Choose a part in the Golden Age of Pericles
Ever wonder if you could be a member of the Ancient Greek boule? Or what it would be like if you could make a speech in front of an Athenian audience in the age of Pericles? What did the inside of the Ancient Agora look like at the time? An exhibition titled «The Ancient Agora» and a new multimedia production at the Foundation of the Hellenic World (254 Pireos, tel 212.254.0000) help the public understand the institutions and ideas that were developed in the Ancient Agora of Athens, which continue to influence society and politics to this day: Freedom, justice, education, equality, freedom of speech and civic participation were concepts which were developed in Classical Athens and prevailed throughout Europe during the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, the American and French revolutions and the modern Greek state. Virtual tour Visitors to the exhibition, which was inaugurated last week by Parliament Speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki, may participate in a virtual tour of the agora, while at the Tholos 3-D dome, the foundation has created a virtual Agora based on a scientific study. According to the foundation’s managing director, Dimitris Efraimoglou, the goal of the exhibition is not to present the agora as a static location, but as a living institution that for the past 2,500 years has played an integral part in daily life. Chronologically, the exhibition covers the Classical and Early Hellenistic periods, while also offering a wealth of information about other periods. The interactive exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to zoom in on a particular area of interest, to play interactive games based on the concept of a common Athenian identity that emerged from the agora and even to deliver an oratory, which can also be recorded. Mon, Tue, Thur 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wed & Fri 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
