Knossos Experience - February 1-4 2012
For three days starting Wednesday, February 1st, 2012, participants will stay steps from Knossos at the archaeologist's hostel and enjoy expert guidance on the history and archaeology of the Minoans. This is a "trial run" for a longer program to be offered in the future and the local BSA curator, Don Evely, is welcoming a few more participants. Cost is 270 Euros including all meals, instruction and entrance fees, and a shared room, a great value for such an intense experience with experts. It also provides an up-close look at the famed Villa Ariadne, normally off-limits for the average visitor and of interest both to would-be archaeologist's and those interested in modern Cretan history. Those interested in ancient pottery will particularly delighted with the opportunity to hear the finds discussed and to see pieces outside of glass cases.
Don notes "At Knossos, the British run a Research Institute .. and have done since the times of Arthur Evans, a century ago. We are putting together a three-day opportunity to visit sites in the Knossos valley, to talk on some points of their society (like Religion and Craft Production), and to investigate those piles of potsherds in detail."The course is residential and full board, accommodating up to 10 people, mostly sharing rooms. The conditions are comfortable, but typical for an establishment dedicated to excavation in the field. This is part of the experience, indeed the challenge, of living like an archaeologist." Don notes that, depending on weather and other considerations, some of the sessions may be rearranged so a morning lecture or excursion could become an afternoon one and vice-versa.
Knossos Experience Itinerary
Day 1. Evening Arrival at Knossos .. 5-5.30pm: Meal at Hostel (cooked by a local Cretan lady); discussion of arrangements and informal meeting/talk in Library for Day 2.
Day 2. Morning: Visit to Vathypetro, renowned for its extremely early winemaking equipment, followed by a visit to the beautiful Archanes area south of Knossos. Afternoon: Pottery Studies. Evening: Talk in Library - Looking at Minoan Religion. Meal at Hostel (local cooking).
Day 3. Morning: Visit to Herakleion Museum Temporary Exhibition.
Afternoon: Pottery Studies
Evening: Talk in Library: Minoan Crafts - How did they make that? Meal at Skalani Taverna (out).
Day 4. Morning: Knossos in its Valley.
Afternoon: Pottery Studies 3.
Farewells - 5.30 or so.
Exclusions
Travel to and from Crete is not included, and participants should have their own travel insurance, as well as money for souvenirs and other personal purchases. Knossos is located just south of Heraklion and can be reached from the airport or ferry terminal by taxi or by local bus. Other arrangements may be available at time of arrival.Note: this is an inaugural experience, being offered for the first time at a reduced price in exchange for useful feedback on the program. Accommodations are, as Don notes above, not deluxe or tourist-oriented but are clean and comfortable. Food will be local Cretan specialties; any special food needs should be discussed beforehand to be sure they can be met. Knossos is not at all isolated and the tourist shops or a quick trip to Heraklion itself would provide participants with any forgotten items.
More information is available by contacting Don Evely at bsaknoso@otenet.gr. Additional programs will be listed at the British School at Athens website.
British School at Athens Website
You can also contact the Curator at Knossos, Don Evely, by email for more information.
