May 2019 Our second talk was entitled ‘Strange Discoveries in Archaeology’ by CANI’s Dr Katerina Kolotourou. Dr Kolotourou discussed the grave of the Griffin Warrior found near the site of the Palace of Nestor at Pylos. This warrior was buried with over 3000 precious objects, including many small, carved seals. These were etched with images of combat, deities, lions, and men jumping bulls. Discussion turned to how, without modern technology to aid magnification, the craftsmen were able to carve intricate images on these tiny seals. One such seal is known as the Pylos Combat Agate. The seal is 3.4cm in length and, when restored, was found to be engraved with a triangular image of one warrior attacking another, while a third lies on the ground. The final lecture was delivered by our special guest, Michael Scott, Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. In association with the BBC, Prof. Scott has made a number of documentaries on various aspects of the ancient world, most recently Sicily: the Wonder of the Mediterranean and Ancient Invisible Cities. Prof. Scott’s talk was entitled ‘Understanding the Oracle at Delphi’. He began by commenting that the site of the oracle is found in a rather inaccessible location but this might explain the various myths recording the oracle’s foundation, which featured Apollo, Zeus, eagles, goats, and dragons. The popular story that hallucinogenic gases emerge from the ground where the temple was built has been challenged by modern archaeological studies but surveys in the 1990s have proven that the Temple of Apollo was indeed built upon a fault causing the release of gases, including hallucinationinducing ethylene.
CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
We are grateful to the soldiers of Legion Ireland for journeying to the north and being such a popular part of the conference. A favourite story from the day is when CANI’s Peter and Martin from Legion Ireland (in full Roman armour) walked into the Hoards exhibition while Greer Ramsey was giving a talk to another group. Martin proclaimed that he was there “to take his money back!” Thanks to everyone who helped make the conference a great day. To keep in touch with CANI, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or be added to the mailing list by dropping a quick email to classicalassociationni@hotmail.com. Helen McVeigh
CLICK TO WATCH a replay of Michael Scott, Helen McVeigh and Raoul McLaughlin’s Live Q&A session!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c ontinue=17&v=G0nqjxiYNqA
7