Pella

          Although I was disappointed that the archaeological site of Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, was closed the museum was fascinating and gave me many insights into the transition of different lifestyles and perceptions throughout history.

           King Aracelaus founded Pella and later King Phillip II and Alexander the Great ruled from this great city. It attracted many Greek artists such as Zeuxis and Euripedes. We actually got to view the mosaics that Zeuxis created in the luxurious homes of Dionysus and Helen. 

           We notice the transition from the modest city homes in Athens to the more luxurious houses in Pella. In earlier times, it was dishonorable to not participate in the city state whether it is voting or being on the jury. In Pella, we see people wanting to move away from the political life and retreat to extravagantly decorated homes. It was actually looked down upon to have these larger houses because one should be dedicated their time, money, and effort into the state and not themselves. One was considered useless and an "idiot" if they didn't fulfill their political duties. 

           In addition, discussion and fellowship moved from the public agoras to the private symposiums or drinking parties. A person's house was the new forum for debate and fellowship. Whereas there used to be a separation of public and private, agora and house, it is now merging into one. This also brought women closer to the action. Although, they technically were not allowed to listen to the conversations and participant in the symposium, it was still brought into their arena- the home. Actually, women in Sparta exercised much more freedom than other Greek women. Most Greek women remained in the house and that is why in paintings their skin is very pale. Spartan women were allowed to go out in public and interact with men and women around town. 

           Another transition I discovered was found within the coins. Coins used to feature the patron god or goddess and their tradition symbol. For example, in Athens, Athena was featured with an owl or olive branch. However, coins soon gave tribute to the emperors instead. This also parallels with the temples we have seen in Pergamon; the shift from Olympic gods to emperor worship. The temple dedicated to the emperor Trajan that sits above the temples for both Zeus and Athena is an example of the progression of devotion. 

Greek Orthodoxy (Monasteries, St. Paul's Alter, and Basilicas)

          Large metropolitan cities, amazing beaches, and remote mountain villages are mostly our destinations, but Meteora had it's own beauty and mystique. The Greek word literally means "suspended rock," which is an accurate portrayal of the landscape with it's rocks extended towards the sky. The monasteries are built on top of these large pinnacles and monks would use a pulley system with nets to hoist themselves up. However now there are long winding staircases. 

           The first monastery we visited was named after the ascetic monk named Barlaam who climbed the rock and built three churches in dedication to the Three Hierarchs; Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. No one followed him up there, so after his death the site was abandoned and fell into ruin until Theophanes and Nektarios Asparades found it again. They erected the ruins and dedicated the monastery to All Saints. 

           The inside of the monastery was covered in bright, colorful frescoes that literally left no space unpainted and depicted scenes of redemption and martyrdom from the new testament. Many ancient worshippers could not read the bible so these murals would serve as testimonies of perseverance, visual representation of faith, and aids to reflection. By viewing the Saints and their sacrifices, a person is able to draw inspiration and encouragement. Our tour guide explained that the Greek Orthodox pray to the Saints, not as gods but as a median to God. The Saints bring them closer to the divine as sort of messengers and role models. 

           Icons, artistic depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the Saints, covered the walls inside both the monasteries and the basilica. I noticed a woman in the basilica kissing each of the icons reverently. She was not worshipping idols, but becoming one with the figure in the icon. That is why they are always flat and two-dimensional because when you look at them or kiss them, you become the third dimension. Some believe that the icons are flat because humans do not understand the world of the divine spirits and cannot comprehend it using our five senses. This is very different from the Roman Catholics style of worship where they employ statues that are life-like and three dimensional. However, they still are not worshipped but used as visual aids and decorations. 

           Symbolism in the art and the depiction of the Saints was very evident in the frescoes, mosaics, and other icons. A recurring theme was the color symbolism; gold represents the kingdom of God, blue is the human life, and red is the divine life. Jesus is always painted wearing a red undergarment and a blue outer garment which conveys his descent from the divine into mortal form. The Virgin Mary has the opposite set of garments and illustrates her birth into mortality and her descent to divinity. I found this motif in all three sites we saw; the Meteora Monasteries, St. Paul's alter, and St. Demetrius basilica. 

           The Saints were also depicted in an idealized way with their ears and eyes big showing their reception of Christ's words and their beauty masked because their souls were far surpassing physical attraction. The saints were always painted on the lower parts of the walls, which connect more with the humans worshipping. It demonstrates that they are the link between this world and the divine. The face of Jesus Christ is always on the top part of the dome, which is a visual representation of Him in heaven. The basilica had an interesting representation of the angels almost lifting up the dome of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. 

           The basilica of St. Demetrius was built on the site of his martyrdom where he was speared to death. The Virgin Mary is depicted with the baby Jesus in her arms in the pews with glowing amber windows that gave the whole building a sacred glow. In the Orthodox Church, Mary is always shown higher than the Saints because although she was also human she was blessed and sacrificed her body to bring Jesus Christ into our world. She is a physical manifestation of the divine and mortal world connecting. The basilica interestingly was also the site of some Roman Baths that we got to explore. 

           I also noticed a fountain that looked similar to the ablutions we saw in Turkey. The idea of cleansing and purification seem to be prevalent in all religions. In Islamic faith one must take off their shoes and cleanse their hands, feet, and face before entering the mosque. Christians believe in baptism as a liberation from sin that separates us from God or a declaration of a person's belief and faith in Christ. Jews do a ritual washing which include washing the hands, feet or even total immersion intended to restore or maintain a state of ritual purity. The ancient greeks that worshipped the Olympic gods were also insistent on being cleansed. In Oresteia, for example, Apollo cleanses Orestes of his mother's blood he shed. Many could not enter sanctuaries of the gods if they were not cleansed. That is why criminals and such were not allowed to enter. Also, pregnant women (because if they had a miscarriage) and those who were approaching death could not walk the sacred path of Apollo's sanctuary because they would dishonor the sacred area with death. 

           Although I noticed a lot of similarities between all the religions and especially between the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholicism. I couldn't help but contrast it with the style of worship I'm used too. I'm not an avid church attendee but I do like to accompany my brother to his non-denominational church in Austin. It's much more relaxed than traditional churches where people from nice dresses to jeans and sandals show up and have fellowship with one another. It's an amazing time for reflection and celebration about our relationship with Jesus Christ. This seems to be very different from the reverent style of worship found in the Catholic or Orthodox Church. My perception is that some focus on the original sin and the need for repentance. Whereas most of the Christian worship I have experienced is more uplifting and praises humans as God's children and made in his image. Also, protestants seem to engage in more musical worship which is not seen in orthodoxy. Regardless, both styles of worship glorify God either in beautiful artistic paintings, frescoes, or music. 

Delphi

          Delphi Museum was so interesting because I was able to make some interesting connections and insights about Greek culture throughout history. 

           It was fascinating to see the parallel between the different movements throughout the century. We noticed the transition in art in the sculptures from more idealistic and smiling faces to realistic and unemotional faces. This mirrors the philosophical movement that Dr. Shultz mentioned that taught temperance and control. In Plato's Republic, we have discussed the virtues; wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. The emphasis of controlled emotion within the sculptures shows the Greek ideal of mastery of certain sorts of pleasures and appetites. 

           An additional parallel that the tour guide pointed out was between the theatre and politics. Play writers were able to express their creativity through dramatic comedies and tragedies. Sometimes they conveyed important themes like justice in Aeschylus' Oresteia. New plays were showcased in the theatre of Dionysus and competed for top prizes. The protagonist of each performance reflected the freedom of a democratic voter during this time. He is allowed to make choices, but has to deal with his decisions and the gods help guide him throughout the process. Voters, like the main character, especially in Athens, exercise a lot of freedom in the political system. 

           Another interesting motif I discovered was the universal depiction of snakes being evil and harmful. Apollo had to kill the Phython that protected the center of the earth in Delphi so that he could build his sanctuary there. This is also symbolic of the new worship of the Olympian gods over the old deities such as mother earth. At this sanctuary, the archaeologists included artifacts from the byzantine era that showed a cross triumphantly on top of a snake. In the bible, the snake is depicted as a deceptive creature that tricks Adam and Eve into eating from the Tree of Knowledge. 

           About the site itself, I found the discovery of the toxic gases that rose from the ground underneath the temple itself making the priestesses high riveting . Even the water that they drank was contaminated with poison! They would fast for days before they entered the temple for long hours in order to prepare themselves, but you would think that would give them a hunch that something weird was going on within the temple. Our tour guide said that one time a man forced one of the woman to go in and tell him his prophecy but she had not yet fasted so she passed away. Greek worship was really intense and their beliefs were so strong that they would sacrifice their own children (Agamemnon sacrificing Iphegenia). So maybe it isn't so crazy that they would really think the the god of prophesy, Apollo, was really speaking through them. 

           The amount of influence that these women had over the city was also quite amazing. Usually women maintained the house and raised the children. There place was in the home and away from public affairs and decisions. However, the priestesses of Apollo could control the choices the men made by their prophesies. It reminds me of the movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," when the mother explains that a man is the head and the women is the neck that can turn the head any way she wants.

The sanctuary of Apollo was an interesting panhellenic site where Greek city states would demonstrate their wealth and influence. Athens, for example, had an elaborate treasury house that depicted their prestige and honor. After any astounding victory they would make sacrifices to the gods and bring trophies to showcase in their treasury. It's like the Baylor Panhellenic building at Baylor where every sorority has their own room that is decorated in beautiful pictures of past classes, achievement plaques, and important artifacts. 

           Another way the Greeks showed off their superiority over another was in the Pythian Games. The Olympic Games are held in such high regard that we sometimes forget about the many other athletic events that occurred. In modern day, no one every keeps up with the world championships in track and field or the national championship, but when the Olympics come around everyone is all on the track bandwagon. The Pythian Games were a precursor to the Olympics. The victors were presented with a laurel crown cut from a tree symbolical representing the slaying of the Python. What made these games different was that it hosted musical competitions because Apollo was also the god of music. 

           Not only do these games unite the several Greek city states, but so do their common religion and language. Dr. Henry pointed out that whenever another Greek nation conquered another they would still respect the temples that were already establish. Many say that is why the Greeks were punished after the Trojan war because they looted the temple of Apollo. 

Assignment 13

          Although Socrates and Jesus lived in two different eras and one preached Christianity and the other philosophy, they share a lot of the same values, lifestyles, and teaching skills. Referencing Matthew in the New Testament about Jesus' crucifixion and Plato's Apology, which is about Socrates' defense in his trial, we can recognize similarities between the two "teachers."

           Both state that there is no reason to fear death, but for different reasons. The Bible explains, "An fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul (Matthew 16.26)," which states that you should not fear earthly harm, but spiritual which only God can inflict. Christianity believes that earthly possessions and suffering is only in this life, but then you are rewarded with eternal salvation. Socrates states, "A good man cannot be harmed in either life or death, and that his affairs are not neglected by the gods," which basically says the same thing except he did not believe in eternal salvation. Instead, he believed that fearing the gods are more important and vital than fearing humans.

           Also, Socrates explains that he does not fear death because he does not actually know what death entails, so how can he be afraid of the unknown? He says, "To fear death, gentlemen, is no other than to think oneself wise when one is not, to think one knows what one does not know." Socrates acknowledges the limits of human wisdom and does not claim to know what he does not. Actually, he believes himself to be wise because he recognizes his lack of knowledge. Jesus also warns people of speaking "idle words" because they will be judged later. This actually reminds me of how recently one man claimed that the rapture was coming and when he didn't he looked like a complete idiot. In the bible specifically it states that no man knows the day, but only God. I think Socrates could agree with this sentiment that humans do not know as much as they claim. 

           There lifestyles also mimicked each other like forgiveness and rejection of wealth. Although persecuted and ridiculed, both never took revenge or were bitter  towards their prosecutors. Socrates states, "Men of Athens, I am grateful and I am your friend but I will obey the god rather than you, and as long as I draw breath and am able, I shall not cease to practice philosophy, to exhort you and in my usual way to point out to any one of you whom I happen to meet." Both of them preached and taught for their love of humanity and for a higher purpose. Those accusing them of wrong wanted them to beg for mercy, but they refused and held themselves to a higher standard. Socrates says, "I was convicted because I lacked not words but boldness and shamelessness and the willingness to say to you what you would most gladly have heard from me, lamentations and tears and my saying and doing many things that I saw are unworthy of me but that you are accustomed to hear from others." Jesus also was taunted by bystanders asking him why he doesn't save himself if he is the Son of God and etc. 

           Socrates explains though that although he is unique, there will be more followers of his philosophy and they will continue to question society until justice is administered and the good is discovered. Several Christians were converted after the resurrection of Christ and his Apostles scattered around the world to preach his teachings. Socrates says, "You are wrong if you believe that by killing people you will prevent anyone from reproaching you for not living the right way." 

           The way that Socrates and Jesus taught was also quite similar. They both spoke in parables. Jesus says, "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at nay time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." Socrates also faced closed minded people that would not listen to him speak. He gave insightful analogies about the minds of humans and conduct of society. However, the largest difference in their teachings is that Jesus knows the answer and is preaching it. Whereas Socrates is seeking the answer and those he asks fail him. Socrates proves them wrong through facts, reason, and analogies but Jesus simply states what is the Truth. 

Athens Day Four

          Athens today was exceptional; we got to visit Corinthians and Mycenae. However, the most life-changing experience was the Special Olympic Opening Ceremonies. It was truly amazing and more inspiring than any of the other sites we have seen. Not just because I'm a sports nut and I've been an Olympic fan since the dawn of time, but because of what the Special Olympics stood for. 

           It was a revolution for equality. The goal is to give the opportunity for everyone to compete and feel the power of sports to lift self-esteem and pride. The key word that was reiterated throughout the ceremony was dignity. People with disabilities want to be treated with respect and allowed to participant in all endeavors of life. Timothy Kennedy Shriver spoke on behalf of his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, about how impossibility is a frame of mind and that the only disadvantage anyone has is not believing in themselves and their god-given abilities. Everyone has a talent and a gift from God. Stevie Wonder gave a moving performance and speech about how God makes no mistakes and that were made perfectly in his eyes. 

           It warmed my heart to see the parade of athletes walk across the long platform with huge smiles on their faces. In a world that constantly puts them down and makes them feel less about themselves, it's truly revolutionary to create an environment of positivity and support. I absolutely loved hearing every person cheering and clapping for every team and seeing how enthusiastic and genuine they were. 

           I'm so grateful to be able to witness such an amazing movement. Everyone should have something they are proud of and that makes them feel good about themselves. Eunice Kennedy Shriver really has impacted the world with the founding of the Special Olympics. In it's short amount of time it has flourished and become one of the biggest events world-wide. Attending this event has been one of the best decisions of my life. 

Athens Day Three

          What a wonderful free morning in Athens. It was nice getting up without an alarm clock and just resting. Usually on our off days we have class and have a full day at the beach or around the town, but it was nice to lay in bed and catch up on some disney shows. Everyday, we are constantly on the move; seeing amazing sites and experiencing different cultures, but it was nice to have some down time just to relax and almost feel like I was back home on my couch in Austin. 

           We did visit Poseidon's temple in Sounion in the late afternoon and it was actually just as relaxing as the morning. The ride to the temple was along the coast of Athens so you can see the calms waves of the Aegean Sea. 

           The temple sat on on top of a hill surrounded by the sea. I found a wonderful protruding rock that looked out over the sea and it was a great time to reflect and look out in the array of blue; turquoise, teal, navy, and sky blue. 

           I've discovered on this trip that I am most at peace when viewing the ocean waters. It's so calming and tranquil. The water is absolutely gorgeous and seems to go on infinitely like the Greek key, we saw in the Acropolis Musuem. The key represents eternal life because it has no beginning or end. 

           The islands surrounded in an enchanted mist add to the mystery of the Sea. The world is so big and there is so much left I haven't seen. What is the name of that island? What kind of people inhabit it? I have so many questions about the world and I wanna discover them for myself. 

           However, I also miss my home and my family. Traveling the world is fantastic and I love every minute, but looking out onto the never-ending see makes me realize how far I am from home. It must of been like what Odysseus must of felt when sitting on Calypso's island longing for Ithaca. 

           I will always yearn for home, but while abroad I find my comfort in the ocean. No matter the struggles I'm facing or the stress I'm under, they magical seem to fade into the sounds of the oceans and the mystic view until they are completely gone. 

Athens Day Two

          Our first full day tour in Greece was filled with exciting sites. First we stopped by the Olympic Stadium, which was personally my favorite (as is all the sports related sites and topics). It's amazing how the Olympics bring unity within a team and also within the whole world; wars are halted and animosity turns into a friendly, competitive spirit. Countries come together to celebrate a time-honored tradition that dates back to 776 BC- 339 AD for the ancient games and 1894 to the present . It's truly amazing what sports can do for an athletes self-esteem and a country's pride. Patriotism is never greater than during the Olympic Games. It is truly a magical event.

          Our second stop was the infamous Athens' Acropolis. After viewing this magnificent site, I can understand how Athens became the envy of every Greek nation, a world treasure, and a model city to look upon. The Romans admired Athens so much that they structured their city, architecture, and lifestyle after the Greeks. Eventually, they viewed themselves as greater than the Greeks and more equal to the Greek gods that they adapted as their own Roman Gods. What struck me the most was the burial place of Philopappus, a prince during the roman empire, that was on the adjacent hill of the acropolis and was on the same level as the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Nike Athena. He thought he should be buried on the same level as the patron goddess of the city because he has impacted the city just as much. 

          This is a stark contrast in the Christian way of worship. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2.8-10)." Paul was concerned with the Emperor worship in Ephesus, but commended the resident Christians for keeping their faith and humility. In Pergamon, we witnessed the grandeur of emperor worship and the persecution the Christians must of faced during these times.  

          Every monday, the Baylor Track and Field team has a devotional that not only lifts our spirits and motivates us to work hard, but reminds us that using our talents and abilities glorifies God who gave us these gifts. It makes running more sacred and our victories more sweet because it is for a greater purpose than ourselves. In track and life in general, it's easy to become arrogant and complacent. However, when you live and run for God you continually strive to better yourself to please him and you humble yourself to give gratitude.