George E. Mylonas Lecture in Greek Archaeology : Pilgrimage, Prayers, and Picnics at a Greek Mountaintop Shrine: Art and Mysteries at the Birthplace of Zeus
The Sanctuary of Zeus at Mt. Lykaion, located in Arcadia, Greece, holds a pivotal position in the study of Greek religion, art, and archaeology. Known as the Birthplace of Zeus, this ancient site has been the subject of ongoing investigations by a Greek-American team since 2004, revealing its immense significance and long-standing influence on Greek culture. The sanctuary emerged as a prominent mountaintop shrine during the Mycenaean period (c. 1600 BC) and remained in use until the Hellenistic period (2nd century BC), serving as a hub for religious, social, political, and athletic activities. The discoveries at this mountain sanctuary provide invaluable insights into the development of Greek art, religion, and cultural practices over the centuries.
SPEAKER BIO
Dr. Mary Voyatzis is Research Professor Emerita at the University of Arizona in the School of Anthropology and the Department of Religious Studies and Classics. She received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania in Classical Studies and did her graduate work in Archaeology in England, at Cambridge University and University College London. She was a professor at the University of Arizona for 35 years and served as Department Head of Classics from 2000-2009.
She currently co-directs the Excavation and Survey Project at the Sanctuary of Zeus on Mt. Lykaion, where a Greek American team has been working since 2004. Prior to that she was a Principal Investigator at the Sanctuary of Athena Alea at Tegea for many years. Her main areas of interest are ancient Greek religious practice, the evolution of Greek sanctuaries, and ancient Greek pottery. She has authored or co-authored several monographs and over 25 chapters and articles. She is currently working on the four volume Lykaion Series, of which she is co-editor as well as an author of several chapters; this series will include the results of the current campaign at Mt. Lykaion. Over the years, she has received support for her research work in Greece from the National Geographic Society, the National Science Foundation, the Institute for Aegean Prehistory, the American Council for Learned Societies, the Kress Foundation, the University of Arizona, and private donors.
This lecture is presented in partnership with the Hellenic Government–Karakas Family Foundation Professorship in Greek Studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis; the Department Art History and Archaeology and the John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics at Washington University in St. Louis; and the Classical Club of St. Louis.
The Mylonas Lecture is endowed through a generous gift from William Tragos.