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School sessions and resources for ages 7-11 (KS2).

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Ancient mythology, more precisely Ancient Greek mythology, has been a major influence on the world through science, arts, and religion for millennia.

In the modern-day world, having been an invariable presence in school curriculums the world over, its myths about heroes and gods have touched the souls of a countless number of people.

Yet, few today can perceive the extent to which the lives of the ancient people in the so called "Old World" were influenced by the Ancient Greek mythology - and the Ancient Thracian mythology - the two, as it is increasingly turning out - had a lot in common.

Archaeological artifacts depicting scenes and motifs from the mythology of Ancient Greece and Ancient Thrace might be the most tangible way for the modern-day person to try to experience that.

Following is a list of five truly impressive archaeological artifacts discovered in Bulgaria (mostly in recent years) with depictions of scenes from the Ancient Greek & Ancient Thracian mythology.

The selection is random, and features artifacts which we at ArchaeologyinBulgaria.com have covered so far in our news articles.

#1. This Ancient Thracian Aristocrat's War Helmet Depicting Trojan War / Iliad Scenes
1st - 2nd century AD, Brestovitsa, Central South Bulgaria Discovered: 2013
A very rare war helmet of a Thracian aristocrat from the 1 st-2 nd century AD featuring motifs from the story of the Trojan War - made world famous through the Iliad by Ancient Greek poet Homer - was discovered during emergency excavations in Southern Bulgaria in 2013.

The Thracian war helmet was found in an Ancient Thracian tumulus (burial mound) known as Pamuk Mogila in Bulgaria's Brestovitsa, and was shown to the public for the first time in 2015.

Alongside images of ancient gods, Eros, Apollo, and Hermes, it features a scene from the Trojar War depicting the murder of Hector's son Astyanax (Scamandrius) by Achilles's son Neoptolemus.

It is said to be the world's only known depiction of the said Trojan War scene which dates back to the Roman Age.

#2. This Silver and Gold Phiale Depicting Hercules (Heracles) and Auge from the Rogozen Treasure
6th - 4th century BC, Rogozen, Northwest Bulgaria Discovered: 1986
With a combined weight of 20 kg and the stunning number of 165 silver vessels, some with gold coating, the Rogozen Treasure is the largest Ancient Thracian treasure to have ever been discovered in Bulgaria, and, seemingly, anywhere else.

In 2016, Bulgaria marked the 30th anniversary since the discovery of the Rogozen Silver Treasure.

One of the most intriguing vessels from the treasure hoard collected from the 6 th century BC until the middle of the 4th century BC is a silver phiale with gold decoration depicting Auge and Hercules (Heracles).

In Ancient Greek mythology, Auge was the daughter of the King of Arcadia Aleus and Neaera. She was a priestess of Athena Alea (a name for the Greek goddess Athena) in Tegea who was seduced by Heracles (Hercules) and bore him a son, the hero Telephus.

#3. This Silver Kantharos Showing the Sacrifice of the Golden Fleece Ram That Took Helle and Phrixus to Colchis in the Jason and the Argonauts Epic
Discovered: Unknown
A silver kantharos (ancient cup) showing the sacrifice of the sacred Golden Fleece ram that took twin siblings Helle and Phrixus to Colchis (though Helle perished along the way) in the Jason and the Argonauts Epic has recently been shown to the public for the first time in a new exhibition in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.

The vessel showing the sacrifice of the Golden Fleece ram is the centerpiece of the exhibition on the Golden Fleece and the quest of Jason and the Argonauts.

The artifacts on display come from a private collection so little is known about where the silver kantharos with the sacrifice of the golden ram was originally discovered.

#4. This Silver Kantharos Showing Athens' Mythical Founder Theseus on the Island of Crete
Discovered: Unknown
More items from the same exhibition on the Golden Fleece and Jason and the Argonauts mentioned in #3 have made this list.

These include a silver kantharos (ancient cup) showing Theseus, the hero king deemed the mythical founder of Athens, on the island of Crete. It is dated to 440 - 435 BC.

#5. This Silver Kylix Showing Theseus with the Marathonian Bull
Discovered: Unknown
Another very intriguing item from the same exhibition has been a silver kylix (ancient wine cup) also depicting the top Antiquity hero from Attica, Theseus, but with the Marathonian Bull. The kylix dates back to 445-440 BC.

#6. This Red-Figure Pottery Krater Depicting Oedipus Answering the Riddle of the Sphinx
475 - 450 BC, Apollonia Pontica / Sozopol, Southeast Bulgaria (Black Sea coast) Discovered: 2017
Ancient Greek red-figure pottery from the Attica Peninsula with its mythology scenes is a huge topic in itself. But there should be no hesitation to include this well-preserved krater, a fresh find from the Ancient Greek colony of Apollonia Pontica (today's Bulgarian Black Sea town of Sozopol) in this list.

Depicting Oedipus and the Sphinx, a scene from Ancient Greek mythology in which Oedipus answers the riddle of the Sphinx, this intact red-figure pottery krater (a special vessel for mixing wine (and water)) is probably the most impressive find from the 2017 rescue excavations in Sozopol.

The krater with Oedipus and the Sphinx has now been unveiled to the public in the 2017 Bulgarian Archaeology Exhibition at the National Institute and Museum of Archaeology in Sofia.

According to the Oedipus myths, the Sphinx, a mythical creature with a human head and a lion's body, guarded the entrance to the Ancient Greek city of Thebes. The Sphinx would ask travelers a riddle to let them pass, and would strangle and devour those who would fail to give the right answer.

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6 Amazing Artifacts with Ancient Greek Mythology Scenes Discovered in Bulgaria - Archaeology in Bulgaria

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Ancient mythology, more precisely Ancient Greek mythology, has been a major influence on the world through science, arts, and religion for millennia. In the modern-day world, having been an invariable presence in school curriculums the world over, its myths about...

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What is Philosophy?: Crash Course Philosophy #1

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Direct and Representative
The Athenian Constitution

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The Internet Classics Archive | The Athenian Constitution by Aristotle

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The Athenian Constitution by Aristotle, part of the Internet Classics Archive

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asian / middle eastern history: bce to c 500 ce

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classical studies | ancient history | greek

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The Greek Wars treats the whole course of Persian relations with the Greeks from the coming of Cyrus in the 540s down to Alexander the Great's defeat of Darius III in 331 BC. Cawkwell discusses from a Persian perspective major questions such as why Xerxes' invasion of Greece failed, and how impor...

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I remember learning about Greek columns in high school, and being amused by the different lessons. When I saw in our I lluminations schedule we were starting the Greeks I immediately ran to the internet to remind myself of Greek columns so I could plan out a Greek Column lesson for elementary kids, because I don't think my high school lesson would work for them.

Greek Columns lesson supplies

toilet paper roll, play dough, paper for taking notes

As a side note, when we first started reading about the Greeks in Mystery of History 1, I was very disappointed they didn't really talk about their architecture, but then several weeks later there was a whole lesson on it. So, note to self remember to look AHEAD in your schedule and not just assume you're adding in something totally awesome that's not covered.

back to the

Greek Columns lesson for elementary

First we have the Doric Greek Column, the most simple. This let me introduce the basic features of a column (great simple illustrations).

Every Greek column has to have: a capital, a shaft, a base or pedistal (they are different parts sometimes, it has both).

Doric Greek columns are the most simple, being made up of simple shapes.

Ionic Greek columns are more complex. They add in scrolls and curlicues to the capital and the base.

Corinthian Greek columns are the most elaborate. They have scrolls, curlicues, leaves, and flowers in the capital and the base.

After we'd looked at and built the 3 Greek columns we talked about the differences, and what they tell you about the society. Doric columns are built by people who need a building, it's quick, and relatively easy. Ionic is built by someone who has some more time and money, and are able to take the time to add in some extra flourishes. But the Corinthian columns, those are the most time-consuming and most expensive. It takes great skill and time to make those columns. Not coincidentally, Corinth was one of the most wealthy Greek city-states.

Now build your own Greek Column

The kids loved this assignment. Once we'd learned about the actual Greek columns I gave them free reign to make their own.

Build your own Greek Column lesson requirements:

1. It has to have the needed parts: capital, shaft, and base

2. You must have a name for it

3. You must be able to draw it and explain your design

And build and build and build their Greek columns they did. Here's their final results:

Superman, and I only know this because it's blue play dough, built a chariot column. It cracked me up to see his drawing, but he was so proud of it.

Princess made a flower column. Notice on the diagram there are flowers all over the thing.

And Batman's has disappeared into the night somewhere.

Other great Greek Columns lessons for elementary or cool Greek stuff
All Things Beautiful Greek column lesson Highhill Homeschool Greek column lesson Ancient Greece activities roundup

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I remember learning about Greek columns in high school, and being amused by the different lessons. When I saw in our Illuminations schedule we were starting the Greeks I immediately ran to the internet to remind myself of Greek columns so I could plan out a Greek Column lesson for elementary kids, because I don't ...

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Lesson 4 from this site

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Secrets of the Acropolis | Blowing Up History

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Ancient Greece: From The Trojan War to Alexander the Great

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history for kids: a history of ancient sparta for children

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juvenile nonfiction / history / military & wars

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History for Kids: A History of Ancient Sparta for Children

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Perfect for ages 7-10*Includes pictures*Includes a Table of Contents. "The walls of Sparta were its young men, and its borders the points of their spears." - attributed to King AgesilausIn Charles River Editors' History for Kids series, your children can learn about h...

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Overview

Key Staff

The lesson can be taught by the English teacher and could be supported by the art teacher.

Key Skills

Developing Arts Literacies: Analyzing and Evaluating - Critique
Creative Thinking: Communication and Collaboration
Global Connections: Connecting to History and Culture, Connecting with Other Arts

Summary

In a world with few real heroes, students will recognize the positive character traits of heroes as depicted in music, art and literature. All cultures and societies have produced folk, military, religious, political, and artistic heroes. In this lesson, the class will break into groups and write a working definition of a hero which they will present to the class. Students will discuss multi-media representations of heroes as well as cultural differences among who is considered a hero. The teacher will provide various works of art depicting heroes, and the students will choose one hero to research for an essay.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Identify characteristics that are common to heroes, and recognize qualities that are exceptional in certain heroes.

Recognize heroes from many diverse cultures.

Become familiar with the concept of an epic hero and examples of such from different cultures.

Discuss how heroes can be any type of person who has accomplished an inspiring action.

Work in groups to create a working definition of a hero.

Present their findings to the class.

Examine works of art, literature and music that depict historical, legendary, or contemporary heroes.

Individually select a hero from one of these media to research as the subject of an expository essay topic. Research the style, medium, and time period in which this hero was depicted.

Teaching Approach

Arts Inclusion

Interdisciplinary

Teaching Methods

Discussion

Self-Directed Learning

Research

Cooperative Learning

Direct Instruction

Assessment Type

Determined by Teacher

Preparation

What You'll Need

Materials

Resources

Required Technology

1 Computer per Classroom

1 Computer per Learner

1 Computer per Small Group

Projector

Speakers

Lesson Setup

Teacher Background

Teachers should be familiar with notes on the romantic hero in classical music.

Prior Student Knowledge

Students should read both Exploring the Function of Heroes and Heroines in Children's Literature from Around the World and A Story of Epic Proportions: What makes a Poem an Epic?

Physical Space

Classroom

Grouping

Large Group Instruction

Small Group Instruction

Staging

Post hero quotes around the classroom

Accessibility Notes

English Language Learners should be encouraged to reference the art, literature, and traditions of their native cultures.

Instruction

Resources in Reach

Here are the resources you'll need for each activity, in order of instruction.

Engage

Build Knowledge

Apply

Reflect

1) Begin this lesson by reading a well-known account of a hero and heroic action, such as a Greek myth.

2) Using this character as an example, have the class begin to draft a list of the characteristics and qualities of a hero that were presented in the story. Widen their concept of a hero by guiding the discussion to talk about heroes from areas such as politics, religion, history, folktales, and art.

3) Brainstorm a list of as many heroes as possible and then create a grid with the heroes on one axis and the characteristics on the other. Check off the qualities as they apply to each hero.

4) Break the class into small cooperative learning groups.

Build Knowledge

1) Instruct the groups to create a working definition of a hero. Encourage them to explore and answer the following questions:

What constitutes a hero?

What qualities do certain heroes have that make them exceptional?

When have we seen a situation give rise to an unconventional hero or heroine?

Do all heroes have something in common about their appearance?

What are some of the lessons that heroes can teach us?

What differences exist among cultures with regard to their concept of heroes?

How can we compose an imaginative way to present our definition to the class (i.e., acting, monologues, visual aids)?

2) Have each of the groups present their findings to the class, and keep running lists of the traits that were most common amongst the groups, and of the most unusual adjectives and descriptions for a hero. Lead the students in a group discussion of the variety of types and qualities of heroes.

3) Introduce different works of art depicting deeds of heroic figures, available on the following Web sites:

You may wish to project the images from the Internet using an LCD projector or pass out copies of the works to the class. Comment on the various examples presented, identifying styles of art, media, historical periods, composition, and interpretation of subject matter. Each of the students will select a work of art depicting a hero and write an expository essay on this piece. They may either select from the reproductions shown in class or select a work of art on their own, subject to approval. Students will each write a two-page, double-spaced expository essay on this work of art.

1) Have students research heroic art on their own for a few minutes in groups (a few images are provided in the resource carousel above). Have them find one example of a hero depicted in art, and then analyze according to the following:

What is the theme depicted in this work?

Can you identify a heroic deed or character in this work of art?

What terms would you use to identify specific aspects of the work that illustrate heroic qualities of the subject?

In what manner is the portrayal (medium/style) suitable to the hero illustrated?

What characteristics does this hero display?

Why do artists depict heroes? What aspects of this hero are specific to the culture from which it comes? Would people all over the world agree that this is a hero? Why or why not?

2) Have groups find a song or piece of music that also can be anazlyzed using the previous questions.

3) Groups will present their piece of art and music to the class.

1) For homework - each of the students will select a work of art depicting a hero and write an expository essay on this piece. They may either select from the reproductions shown in class or select a work of art on their own, subject to approval. Students will each write a two-page, double-spaced expository essay on this work of art.

Students could create their own work of art in a variety of media depicting one of their heroes or one of the heroes about which they read.

Students could make a visual representation of a hero based on the composite definition their group came up with.

Standards

ArtsEdge Lessons connect to the National Standards for Arts Education, the Common Core Standards, and a range of other subject area standards.

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Overview Key Staff The lesson can be taught by the English teacher and could be supported by the art teacher. Key Skills Developing Arts Literacies: Analyzing and Evaluating - Critique Creative Thinking: Communication and Collaboration Global Connections: Connecting to History and Culture, Connecting with Other Arts Summary In a world with few real heroes, students will recognize the positive character traits of heroes as depicted in music, art and literature.

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Virtual tour in Athens. Walk around Syntagma, Monastiraki, Theision and many more locations. Check out shopping streets, bars, restaurants and visit various events

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The Siege of Troy - fun english game for kids by GridClub

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Short, animated version of Homer's classic story from the Iliad. Also included is a brief synopsis, a who's who, fun facts and background information on Greek theatre.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J93uXBKGUc

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Lesson Plans for Teachers - Ancient Greek City-States and Trial by Jury - Ancient Greece for Teachers

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Three types of government in various ancient Greek city-states:

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BBC - A History of the World - Object : Rare gold coin of Athens

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BBC - A History of the World - Object : Rare gold coin of Athens