comparatively short amount of time during which the ruling Frankish class constructed characteristically mediaeval western churches in such a foreign land. The Frankish presence in Mani is poorly understood and few remains of them are even known to exist here. As the two came upon “Frankoklisi” and scaled the remains of its walls, they quickly came to the realization that it was certainly not Frankish, or even Byzantine (Figure 10). They were unable to find an apse, which is an integral part in all churches of this period, and the entrance way was about nine feet wide; absurd for the 12×12 feet dimensions of the whole structure. Dr. Seifried suggested that it might have been a mosque or hammam, due to the Achilio fortress lying just up the mountain. This was an Ottoman construction and the easiest way to get from the sea to Achilio might have been to dock a ship at the beach where “Frankoklisi” is situated, where a path to the fortress may have been.

Figure 10. Birds eye view of ”Frankoklisi”.

Geology

The Geological Survey permit covers the archaeological site as well as the rest of the Mani Peninsula, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the area’s geological history. Daily fieldwork involved traversing the landscape to map bedrock exposures, documenting structural features, collecting rock samples, and interpreting the site’s geological history through both in-field observations and post-survey data analysis (Figure 11, 12).

Lithological samples were taken of each representative mappable unit; these samples will be processed in the Acadia Petrographic lab and analyzed. Lithological samples will either be cut hand-samples or made to thin sections, offering further classification and a more comprehensive guide to understanding the geology of the Mani Peninsula.

The outcome of this work is to create a detailed 1:50,000 bedrock geology map of the Mani Peninsula, as the most recent map of the area is from 1984. Although the previous map is comprehensive, it does not trace key marker metalimestone beds that are of interest for archaeological research on the peninsula.

Figure 11. Bella standing amongst an impressive coastal outcrop.

Figure 12. Dr. Snyder standing on top of a rugged rock face.

Cameron Barnard, Acadia University, BA Honours Classics and Biology (2025); University of Waterloo MA Anthropology (2027 anticipated).
Bella MacQuarrie, Acadia University, BSC Honours Geoscience (2025), MSC Geology (2027 anticipated).
Christos Zigoumis, Carleton University, BA Honours Greek and Roman Studies (2027 anticipated).

Le circuit cycladique et crétois 2025 du CIG a été une fois de plus un succès! / The CIG’s Cycladic Island and Crete 2025 Circuit was once again a Success!

2025-07-02T15:14:00.054+03:00

Et ainsi, la deuxième moitié de l’école d’été cycladique et crétoise du CIG touche à sa fin!

Ces trois semaines ont filé à toute vitesse, avec des étudiants toujours plus avides d’aventure et de savoir alors que nous explorions des musées, des sites archéologiques et les paysages spectaculaires de ces îles incroyables!

Avec Athènes et Paros déjà visitées, les étudiants ont débarqué à Santorini, émerveillés et impatients de découvrir ce que cette île, et encore plus la majestueuse Crète, leur réservaient.

And with that, the second half of the CIG’s Cycladic Island and Crete Summer School is complete!

These three weeks flew by, with students craving more adventure and knowledge as we explored museums, archaeological sites, and the breathtaking landscapes of these incredible islands!

With Athens and Paros already visited, the students disembarked in Santorini with wonder in their eyes, eager to see what this island—and even more so, majestic Crete—had in store.

Santorini a commencé en beauté alors que les étudiants se sont dirigés directement vers la ville d’Oia, déambulant dans ses nombreuses rues pittoresques et capturant de magnifiques photos des célèbres maisons bleues et blanches perchées sur les falaises. Le lendemain a été une journée bien remplie d’exploration à travers l’île. Première étape : le site archéologique d’Akrotiri, où les étudiants ont admiré cette ville ensevelie sous les cendres volcaniques, ses rues complexes et ses bâtiments à plusieurs étages.

Santorini started with a bang as students headed straight to the city of Oia, wandering through its many picturesque streets and capturing stunning photos of the iconic blue-and-white houses perched on the cliffs. The following day was packed with exploration as we traveled across the island. First stop: the archaeological site of Akrotiri, where students marveled at the volcanic-buried city, its intricate streets, and multi-story buildings.

Après une courte visite de Pyrgos, l’autobus les a déposés à Kamari, où certains ont profité de la plage de sable noir tandis que les plus téméraires ont gravi la montagne pour visiter le site classique et hellénistique de l’ancienne Théra, offrant une vue imprenable sur toute l’île. Ce bref passage à Santorini s’est conclu par une dernière matinée à le musée de Fira Fira avant que les étudiants ne descendent la falaise pour rejoindre le port, prêts à embarquer pour la Crète!

After a quick visit to Pyrgos, the bus dropped them off in Kamari, where some relaxed on the black sand beach while the more adventurous climbed the mountain to visit the Classical and Hellenistic site of Ancient Thera, which overlooks the entire island. Our short Santorini excursion wrapped up with a final morning at the museum of Fira before students descended the cliffside toward the port, preparing for their ferry to Crete!

Arriver en Crète donnait l’impression de rentrer à la maison. Ici, les étudiants ont enfin échappé aux foules pour plonger dans ce qui semblait être la Grèce traditionnelle. Les étudiants tremblaient d’excitation alors qu’ils se rendaient à Knossos, où ils ont découvert les célèbres reconstructions d’Evans et débattu des avantages et inconvénients de la reconstitution des sites archéologiques. Ensuite, ils ont admiré les innombrables artefacts du musée d’Héraklion—beaucoup d’entre eux avaient été étudiés en classe mais pouvaient désormais être observés en personne.

Landing in Crete felt like coming home. Here, students finally escaped the large crowds and stepped into what felt like traditional Greece. The students shook with excitement as they traveled to Knossos, where they encountered the famous reconstructions by Evans and debated the pros and cons of reconstructing archaeological sites. Afterwards, students marveled at the countless artifacts displayed at the Heraklion Museum—many of which they had studied in class but now had the chance to experience in person.

Le jour suivant, ils ont pris la direction du sud pour explorer le palais de Phaistos, avec un bref arrêt à Gortyne pour voir le célèbre code de lois gravé sur le mur derrière l’Odéon. Le palais de Malia fut une autre visite fascinante, où les étudiants ont parcouru ses ruelles labyrinthiques en posant des questions sur les efforts de conservation et les quartiers excavés. Le moment fort de la journée fut toutefois la traversée en bateau jusqu’à Spinalonga, où les étudiants ont visité l’île vénitienne qui deviendra plus tard tristement célèbre comme colonie de lépreux dans l’histoire moderne.

The next day, they ventured south to explore the Palace of Phaistos and took a quick peek at Gortyn to see the famous law code inscribed on the wall behind the Odeon. The Palace of Malia was another fascinating stop, with students roaming its labyrinthine streets, asking questions about conservation efforts and the excavated residential quarters. The highlight of the day, however, was a boat trip to Spinalonga, where students visited the Venetian island that later became infamous as a leper colony in modern history.

Après avoir visité tant de sites et de musées, quelques jours loin de l’archéologie les ont revigorés pour la découverte de l’ouest de l’île. Sur la route sinueuse menant à Réthymnon, nous avons fait un arrêt à la grotte de Svedoni, où ils ont admiré ses stalactites et stalagmites tout en observant les chauves-souris qui volaient autour d’eux. Le dîner s’est déroulé dans le charmant village de Margarites, où les étudiants ont observé les potiers façonner leurs œuvres—avant d’acheter presque tout leur stock! Malgré les fortes pluies et le sable du Sahara qui recouvrait l’île, rien ne pouvait les empêcher de randonner dans les gorges d’Imbros. Armés de ponchos, ils ont pris le départ de la randonnée et, rapidement, la pluie a laissé place aux éclats de rire et aux chants alors qu’ils traversaient l’étroite vallée entre deux montagnes.

After visiting so many sites and museums, a couple of days away from archaeology invigorated them for the western part of the island. On our winding road to Rethymno, we paused to explore the Cave of Svedoni, admiring its stalactites and stalagmites while bats fluttered overhead. Lunch was enjoyed in the charming village of Margarites, where students observed potters crafting their wares—and promptly bought out nearly all their stock! Despite heavy rainfall and Sahara sand blowing in the wind, nothing could stop them from hiking the Imbros Gorge. Ponchos on, they set off from the trailhead, and before long, the rain turned into laughter and singing as they navigated the stunning narrow valley between two mountains.

Notre dernière journée en Crète était empreinte de nostalgie alors que les sacs étaient prêts à être embarqués. Avant le départ du traversier en soirée, les étudiants ont eu le temps de visiter le monastère de Gonia Odigitria, admirant ses nombreuses icônes, avant de découvrir le charmant musée de La Canée. Puis, avant d’arriver au port, ils ont exploré la ville vénitienne, flânant dans son vieux port historique et, bien sûr, dégustant une dernière glace!

Our last day in Crete was bittersweet as bags were packed. With a late ferry departure, students took the opportunity to visit the Monastery of Gonia Odigitria, admiring its rich collection of icons, followed by a stop at the charming Museum of Chania. Before heading to the port, they explored the Venetian city, strolling through its historic harbor and, of course, indulging in some gelato!

Le trajet de retour vers le Pirée était tout aussi chargé d’émotion. Bien après le coucher du soleil, les étudiants se sont réunis à l’arrière du bateau, regardant l’île disparaître à l’horizon. Ils ont partagé leurs souvenirs, ri en repensant aux moments les plus mémorables, discuté des questions qu’ils n’avaient pas eu le temps de poser sur les sites et musées et, bien entendu, tenté tant bien que mal de masquer leur tristesse face à la fin du voyage.

The ferry ride back to Piraeus was just as emotional. Long after sunset, students gathered at the back of the boat, watching the island fade into the distance. They reminisced about their experiences, laughed at unforgettable moments, discussed unanswered questions from sites and museums, and—naturally—tried their best to mask the sadness of their adventure coming to an end.

Je ne confirmerai ni ne nierai si des larmes ont coulé lors de ce dernier repas au restaurant… Mais ce que je peux affirmer, c’est que l’édition 2025 de l’école d’été cycladique et crétoise du CIG fut un succès retentissant. Les étudiants ont quitté la Grèce avec l’esprit rempli de nouvelles connaissances—et déjà en train de compter les jours avant leur retour.

À l’année prochaine!

I won’t confirm or deny whether tears were shed at the restaurant that last night. But what I can confirm is that the 2025 edition of the CIG’s Cycladic and Crete Summer School was an overwhelming success. Students left Greece with minds brimming with knowledge—and already counting down the days until their return.

Until next year!

C’est reparti! Le circuit Cycladique et Créte 2025 du CIG est lancé! / Here we go again! The CIG’s Cycladic Island and Crete 2025 Circuit is underway!

2025-06-06T14:55:00.049+03:00

Après le succès de l’année dernière, nous sommes heureux d’annoncer que le CIG relance officiellement le circuit Cyclades et Crète pour l’école d’été francophone 2025!

After the success of last year, we are happy to announce that the CIG’s 2025 Cycladic and Crete Francophone Summer School is officially underway!

Cette école d’été propose un voyage de trois semaines, débutant dans la capitale, Athènes, avant de poursuivre vers les magnifiques îles de Paros, la célèbre Santorini et la majestueuse Crète. Les étudiants suivent un programme structuré dirigé par des experts en art et en archéologie, explorant tous les sites et découvertes archéologiques essentiels.

This summer school consists of a three-week journey beginning in the capital, Athens, before travelling to the breathtaking islands of Paros, the famous Santorini, and the majestic Crete. Students follow a structured program led by experts in Art and Archaeology, exploring all the key archaeological sites and discoveries.

À Athènes, les étudiants ont eu un aperçu de la vie grecque tout en étant initiés à l’art et à l’archéologie de la Grèce antique, dans leur contexte historique et mythologique. Les après-midis étaient consacrés à revisiter la matière du cours à travers des visites sur les lieux historiques—que ce soit en admirant des artefacts dans le Musée archéologique national, Benaki ou cycladique, ou en parcourant les vestiges de l’Acropole et de l’Agora athénienne.

Athens offered students a taste of Greek life while introducing them to ancient Greek art and archaeology, complemented by historical and mythological contexts. Afternoons were spent revisiting course material through its tangible form—whether admiring artifacts at the National Archaeological, Benaki, or Cycladic museums, or walking among the ruins of the Acropolis and Athenian Agora.

Les cinq nuits à Athènes ont filé à toute vitesse, et dès le premier vendredi matin, les étudiants ont embarqué sur le traversier en direction de leur première île—Paros! Malgré le fort vent soufflant autour du port, leur excitation était palpable. Ils ont été les premiers à débarquer, tenant fermement leurs chapeaux et s’émerveillant devant les bâtiments blancs aux accents bleus de Parikia, avant de découvrir les artefacts exposés dans le musée archéologique de l’île.

The five nights in Athens flew by, and on the first Friday, students had an early morning start, boarding the ferry to their first island—Paros! Despite the strong gale blowing through the port, their excitement was unstoppable. They were the first to disembark, gripping their hats as they admired Parikia’s whitewashed buildings with blue accents and explored the artifacts housed in the island’s archaeological museum.

Le deuxième jour à Paros a été marqué par une aventure intense avec la visite de l’île de Délos. Les étudiants ont parcouru l’ancienne cité, entourée de champs de fleurs en pleine floraison, fascinés par l’état de préservation des structures et imaginant la vie quotidienne des anciens citoyens de Délos. Et, bien sûr, ils ont admiré les célèbres chats de l’île, qui semblaient toujours poser au bon endroit pour une photo et une caresse. La journée s’est terminée par un arrêt rapide à Mykonos, où les étudiants ont visité le musée archéologique et l’exposition mettant en vedette la plus ancienne représentation connue du cheval de Troie, avant de repartir vers Paros en bateau.

The second day on Paros was packed with adventure as students travelled to the island of Delos. They wandered through the ancient city, surrounded by fields of flowers in full bloom, marvelling at the well-preserved structures and imagining the daily lives of ancient Delian citizens, and, of course, admired the island’s famously photogenic cats, who seemed to pose at just the right spots. The day concluded with a quick stop in Mykonos, where students visited the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the exhibit featuring the oldest-known depiction of the Trojan Horse, before heading back to Paros by boat.

Le dernier jour à Paros a été une pause bien méritée dans l’archéologie. Cette fois, les étudiants ont exploré deux villes modernes. La première, Lefkes, où l’impressionnante église de la Sainte-Trinité domine la mer depuis les montagnes, entourée des plus vieux oliviers de Paros. La deuxième était la magnifique ville portuaire de Naoussa, où les étudiants ont pu se perdre dans ses ruelles charmantes et son port animé, tandis que certains ont profité de ce moment pour se détendre sur la plage et savourer le paysage.

The final day on Paros was a well-earned break from archaeology. Instead, students explored two modern villages. The first was Lefkes, where the impressive Church of the Holy Trinity stands tall, overlooking the sea from the mountains, alongside Paros’ oldest olive trees. The second was the beautiful port town of Naoussa, where students wandered freely through its charming streets and bustling harbour, while others embraced the opportunity to relax by the beach, soaking up the sun and the scenery.

À présent, les étudiants sont confortablement installés sur le traversier en direction de Santorini, impatients de découvrir la suite de leur aventure! Quels sites extraordinaires les attendent? Quel nouvel artefact les captivera? Et quelle vue spectaculaire leur coupera le souffle?

Now, the students are seated on the ferry to Santorini, eagerly anticipating what’s next! What sights will they witness? What new artifact will captivate them? And which stunning view will leave them breathless?

Suivez leur périple dans le prochain blog alors que la deuxième moitié de leur aventure dans les îles cycladiques se dévoile!

Follow along in the next blog as the second half of their Cycladic island adventure unfolds!

École d’été de l’ICG 2025: retour sur notre séjour, groupe francophone du circuit Péloponnèse / CIG Summer School 2025: Reflections on Our Trip – Francophone Group, Peloponnese Circuit

2025-06-02T14:46:00.041+03:00

C’est avec grand plaisir que nous vous communiquons le grand succès de la quatrième édition de l’école d’été de l’Institut canadien en Grèce, en Attique et autour du Péloponnèse!

Du 4 au 24 mai 2025, 36 étudiants passionnés ont vécu une expérience inoubliable lors de notre école d’été d’introduction à l’archéologie grecque. Le programme, combinant des cours théoriques avec les visites de nombreux sites et musées parmi les plus importants de la Grèce, a tenu toutes ses promesses – et plus encore!

It is with great pleasure that we share the tremendous success of the fourth edition of the Canadian Institute in Greece’s Summer School, held in Attica and throughout the Peloponnese!

From May 4 to 24, 2025, 36 passionate students took part in an unforgettable experience during our introductory summer school in Greek archaeology. The program, combining theoretical courses with visits to many of Greece’s most important sites and museums, delivered on all its promises – and then some!

Ces 3 semaines d’immersion à la culture grecque, tant antique que moderne, ont débutés à Athènes. Les matinées étaient consacrées aux cours donnés aux locaux de l’ICG, un lieu d’échanges stimulants où nous avons abordé les fondements de l’archéologie grecque, l’analyse de céramique, l’étude des sanctuaires, des tombes et des cités antiques. En après-midi, place aux visites : La célèbre Acropole et son musée associé, les agoras grecque et romaine ainsi que le musée archéologique national ont permis aux étudiants de concrétiser les connaissances ayant été acquises en classe. Le tout fut ponctué de découvertes de la ville moderne d’Athènes dont un tour de son centre historique et l’ascension du mont Lycabette ainsi que de la colline Philopappou, offrant des points vues spectaculaire, sans oublier le diner de bienvenue à la taverne traditionnelle Klimataria, où les étudiant ont été initiés aux délicieux et conviviaux mezzés grecs!

These three weeks of immersion into both ancient and modern Greek culture began in Athens. Mornings were dedicated to lectures at the CIG headquarters, a stimulating space for discussion where we explored the foundations of Greek archaeology, ceramic analysis, the study of sanctuaries, tombs, and ancient cities. Afternoons were devoted to site visits: the iconic Acropolis and its museum, the Greek and Roman agoras, and the National Archaeological Museum all allowed students to put into practice the knowledge gained in class. These visits were complemented by discoveries of modern Athens, including a tour of its historic center, hikes up Mount Lycabettus and Philopappos Hill with their breathtaking views, and a welcome dinner at the traditional taverna Klimataria, where students were introduced to the delicious and convivial world of Greek meze!

Une escapade sur l’île d’Égine nous a permis d’admirer le majestueux temple d’Aphaïa, en parfaite harmonie avec le paysage marin ainsi que de profiter d’un moment de calme insulaire en dehors de la capitale. Puis, cap vers des sanctuaires majeurs de l’Attique avec Brauron et le temple de Poséidon au cap Sounion, deux lieux où se mêlent archéologie et mythologie!

A day trip to the island of Aegina gave us the opportunity to admire the majestic Temple of Aphaia, harmoniously set against the seascape, and to enjoy a moment of island calm away from the capital. We then visited major sanctuaries in Attica, including Brauron and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion – two sites where archaeology and mythology blend seamlessly.

La seconde moitié du séjour nous a emmenés sur les routes du Péloponnèse. Eleusis, Corinthe, Mycènes, Tirynthe, Épidaure, Sparte, Olympie, Delphes… Autant de noms chargés de mythes, d’histoire et surtout, d’archéologie, que nous avons pu explorer sur le terrain, en suivant les traces de Pausanias.

The second half of the program took us through the Peloponnese. Eleusis, Corinth, Mycenae, Tiryns, Epidaurus, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi… So many names steeped in myth, history, and above all, archaeology, which we were able to explore on site, following in the footsteps of Pausanias.

Moments forts ? Les compétitions amicales sur les anciens stades de Némée, Messène et Olympie, où les étudiants ont pu se glisser – le temps d’une course – dans la peau d’athlètes antiques. Ou encore les dégustations dans les tavernes locales et une visite mémorable d’un vignoble de la région viticole de Némée.

Highlights? Friendly competitions in the ancient stadiums of Nemea, Messene, and Olympia, where students briefly stepped into the shoes of ancient athletes. Also unforgettable were tastings at local tavernas and a memorable visit to a vineyard in the renowned wine region of Nemea.

La curiosité et l’enthousiasme des étudiants ont été constants. Qu’il s’agisse d’identifier des éléments architecturaux sur un site ainsi que les artéfacts y ayant été mis au jour, puis conservés dans les musées, de discuter des interprétations historiques ou simplement de savourer des plats bien garnis, chacun a pleinement joui de l’immersion culturelle et scientifique

Au-delà des connaissances acquises, c’est une véritable communauté d’apprentissage et de passionnés d’antiquité qui s’est créée au fil des jours. En quittant la Grèce, tous ont emporté avec eux bien plus que des photos : une nouvelle compréhension de la culture grecque, des amitiés durables et une irrépressible envie d’y retourner!

The students’ curiosity and enthusiasm remained constant. Whether identifying architectural elements at a site, analyzing artifacts unearthed and preserved in museums, debating historical interpretations, or simply enjoying a hearty meal, everyone fully embraced the cultural and academic immersion.

Beyond the knowledge gained, a true learning community and a circle of antiquity enthusiasts took shape over the days. As they left Greece, participants brought home far more than just photos: a deeper understanding of Greek culture, lasting friendships, and an irresistible desire to return!

Seeing Sites and Cities: my undergraduate experience living in Greece

2025-04-18T14:19:00.032+03:00

When I was in elementary school, I set a goal to travel to Athens. There was something about the history, and architecture that always stood out to me and was a major influence on my life and career. This used to be a long-term goal, and I had set a plan to visit when I had completed my masters. One can imagine my excitement when I was offered a 3-month internship working for the Canadian Institute in Greece (CIG). Working for 3 months allowed me to gain experience working in a library while offering me more than enough time to see many of the sites I have read about. What I didn’t expect was how this job may change me and my plans, and allow me to discover Athens and discover myself and my interests. So without any further introduction, what did I do while in Greece?

The first responsibility I want to discuss is my work at the CIG. For the past 12 weeks, I was tasked with a myriad of jobs in the CIG’s library. Most days were spent sorting and shelving books, while accessioning any new books that were delivered. Additionally, I was responsible for posting on the CIG’s social media, posting about my trips and announcing any upcoming events that occurred at the CIG. At first, this work was somewhat new to me, especially working in a library. However, as the weeks continued, I found that I enjoyed the library work. Creating order and structure out of disorganized books brought me a sense of joy, especially when reorganizing the library. As a result, this helped me to consider working in a library when I am back in Canada. The final jobs I received in this position were event work. During events, I prepared foods for the event and served wine. Compared to the library work, these events were far more familiar, and acted as a great way to refine my serving skills.

While the work was important to my position, travelling around Greece was another major aspect, and was probably the best part of my stay. At first, I was nervous about planning my trips, so I stuck to visits around the city’s sites and museums. My visits to sites like the Panathenaic stadium, Temple of Zeus, and the Ancient Agora helped me learn how to navigate the city, as well as build up my confidence in planning trips. If I were asked what my favorite site in Athens is, I would say that the Acropolis lived up to and exceeded my expectations. Having the opportunity to visit the Parthenon, and take photos of the surrounding architecture was one of if not the most memorable day I had in Athens. Meanwhile, my trips to museums helped me to see many artifacts and statues that I have studied firsthand. Take for instance my trip to the National Archaeological Museum, where I saw the mask of Agamemnon, the Statue of Poseidon, and the Antikythera mechanism, which had all been discussed in my university lectures. Seeing these artifacts up close gave me a better scope and size of larger artifacts, while allowing one to see the detailing in smaller artifacts. At the same time, these visits gave me the opportunity to see artifacts I had never learned about, such as at the Museum of Cycladic art, which surprised me in how invested I became in the Cycladic figurines from the Early Bronze Age. By traveling to the museum, I learned more about the Cycladic culture than I ever had in schools, where it was given a passing mention.

Eventually, I built up the confidence to take longer trips outside of Athens. From the seventh week onward, I tried to schedule trips outside of Athens every weekend, with some of my favorite trips being Delphi, Thessaloniki, Aegina, and Cape Sounion. These trips gave me a better view of Greece’s wide and varying landscape, which I came to love more with each trip. Tall mountains, wide valleys, and wondrous waterways and cliffs left me in awe just as much as the temples. Of all my trips, my favorite had to be the Island of Aegina, where the Temple of Aphaia resides. This temple stands out to me due to its archaeological importance in Aegina, as well as its history. Learning that there has always been a temple dating back to 500 BCE, and reading about the evolution of the patron goddess of the temple, from the Goddess Aphaia to Athena. Likewise, the city had so many sites to offer, and some delicious seafood. Finally, the Island reminded me greatly of Tobemorey, a seaside city I visit in Canada every Summer, providing this trip with a slight nostalgic tinge. Walking along the seaside, listening to the waves made me regret leaving, filling me with a need to return so I can visit the other islands in the Aegean sea.

A lot of what I discussed has primarily been what I did on my own. However, I believe that the most important thing I did was meet new people and make new friends. Traveling far from Canada could sometimes feel lonely, but participating in events around Athens allowed me to meet and connect with so many people. Large events were not the only way, as I frequently visited the Red Lion Pub to play darts with members of many of the surrounding institutes. As a result, many of my trips would not be on my own, and I was accompanied by a friend or two.

Overall, my trip to Athens and Greece overall has been a highlight in my life. I learned how to work in a library, visited some of the most beautiful sites, and made some excellent connections. Meanwhile I made some great friendships that will last long after I return to Canada. As a result, I find returning to Canada to be bittersweet, as while I enjoy returning, there is going to be so much more that I will miss. However, I know that I will inevitably return someday soon. So this is not a goodbye, but see you soon. Thank you to everyone I met, and thank you for reading.

Wyatt Lane
University of Waterloo Intern, winter 2025

Welcome, Wyatt!

2025-01-17T03:52:00.001+02:00

Earlier this week we welcomed our new intern from the University of Waterloo, Wyatt Lane, who will be with us in Athens until April.

Wyatt is an Honours Arts undergraduate student in Classical Studies. His interests predominantly lie in Greek Mythology and History, and examining modern retellings of Hellenistic Myths to understand changes in cultural norms.

Through his internship, Wyatt intends to receive a better understanding of Hellenistic religious practices by studying the sites and artifacts. He will then take this knowledge back to Canada to help him to continue his undergraduate studies and pursue a Graduate Degree in Classical Studies.

Jonathan Tomlinson
Assistant Director

Exploring Greece Through Festivals: My First Four Months as the Alföldi-Rosenbaum Fellow

2025-01-03T07:15:00.048+02:00

View over the acropolis of Athens and Mount Lykavitos

I first started coming to Greece in the summer of 2014 and never could have imagined that, 10 years later, I would still be travelling here for work. Thanks to the Elisabeth Alföldi-Rosenbaum Fellowship, I am now able to live in Athens for the first time, enjoying the beautiful city throughout the year. In September 2024 I began my stay at the Canadian Institute to finish up my doctoral research on “festivals and regional identity in Hellenistic Thessaly”, which has been aided greatly by the resources of the CIG, and the many contacts I have made as a CIG member.

Theatre at the archaeological site of Pleuron

The purpose of this fellowship being to complete my dissertation, I have spent many hours in the libraries of the foreign research institutes around Athens. In addition to the CIG, I have been able to conduct work in and browse through libraries such as the Blegen of the American School and the library of the British School. In addition to the many hours of research spent in these libraries, I have also been able to expand my research network by attending lectures at the various archaeological schools and institutes, with particular focus for the Greek Religion Seminars at the Swedish Institute in Athens and the TEXNH lectures at the Netherlands Institute in Athens. I am greatly looking forward to the upcoming semester, as the University of Thessaly in March will hold the 8^th annual conference “Αρχαιολογικό Έργο Θεσσαλίας και Στερεάς Ελλάδας” (ΑΕΘΣΕ). I look forward to attending again to solidify connections with other scholars working on Thessaly and hearing all about the new discoveries in the region.

Theatre A’ in Larisa, Thessaly

My research seeks to understand the role of festivals in identity-formation processes during the Hellenistic period in Thessaly and attempts to answer the question of how festivals served to connect communities within the region as well as the wider Greek world. My research adds to our regional knowledge of the role of religious festivals in the increasingly internationalized Hellenistic world. This research centers on a comprehensive assessment of Thessalian religious festivals and their interplay with identity formation on a local, regional, and international scale, which serves as an important comparison for other regions in this time period. The dataset for this research primarily involves inscriptions, but also archaeological evidence such as theatres and sanctuaries.

View over the Thessalian plains

There is nothing more inspiring for someone working on Ancient Greece than having the opportunity to walk the streets of Athens, seeing all the ancient remains you have spent your life studying and imagining yourself walking the footsteps of those you study. In between all the work in libraries, I have managed to take research trips as well as more leisurely trips to broaden my knowledge of Greece. This has included travelling around the Peloponnese focussing on many of the sites that held the ancient Panhellenic festivals, as this comparanda connects particularly to my research. Other trips have included exploring Attica more broadly, as well as daily walks around Athens, and the occasional hike up Mount Hymettos.

Christmas lights at Syntagma square

This first semester has more than lived up to my expectations. In addition to academic opportunities, I have also made many personal connections and friends from around Athens, with Red Lion nights really helping to meet those from other archaeological schools. As I fly back to Edmonton for the holidays, I can happily reflect on the first semester of Alföldi-Rosenbaum Fellowship and look forward to the upcoming term!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Καλή Χρονιά!
Adam Wiznura, Elisabeth Alföldi-Rosenbaum Fellow 2024-2025