Digging in Athens

 

“When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.”
–Edith Hamilton

 

History like most things goes in cycles. Much the same thing that Edith Hamilton said above could be stated about many countries in the modern world. Whenever we give up responsibility for our own actions whether it is seeing ourselves as a victim, to avoid consequence or just to let someone else do it because it is easier we surrender so much more. Loss of self does not happen all at once but in a series of momentary decisions.
On Thursday we visited Athens. What an amazing sense of history. The Acropolis deserves everything said about it and the Archaeological museum shows the development of art through each step of the way. Looking at temples that were erected over 2000 years ago and museum pieces that predate that by another five or six thousand was inspiring. I can’t wait to make my own art out of some of the pieces I saw.
As we were walking back towards the bus we saw soldiers and riot police descending on a protest that was taking place. I am not sure of the exact circumstances tho it seemed to have something to do with how people were being represented. Perhaps they were taking some notes from old Edith.
Blessings, G

 

Click on images to see full-sized:

 

ParthenonParthenon

 

Old Greek Street DudeGreek Street Dude

 

Minotaur Bust Archaeological Museum AthensMinotaur Bust – Athens Archaeological Museum

 

Mask of Agamemnon--Bronze AgeMask of Agamemnon Bronze Age- Athens Archaeological Museum

 

Olympic Stadium 1874 AthensNew Olympic Stadium built 1874 Athens

 

Greek PoliceGreek Police

 

0 thoughts on “Digging in Athens”

  1. We spent weeks studying the Parthenon in Art History class. I’d love to see it in person. So happy that you are able to visit there.

    1. Lori, I was lucky enough to be on the trip with two people with art history degrees (one of them Aaron). It made the trip that much better as so many of the places we stopped were amazing from that perspective

  2. Thank you for taking time on your travels to share with us, not just photos but your perceptive thoughts. I’m enjoying being there by proxy. Having taught art history for many years it’s a pleasure to be seeing these treasures through your eyes. Happy trails…

    1. John, I was lucky enough to be on the trip with two people (one of them my partner) with degrees in art history. Given the places we visited, it really added to the significance.

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