athenianconnection

[athenianconnection]

I finally made it to the Panathenaic arena. As thousands gather in anticipation, I myself am filled with excitement. When I had originally made the trip down I was accompanied by some athletes of our own great land of Macedon. They are fierce and competitive as they should be, ready to fight in the games for the glory of their homeland. A massive stadium constructed entirely of marble stands alone in this vast field, it stands empty most of the time, but every four years nobles and athletes come to compete. Even during a time of civil war between polis, there can be peace when the games are upon us. As I wade through the crowds, fights between members of differing city-states ensue. Vendors shouting all across the stadium  are profiting off the event with sales of street food and knick-knacks. Betting is a common practice here as well, coin, livestock, and even land are put up for wager in the hopes of a great boon. A hushed tone comes over the crowds as a traditional and flamboyant display starts the games. Everyone stands at attention to honor the god Athena and as the the ceremony comes to a close roaring applause comes with it. Races are the first up first, on foot then on chariot. Its exhilarating as the horses dash around track, dust is kicks up as they cross the finish line, a close one for sure. The next couple events are lackluster, but the crowd doesn't seem to mind as they are downing cup after cup all in the name if competition. By this time the moon has already crept high in the sky, many commoners have already made their way home as this three day event continues at sun rise.

As the next day approaches a much more muted crowd enters, most likely from the excessive wine only hours before. The discus throw, javelin throw, and long jump competitions were featured this day,  and the end is in sight. These events last all day and most take a break from their usual daily lives to partake in the festivities.

As the last day comes, the only events left are the hand to hand combat known as pankration mixed with wrestling. It is widely regarded as the most difficult sport of the games and easily the most entertaining. The evening does unfortunately come and everything must end. The award ceremony is beautiful as the torchlight bounces off the marble steps and as I walk from the arena and eventually take my journey back to Macedon I know my memories of this place will come as well, they will stick with me as long as a live.

[athenianconnection]

I thought it would be fitting for my next stop to be the Kerameikos cemetery. A humble cemetery with headstones made from both pottery and stone. The  Sacred and the Dipylon Gates are both on each end of the marble building with the Pompeion in the center. The Pompeion seemed to be a public place used for many things such as feasts and festivals. The Panathenaic Games will be just a couple days from now and so the usually tranquil cemetery is full of life in the name of Athena. Beautiful works of pottery hang all through the Pompeion as excited children weave between the crowds and worried mothers following in tow. Artisans are working away chiseling at soon to be works of art, others painting large canvases ignoring the roar and excitement around them. As the sun starts to set and the excitement of the games on the horizon, a meal is shared between the privileged local nobleman. Traditional animal sacrifices in the name of our god Athena are performed with the hope of some good fortune in the coming days. A full moon rises, a welcomed sight to all and perhaps a nod from Olympia. Even amongst all the merriment, just outside the walls of the Pompeion, the dead silently watch over us. Offerings are left from loved ones, untouched as to stay within the Gods’ good graces. Eventually most leave the ceremony with high spirts, some asleep splayed out next to their fallen brethren, but I stay up with the moon high in the sky. I have not experienced in all my travel a culture that lives with such ferocity. They are of the same blood as I, but different it seems. I hope to one day fully understand this culture and maybe unite under one banner.

[athenianconnection]

The following morning I awoke early despite participating in the festivities of the previous two nights. A day of silent prayer and repentance was ahead of me. The gods and their worship were perhaps the only practice known and accepted by all of the poleis. My first stop of the day the famous Parthenon, temple of Athena. There was an almost somber tone entering the temple itself, a stark difference from the jovial events of my journey so far. The location of its conception shows the obvious importance of the temple. High up above the Acropolis resting on a plateau as if Athena herself was watching over the city.  The Temple was built just after defeating the monstrous Persian invaders as a symbol of Grecian superiority in all aspects. There is a recurring theme showing in the construction of these buildings, all made completely of marble.  A wise choice as it has shown to be easy to work with at first and only hardens as its ages; truly a beautiful sight to see as its sheen is almost blinding at first light.   Inside the temple is silent, only soft murmurs and prayers from broken families and priests. Conversation is hushed here, and is reserved to outside the walls out of fealty and respect to our deity. Leaving the temple, I couldn’t help but to feel a weight lifted and a sense of calm, but it was short-lived as I entered the bustling acropolis below.

My day was not finished however, the next stop was the Temple of Hephaestus. Built only two years within the inception of the Parthenon its surmised that Pericles used the boon of the Persian silver mines to construct these symbols of power. I made my way through the city until I approached the large marble building. Though not as opulent as its sister temple the presence here was much greater. The smell of sulfur and coal weighs heavily in the air as I walk through and furnaces littered with smiths surround the temple. Merchants hurriedly rush to and from their tents shouting across the thoroughfare. As I pass this secondary acropolis into the temple it is a less formal affair here. Trinkets and offerings left in return for good business and wealth are left, watched over by the keepers of the temple. Fresh water is bountiful, however food is less so, maybe in an effort to keep the temple itself clean. As the sun sets and everyone starts to pack up after a hard days work I find myself with a new pair of Athenian sandals and a small metalwork trinket to remember my time here.

[athenianconnection]

I was sent to Athens by the great King Philip to watch over the recent activities of their people and to understand the culture that surrounds them. I, Arronius, born of noble blood and groomed for political greatness was excited to see others of my ilk in action and although I have never traveled outside of our great homelands it was an honor to be onlooker to the aristocrats of Athens.  I sat waiting in anticipation for great debate as approximately 100 men presumably from wealth and power approached their seats. A quick opening ceremony was followed by many unceremonious tasks such as hearing out the complaints of the people. This seemed more of a show than anything else to appease and subdue those not born with money. As the focus turned to debate of property, land or slave, I was shocked to find myself seeing many similarities to the play I had witness the night before. Shouting ensued. Senators and consuls all engaging in one big pissing contest. There was much flaunting of wealth as though it would give their arguments more credibility than if it was said by a poor man. One man threw his sandal in disgust at the head of another, not giving an inch. It was quite exhilarating to see these men of nobility, reduced to nothing more than animals.  That statement rings even more true as this process went on. As the debate ended the peasants and slaves were dispersed back to their daily goings on the doors were shut and only the wealthy class stayed. I was recognized to be above the common folk through my dress and etiquette allowed to stay within the walls. As the sunlight slowly left the interior candles were lit showing a delightful spread. Fruits, exotic meats, and fermented drinks brought out by concubines and the animosity between these aristocrats just seemed to melt away. Hedonism at its finest. It seems that even here in a place of law making and business, the Athenians find time for the finer things just outside the sight and reach of the common man.    

[athenianconnection]

My first stop in Athens was to the wonderous Theatre of Dionysus to see a traditional Grecian tragedy. The avenues of entertainment they have here are incredible, both nobleman and poor citizen alike gather to watch the performances. It seems common ground is found here, no matter the social class, which is a refreshing sight to see as just a few feet outside these walls tell a different tale. Made completely of Marble, the entire structure seems to shine in the sunlight and glow as the sun sets and torches are lit through the thoroughfare. The material as well as its design ensure many more generations will get to experience this delightful atmosphere. Even as I sit in the upper reaches of the Theatre itself I cant help but note its genius design. I can still hear and see everything that is going on even through the paupers drunk on wine, the craftsmen all vying for attention at their stands, and aristocrats having a disagreement over land. The smell of cooked dried meats and fermented grapes is both overwhelming and intoxicating.  The play itself was written by a true poet and acted out in lively costumes and masks portraying kings, nobles, and even gods. I found myself shedding a tear with my fellow Grecians lamenting the story of Antigone. I bonded with my fellow Grecians, many of whom I had just met, to them I was just a man among men. No question of social class or rank, no mention of money or politics, I found a connection with these men perhaps even more so than my brothers and sisters back home. It almost makes me forget my woes. Here is a sanctuary, far distant from Persia and the brewing war between the city-states. I hope to see my new brethren as jovial in the days to come as they are in this moment.