HUAS91012 - Discovering Northern Greece: Macedonian and Byzantine Treasures

Course Description

The Graham School offers a journey through impressive northern Greece! Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Macedonian kings Philip II and Alexander the Great, as we explore the heartland of an empire that eventually spread Greek culture and a "globalized" economy around the eastern Mediterranean and across Asia as far as India. Our home base for the trip will be Thessaloniki, present-day Greece's Second City, but also once the second-most important city and Christian center in the Byzantine empire after Constantinople. In addition to the ancient monuments, brilliantly decorated Byzantine churches, and picturesque Old/Upper Town of Thessaloniki itself, we will make day-trips to Aigai and Pella, ancient Macedonia's royal seats, and Mieza, where young Alexander was schooled at the knee of his tutor Aristotle. Also not to be missed is a special 2-day foray into the three-pronged Chalkidiki region, during which we'll explore mighty-walled Amphipolis and Aristotle's birthplace of Stagira; walk through centuries-old monasteries; and take to the seas to steal a look at the mysterious, secluded monastic enclave of Mount Athos.

All Graham School students and friends of UChicago are eligible to apply for the trip.

Course Outline

What's Included?

• Pre-trip seminar with trip scholar.
• Double-occupancy hotel accommodations.
• Daily breakfast and lunch, and welcome dinner.
• Archaeologist and expert led site and museum tours, with additional contributions from our trip scholar.
• Entry to the ancient sites and museums.
• Transportation to sites outside of Thessaloniki.
• Support services provided by the Athens Centre.

Participants are responsible for their own air travel to Greece (and airport transfers) and meals other than those listed above.

Notes

Trip Leaders

Archeologist John Leonard, a Graham student favorite, co-led the March 2023 and 2024 Basic Program Spring Break in Greece and led the September 2023 trip to Crete and Ancient Thera. He holds a PhD in Greek and Roman archaeology from the University at Buffalo, SUNY. John is an archaeologist, and a writer and editor. He is a visiting professor of ancient Greek and Roman art, archaeology and history, and is a specialist in Cypriot archaeology. He is the former assistant director of an archaeological research institute (CAARI) and has diverse record of field research, terrestrial & marine.

Graham Director of Academics and Basic Program Instructor, Zoë Eisenman, joins as trip scholar. Zoe started teaching in the Basic Program in 1992 and served as the Cyril O. Houle Chair from 2015–2020. She has a BA in Greek from Vassar College and an MA in Classics from the University of Chicago, where she has also done advanced graduate work. Her main academic focus is on Greek and Roman history and philosophy, classical cultural history, and gender studies. Zoë served as trip scholar on the 2019 Spring Break in Greece.  

Jan Watson is the Associate Director of the Basic Program and runs the Study in Oxford programs and trips to Greece. This will be Jan’s 7th trip in Greece with Graham students. Jan is a 2007 graduate of the Basic Program and has extensive experience touring with performing arts companies. She has run travel programs for the Graham School since 2015.

Application, Traveler Requirements, Cancellations, and Refunds

All Graham School students and alumni are eligible to apply for the trip. Spouses and partners are cordially welcome.

Participants should be aware that the trip requires considerable walking in ancient archeological sites. Ability to climb 2-3 flights of stairs and ability to stand for up to 90 minutes is required.

A $1200 deposit is due upon acceptance into the program and no later than June 3, 2024. The balance of the tuition is due no later than July 22, 2024. All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. Cancellations received between June 4 and July 22, 2024 will result in a $600 per person cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after July 22, 2024. In the unlikely event of the cancellation of the program by the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies or by the Athens Centre, a full refund will be given.