Overview

The history of Cyprus is one of the oldest in the world. The first signs of civilization, traced through archaeological excavations, date back to the 9th millennium BC, covering 11,000 years of history. Strategically located at the crossroads of three continents (Africa, Asia and Europe), Cyprus has been conquered by civilizations that dominated the eastern Mediterranean at various times. Participants will have the opportunity to enrich their historical background; explore the island and visit monuments and museums.

This 6-day course is addressed to teachers, school staff and adults who have interest about ancient Greek history, mythology, and art. Discussions, site visits and group work will encourage sharing ideas and exchange of practice between participants. There is also the possibility to extend the course to 7-day.

The cost for 6-day course is 480 euro and for 7-day course is 560 euro. It includes course fees, course material, entrance to museums and tours.

Objectives

During the course, participants will:
• be informed about the various historical periods of the island (Ancient Times, Middle Ages and Modern Times)
• search for myths and legends in various historical places
• examine how the island acquired a Greek identity through the ages
• find common historical and cultural links with other civilizations
• explore archaeological sites, monuments, museums
• discuss practical guidelines to explore monuments, museums and artworks
• experience the culture, legends, and traditions of the island

Methodology

The working methods that are used are highly practical and participatory. The experiential method is used to encourage the search for contemporary pedagogical theories and teaching approaches. The hands-on approach is used to examine real examples, case studies, surveys and simulations. The group activities foster mutual learning, cooperation and collaboration between participants. The discussions encourage sharing ideas, intercultural dialogue and the exchange of good practices between the participants. Social, networking and cultural activities give participants the opportunity to establish professional cooperation and links with teachers, staff, schools and organisations in Europe. At the end of the course, participants fill in an e-questionnaire for evaluation.

Preparation

After confirming registration, participants will be informed about the details of the course (arrival, daily programme). Participants will be able to introduce themselves and bring a few examples of routines and practices that they apply to their teaching.

Course Schedule

DAY 1

• • Introduction
  • Prehistoric Cyprus (9000-1050 BC)
  • Neolithic Age (8200-3900 BC)
  • Chalcolithic Age (3900-2500 BC)
  • Visit to the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, (7th to the 4th millennium B.C.), one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean.

DAY 2

• Bronze Age (2500-1050 BC)
• Geometric period (1050 -750 BC)
• Archaic period (750 – 475 BC)
• Visit to Kourion ancient city which was one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity.
• The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

DAY 3

• Bronze Age (2500-1050 BC)
• Geometric period (1050 -750 BC)
• Archaic period (750 – 475 BC)
• Visit to Kourion ancient city which was one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity.
• The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

DAY 4

• Byzantine –Arab raids (mid 7th c. – 965 AD)
• Period of Arab raids (7th c -10th c. AD)
• Visit to the Limassol historical center
• Byzantine (965 AD- 1191 AD)
• Frankish period (1191 – 1489 AD)
• Visiting Medieval castle and Museum

DAY 5

• Visiting Nicosia Historical center
• Visiting Cyprus handicraft Center
• Leventis Museum
• Visiting the green line between the two communities
• Ottoman Period (1571-1878 AD)
• Venetian Period (1489-1571 AD)

DAY 6

• British period (1878 -1960 AD)
• The Republic of Cyprus, the Turkish invasion, European Union entry (1960 – Today)
• Participants complete the group work, presentation of group work
• Review of the course, certificates.

DAY 7 (optional)

• TOUR TO PAPHOS TOWN
  It includes a tour with 5-stops (9:00 am- 5:00 pm)
  • Tomb of the kings
  • Catacomb of Agia Solomoni
  • Paphos Archaeological Park with Roman mosaics
  • Paphos Medieval Castle and port
  • Petra tou Romiou (birthplace of Aphrodite).

Courses Fees

480 euro (6-day) & 560 euro (7-day)

Offers on request for longer trainings.

Sessions

• 03.02.2024 – 08.02.2024
• 13.04.2024 – 18.04.2024
• 01.06.2024 – 06.06.2024
• 13.07.2024 – 17.07.2024
• 17.08.2024 – 22.08.2024
• 16.11.2024 – 21.11.2024
• 01.02.2025 – 06.02.2025
• 05.04.2025 – 10.04.2025
• 31.05.2025 – 05.06.2025
• 19.07.2025 – 24.07.2025
• 16.08.2025 – 21.08.2025
• 08.11.2025 – 13.11.2025