A Classical Easter

During the Easter holiday a group of 16 pupils embarked on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Ancient Greece.

Their adventure began with an immersive exploration of Athenian history, visiting the Acropolis of Athens, the Athenian Agora, and the Acropolis Museum. Here, pupils delved into key events of 5th-century Athens, including the Battle of Salamis, the formation of the Delian League, and the development of Athenian democracy. Though the day involved extensive walking, there was still time to enjoy some traditional Athenian cuisine.

The group then traveled to Delphi, a site famed for its oracle of Apollo, where dignitaries and envoys from across the ancient world once sought divine counsel. In a fitting twist, their bus was delayed due to an International Politicians Forum meeting taking place in Delphi that day! Despite this unexpected detour, they explored the renowned temple and even managed a brief stop at Eleusis to visit the cave where Hades is said to have abducted Persephone.

For GCSE Classical Civilisation pupils, Thursday’s visit to Mycenae was a standout moment of the trip. Perched atop an artificial plateau and accessible through the imposing Lion Gate, Mycenae remains a breathtaking site, offering insights into the remarkable civilization that thrived there between 1800-1200 BC. The journey continued to Tiryns, another Mycenaean fortress and the legendary birthplace of Hercules. The day’s explorations culminated in a visit to Epidaurus, home to the renowned ancient Greek theatre—one of the best-preserved in the world—and the temple of Asclepius, the god of healing. The exceptional acoustics of the theatre left the pupils in awe, a testament to the ingenuity of Greek architectural design.

On the final day, the pupils visited the National Archaeological Museum, where Classical Civilisation students had the chance to see many of the Mycenaean artifacts they had studied as part of their course. The trip concluded at the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, where King Aegeus leapt into the sea, forever giving his name to the waters—the Aegean.

Between site visits, pupils sampled authentic Greek cuisine and, of course, indulged in some delicious ice cream! The timeless wonders of Classical Greece continue to inspire generations, as was evident among the pupils, who seamlessly intertwined their sightseeing with lively discussions on mythology, history, drama, and religion.