Ancient & Modern
How might we better understand and connect to ancient history?
Why Greece?
Greece is known the world over for its ancient civilizations. Greek history shapes entire national identities and narratives, instilling deep connections between people and the past, and specific values when looking toward the future.
Visiting ancient historic sites allows us to explore how mythology, archeology, and philosophy continue to shape contemporary Greece (and the rest of the globe). Why are these places still significant today? How does the way we study and retell history influence our understanding of the world we live in now? And how can we talk about history in creative ways to help people more deeply consider their relationship with ancient ideas?
INSIGHTS + PROJECTS
On every Atlas Workshops program, the group works on an inquiry with real-world implications. Through intentional exploration, engagement with locals and experts, and team activities, students generate new insights and ideas about the topics, places, and global issues they’re investigating.
For some groups, the program incorporates a more extensive project—an opportunity to apply our learning and stretch our creative thinking by making something tangible or public.
We work to share the ideas and inspiration we find in the world, with the world, through collaborative initiatives and student expression. We can also work with you to develop a custom project or publish students’ insights via exhibition, photography, digital or print media, or other format.
Suggested Itinerary
Students will investigate the project question by getting to know Greece as a place, along with the people who live there, tinkering with ideas together to apply what they are learning, and sharing reflections, insights, and aha moments with others.
From Ancient to Modern Greece: 2-3 nights
Nafplio & Corinth, Greece
From the Athens airport, we will drive toward the Peloponnese and the wealthy Argolis region, a historic hub and fantastic place to begin thinking about our connection to the past. Along the way we will pay a quick visit to the ancient city of Corinth, and finally land at Nafplio. This is the first capital of modern day Greece, and is a scenic, easy-going town located next to major archaeological sites like Mycenae and Nemea. During our time here, we will participate in a hands-on archeology workshop in Asini, experiment with acoustics at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, and consider the delicate balance between preserving history and rebuilding for the future.
Looking through Mountains: 1-2 nights
Delphi, Greece
Moving forward to Delphi, we will visit the most important archeological site of the ancient world. Delphi is located in the mountainous region of Parnassus, which gives us a chance to explore the beautiful village of Arachova, with impressive views towards the massive olive groves. As we explore cities like Amfissa and the ancient town of Orchomenos, we can further examine how much history and archeology have shaped modern day Greece.
Contrasts in the City: 3 Nights
Athens, Greece
Finally we will round out our trip in Athens and visit the globally-revered Acropolis, along with the Ancient Agora and the Pnyx, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy. We will explore the capital city, filled with interesting contrasts and bustling neighborhoods. Its multi-layered history and vibrant everyday life will help us better understand what makes antiquity so important in the present day.
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Custom Programs & Modifications
We have designed this itinerary to maximize the value and breadth of our project and program. We can modify any program, or we can plan an entirely custom program. This itinerary could be adapted to focus on more specific learning outcomes, visit different regions, hit a different price point, combine with another program, or cover a longer or shorter schedule based on the group’s needs.
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You can also check out other programs in Greece, request a custom program, or explore other related programs here:
