Stories of decay, protection and graffitifrom the City of the Rocks
Who did graffiti in the 19th century on the rocks of the Western Hills and why?
What or by whom has an open archaeological site in Athens been threatened for two centuries and how do
the people of the archaeological service protect it? Why is modern graffiti destructive to ancient
monuments? What job do conservators of antiquities do?
Students discover and answer these and other questions in a tour with experiential games and activities at the open archaeological site of the Western Hills. At four points of Filopappou and Pnyx Hills, they enhance their knowledge of concepts and issues of management and protection of monuments, cultural landscapes and archaeological sites. They dramatize dialogues, observe and document graffiti damage, and exchange arguments about contemporary graffiti in the city in search of consensus.
The project file includes a variety of activities and worksheets for activities in the archaeological site and the class, a timeline, links to the school curriculum, preparation materials, bibliography and useful links.
The program aims to raise awareness among young people about the management of the important archaeological site and the protection of monuments from the negative consequences of modern graffiti by practicing the skills of observation and argumentation collaboratively and experientially.
