Vrysaki Neighborhood and the Athenian Agora
Stoa of Attalos
Join us for a free virtual talk on January 17, 2024 at 11 AM Central. This Virtual Symposium is free and open to the public.
ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM:
We will hear about a unique period of Athenian urban history. In 1931, the American School of Classical Studies in Athens (ASCSA) was granted permission to explore the area of the ancient Athenian Agora, build a museum, and landscape the site. In less than 10 years, the Vrysaki neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis was expropriated, more than 5000 inhabitants were evacuated, and about 600 dwellings were removed. The Stoa of Attalos was rebuilt on its foundations in the Agora between 1953 and 1956. The reconstruction of this building as a museum and storage for the entire collection, adds another dimension to the site by providing an unusual immersive experience to visitors.
Sylvie Dumont will share her research from the rich documentation of this historic episode—the archives of the negotiations and a large collection of photographs showing the Vrysaki neighborhood in the 1930s. This documentation helps to put together the historical facts, reconstruct pieces of the neighborhood, and gives witness to the living conditions of the inhabitants at the threshold of the Second World War.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Sylvie Dumont studied Classical Archaeology at the University of Laval, Québec. Moving to Greece in 1985 gave her the opportunity to work as an illustrator for the University of British Columbia on the island of Lesbos for four summers. In 1991, she started working part-time as assistant to the Secretary of the Agora Excavations. In 1997, she became Associate Registrar, and served as Registrar from 2014 until her retirement in March 2023.
SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS:
The Parthenon would like to thank the following organizations that provide underwriting support for its exhibition and educational programming, including Symposia, through grants and corporate partnerships with Centennial Park Conservancy. Individuals can support the Parthenon by making a donation or becoming a member of Centennial Park Conservancy. Learn more.
Humanities Tennessee, Amazon, the Sandra Schatten Foundation, HCA Healthcare Foundation, Tennessee Arts Commission, Hays Foundation, and Advance Financial Foundation
ADDITIONAL SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS:
Archaeological Institute of America- Nashville Society, Vanderbilt University, and Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation
NEXT SYMPOSIUM:
Artist Talk with Duncan McDaniel: RSVP HERE
March 19, 2024 at 6 PM