The Τechnological Τreasures of Αncient Greeks

The famous “Twelve Labours of Hercules”, the emblematic hero of Greek mythology, actually reflect the collective achievements of the ancient Greeks. These achievements are lost in the depths of history and are full of major events of technological interest. As the study of the myth of Prometheus, the ancient Greek religion and the Homeric epics indicate, ancient Greeks were particularly associated with Technology, already from their first appearance in Prehistory. 

In this digital journey around the Herakleidon Museum, children are encouraged towards an exploratory approach and experiential mapping of the exhibits, inspired by the methodology of natural sciences. With the use of modern supervisory tools such as projections, written sources, timeline, exhibit cards, a digital map, etc., they answer questions, solve problems and justify their choices. The ultimate mission of the school group is to deconstruct and mentally reassemble the technological treasures of the ancient Greeks, each with its own unique interconnecting method and bring life to every artefact, associating them with the existing knowledge and experiences.

The educational programme has been designed in connection with the New Curricula and contributes to the enrichment and development of their teaching objectives. Specifically, it is related to History, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Environment Study, Visual Arts, Music and Theatrical Education.

Example of a museum route in connection with the courses of History, Mathematics and Physics
Kindergarten: Handmaid, Antikythera Mechanism, Aeolosphere, Odometer, Sanitary Installation, Plato’s Alarm Clock.
Elementary school (first-second-third grade): Major Mycenaean Works, Sanitary Installation in the House of Akrotiri (Thira), Antikythera Mechanism, Odometer, Aeolosphere, Handmaid.
Elementary school (fourth-fifth-sixth grade): Diolkos, Parthenon Construction Site, Antikythera Mechanism, Handmaid, Aeolosphere, Ctisivius’ Pump.
Middle school: Construction & large projects, Antikythera Mechanism, Astronomy, Time & distance measurement, Hellenistic era automation, Mechanics, Technology in arts & sports.