Searching for the Kings of the Trojan War: Archaeology in Greece
For thousands of years Homer's epic story of the Trojan War has remained the classic tale of love, honor, and greed. In the past century archaeological work in major archaeological sites like Mycenae, Pylos, and Troy has helped us put the myths into a historical perspective and shown that many of the legendary kings who fought in the war may have been historical personalities. The UM-St. Louis archaeological project in Pylos, Greece, seeks to examine the historicity of the Greek kings of the Trojan war, especially the legendary king Nestor. Situated at a spectacular location overlooking the Ionian Sea, the palace of Pylos controlled a large territory, which is now being explored for the first time ever by the UM-St. Louis archaeological teams.
In summer 2008, the Greek Chair of the University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a unique opportunity to both students and non-students (ages 18-88 welcome!), to participate in this exciting trip.
Join us and experience the fascinating world of archaeology and the beauty of the country that became the cradle of western civilization! By joining us, not only will you be able to participate in real archaeological fieldwork, but you will also have the opportunity to travel to major archaeological sites and museums in Greece, and also attend lectures on Greek history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, art, and culture.
This summer’s trip includes trips to
- "golden" Mycenae, the mighty capital of Agamemnon, supreme king of the Greeks in the Trojan war;
- the fascinating palace of king Nestor at Pylos, with its famous archives in the Linear B script and its famous royal tholos tombs
- the first capital of modern Greece, romantic Nafplio,
- the medieval castle of Methoni. with its beautiful sandy beach; and, of course,
- ancient Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, where we'll have special tours of the ancient stadium and athletic installations, lectures and seminars on the Olympic Games, and a real race in the ancient track! This is a great opportunity for both students and members of the community to experience first hand Greece and her culture, to live the excitement of the Olympic Games in the place where they were created, and to enjoy an area famous for its scenery and natural beauty.
And, of course, we will have ample time to explore the increadible sandy beaches of Pylos!
See the program website at www.iklaina.org for photos, testimonials, and schedules.
Program led by Dr. Michael Cosmopoulos.
Credit:
Participants will earn six credits
Anthro 3290 Advanced Topics in Archaeology: Greek History and Culture
And either
Anthro 2109 or 4302: Archaeological Field School
Dates:
Two sessions are available. Choose from:
May 31 - June 17, 2008
June 17 - July 4, 2008
Estimated Costs:
UMSL Tuition: $1,485.60 (6 credits. Subject to change. Summer 2008 tuition rates announced in April.)
Program Fee*: $2690
Meals and Personal Expenses: $700 - $1200 (depends on personal habits)
Airfare: $1200 (Estimate. Students purchase airfare individually)
*PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES
- accommodation in air-conditioned rooms with TV and private baths (double occupancy); most rooms (first-come first-serve basis) have breathtaking views of the bay of Navarino
- buffet breakfast and full four-course dinner every day
- entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums
- all travel to archaeological sites and museums and daily transportation to and from the dig site
- one-day cruise to the island of Sphakteria and the Bay of Navarino
- all trips to the beautiful sandy beaches of the area
Application Process:
Applicants will need to submit the following documents to the Study Abroad
Office. Forms are available online
or in the Study Abroad Office, 261 MSC. Application and non-refundable
deposit of $500 are due by February 22, 2008.
1. Iklaina Study Abroad Application Form
2. Continuing Education Form
3. Risk and Release Form
4. Non-refundable** $500 deposit (due at time of application - check payable
to UMSL, credit cards not accepted )
5 . Transcript (UM-St. Louis students: use study abroad transcript request form)
6 . Scholarship application and scholarship essay (UMSL students only. Eligible UMSL students will receive a $1000 scholarship.)
7. Two identical passport-sized photos
Upon your acceptance to the program, additional forms will be mailed to you. You will need to complete and return them to the Study Abroad Office in a timely manner.
Balance of fees is due May 1, 2007.
**deposit will be refunded if you are not selected to participate in the program.
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation:
All
UM-St. Louis students who study abroad are required to attend pre-departure orientation. This session will cover registration and financial aid, credit transfer, travel, health and safety topics, culture shock, and much more.
Non UM-St. Louis students residing in the St. Louis area are also welcome to attend. Please notify the Study Abroad Office if you will be attending so that we may send you a parking permit and directions.