Modeling everyday life in Crete and Cyprus with reference to Egypt

Modeling everyday life in Crete and Cyprus with reference to Egypt
Modeling everyday life in Crete and Cyprus with reference to Egypt

The present course will examine a number of models, mainly made of terracotta and scarcely of stucco, uncovered in Crete and Cyprus with references to respective Egyptian products in clay and wood. Their meaning will also be discussed. When it comes to models in clay – mainly as burial contributions but not exclusively in that use – we realize their importance to all Mediterranean cultures, however slight differences are observed in each case and civilization.  Models study includes:

- The use of specific theme pattern, which varies from time to time and different circumstances at Crete while follows a repeated pattern in Cyprus.

- The different meaning that models perceive according to where they were produced

- The applied inventiveness of each model creator.

All of the above will be analyzed further and in detail in this online course part of the Arts and Culture category. After successfully completing the lessons, the participant will receive a training certificate while acquiring a magnificent one time experience.

Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology
Post-doctoral Researcher

The programme is addressed not only to students of Archaeology but also to the broader public, especially those with a particular interest in prehistoric/protohistoric times in broader eastern Mediterranean area.

During the long era of prehistory various types of models, made of clay, have been unearthed in different sites on the islands of Crete and Cyprus. These sites include tombs, settlements, sanctuaries and other. This lecture refers to these models, describes them in a detailed way and discusses their possible meaning/s and the impact they had in the prehistoric communities which produced them. It seems that in Crete the clay models cover a very long period of time ranging from Prepalatial to Postpalatial epoch and their character is diverse.

In Cyprus on the other hand, such models are limited in time span and are dated in Chalcolithic period and Early Bronze Age III to Middle Bronze Age I. In the examination of Cypriot models a series of open and closed vases, bearing on the rim and/or shoulder small human and animal figurines along with models of structures, either in relief and/or in the round, is also included. 

In addition, a selective assemblage of Egyptian models made of stucco and wood and rarely of clay are discussed as a comparative material. Egypt had a long tradition in the deposition of models of great variety and beauty in the tombs of Pharaohs, noblemen as well as common people.  
 

The programme attemps a fascinating journey to everyday life of ancient Crete, Cyprus and Egypt.

 

Lesson 1: Introduction- Models of Minoan Crete
In this lesson we will define the term model and we will examine models of Minoan Crete.

Lesson 2: Cyprus: Pottery decorated with figures (I)
In our second lesson we will examine the case of Cyprus.

Lesson 3: Cyprus: Pottery decorated with figures (II)- Autonomous Models
Here, we will further analyze the case of Cyprus with emphasis on autonomous models.

Lesson 4: Egyptian Models-Conclusions
Finally, egyptian models and further conclusions will be discussed.

 

The  assessment  methods will be based on  a mixture of open and closed type questions. 

Online and distance training learning at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offers a new way of combining innovative learning and training techniques with interaction with your tutor and fellow trainees from around the world.

The e-learning course is implemented via a user-friendly educational platform adjusted to the Distance Learning Principles. Courses are structured as weekly online meetings; interaction with the course tutor and other trainees takes place in a digital learning environment. The courses are designed to fit around your schedule; you access the course whenever it is convenient for you, however within the given deadlines.

The whole world becomes your classroom as e-learning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones as a very mobile method. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or even during your trip to Greece!

The educational platform is a portal that offers access to electronic educational material based on modern distance learning technologies. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help trainees engage and learn in a tailored way that will meet their needs. E-learners have access to the educational platform with their personal code number in order to browse all relevant training material and interact with their instructors.

Moreover, an online communication system through own personal e-mail account is available in order to make the process easier and more interactive. Trainees can contact directly their tutors or the administration office of the course and share any concerns or anxieties related to the course in order to make the most of their experience.

Every week e-learners are provided with the relevant material, delivered either in the form of video-lectures, text notes and relevant presentations or as a combination of them. The educational material of the course is uploaded gradually, per educational unit. During the course, important info for the smooth conduct of the educational process, such as timetables for the submission of the exercises are announced on the Announcement section of the platform.

For successful completion of the course the e-learner should have fulfill her/his academic obligations, meaning should have submitted all corresponding assessment exercises and have achieved at least an average of 50% grade in the corresponding tests for each module. The score scale ranges from 0 to 100%. Finally, if the total score on one or more lessons of the course does not exceed 50%, trainees can ask for reassessment.

During the course trainees will be attending a training experience designed by academics and lecturers from the National University of Athens as well as from other Universities, Research Institutes and Cultural organizations around Greece.

Interactivity, flexibility and our long tradition guarantee that learning with us offers a successful and rewarding experience. Finally, access to a large variety of material and online resources available in each unit aims to excite your curiosity and guide you in exploring further your favourite topic. Part of the online material can be downloaded providing the chance to quickly refresh your memory after the completion of the course.