November 18, 2015
In celebration of International Archaeology Day, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea, Ministry of Culture, Patras, Greece organized an educational event called “Archaeologists for a day” on October 17th, 2015. The highly successful event was held at the Mycenaean archaeological park of Voudeni, Patras, Greece.
Twenty-four enthusiastic youngsters, aged 10 to 16, enjoyed a glorious Saturday morning in the park. The day started with a brief introduction to the basics of the Mycenaean world, followed by a didactic tour of the most characteristic chamber tomb of the archaeological park, complete with excavation, conservation, and drawing tips.
The event culminated in a mini-excavation, coordinated by a group of archaeology professionals (archaeologists, conservators and drawing specialists). The group was split into two 12-person teams, each one responsible for the excavation of one trench. Team members were assigned specific roles (archaeologist, conservator, worker, drawing specialist, photographer). Aspiring and accomplished professionals alike merged into keen and effective teams: strata were carefully excavated, finds meticulously recorded, and artifact first-aid was promptly offered!
By lunch time, the dig was completed, but no one wanted to go! A couple of group-photos and more than a few animated good-byes later, it was time to call it a day for our “Archaeologists for a day” event! The “Archaeologists for a Day” event was jointly organized and presented by K. Aktypi, M. Gazis and K. Soura, archaeologists, with the participation of N. Zacharopoulou, conservator and A. Sofianopoulou, drawing specialist.
International Archaeology Day Blog
