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Ionian University

Summer School

Seafarers in Ancient Greece:

Pirates, Sailors, Colonizers

13-25 July 2020

Corfu, Greece

The Ionian University (Corfu, Greece) organizes a two-week summer school, which focuses on various types of seafarers in ancient Greece, from pirates to sailors and colonizers. It explores their roles in mythical journeys, the colonization process and naval battles from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period. Emphasis is given to maritime religion, economy and landscape. The program takes advantage of the location of Corfu incorporating trips to islands and locations of sea-battles, and inquiring about the role of ancient Corcyra in seafaring.

The program consists of everyday lectures by scholars, experts in the field, along with visits to sites, which will give the opportunity to the participants to experience the remains of seafaring activities on the island. Although the program is open to undergraduates, MA students are also welcome to apply. In the latter case the requirements of the course will be adjusted accordingly. The participants will have full access to the library resources and facilities at the Ionian University. The summer school will offer 3 ECTS= 1.5 US Credits.

For more information about the cost of the program and the schedule of lectures please check https://sites.ionio.gr/classics/2020/en/about/

Application Deadline: 15 May 2020

Academic Coordinators: Professor Athanasios Efstathiou (aefstath@ionio.gr) and Dr Polyxeni Strolonga (strolonga@ionio.gr)


Some Highlights of the program:

  • A tour of the old town of Corfu (designated UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • A visit at the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, which houses the famous Gorgon pediment from the temple of Artemis
  • A visit at the Old Fortress, a natural defense rock, with two peaks, where the Byzantine city, Koryfo (from which the island took its name Corfu) was established
  • One all-day guided excursion to Ioannina (castle, museums, etc.) and the archaeological site of Dodona
  • A visit of the Doric temple of Apollo at Mon Repos, the only Doric temple in Greece that does not have a frieze
  • One day cruise to the islands Paxos-Antipaxos, an area where great naval battles took place