C. E. M. DUNLOP'S PHOTO ALBUM OF GREECE

During April/May 2002, I had the privilege of traveling in Greece, starting in Athens and venturing on to several islands in the Cyclades and then down to Crete. This was an extraordinary trip for several reasons. First, the Greek people were warm and welcoming (on more than one occasion, total strangers insisted on providing food and beverage). Second, the scenery was spectacular. And third, as a philosopher I was able to fulfill my longstanding goal of visiting many of the sites described and inhabited by my intellectual forebears.

All of the photographs here were taken by me. Most of the pictures connect with themes in courses I teach on Ancient Greek Philosophy, although I have also included some scenic shots and depictions of contemporary life.

Selecting one of the eight links below will take you to the relevant page, displaying thumbnail pictures in the left frame and full-size pictures on the right. Then click on any thumbnail picture to see the full-size version.

 

BEFORE SOCRATES

 

ATHENS: In the Footsteps of Socrates and Plato

 

DELPHI: Home of the Oracle

According to Plato's Apology, Socrates' friend Chaerephon consulted the Oracle of Delphi, asking whether anyone was wiser than Socrates. Although the Oracle reply was "No", Socrates knew that oracular pronouncements were often ambiguous, and he realized that he had to discover the meaning of the Oracle's claim about him.

The Oracle delivered her answers in the Temple of Apollo, which was located halfway up a mountain.  Far below lay another temple -- the Temple of Athena (goddess of wisdom).  Petitioners to the Oracle would have stopped there both before and after their audience with the Oracle, thus perhaps encouraged to think carefully about their experience.  One such petitioner was Oedipus the King, subject of Sophocles' famous plays.

 

DELOS: Island Shrine of Apollo and Dionysos (god of wine and sex)

 

SCENERY

 

CONTEMPORARY LIFE

 

 

 

All of the photos on this Website are copyrighted  2002 by Charles E. M. Dunlop, and none may be reproduced without permission.

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