The archaeological site of Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, central Greece. Photo: Yang Xue/CSST

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As the cradle of Western civilization, Greece holds a pivotal position in the study of world cultural heritage. In light of this, CSST spoke with Platon Petridis, a professor of Byzantine Archaeology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and director of the NKUA Museum of Archaeology and History of Art. Petridis discussed the unique allure of Greek archaeological excavations, challenges, transformations, and ongoing international collaborations. He emphasized that collaboration between Greek and Chinese archaeologists will not only bridge cultural gaps but also deepen our understanding of ancient societies, injecting new vitality into global archaeological research and highlighting the profound contributions of both civilizations to human knowledge. 

Greece’s archaeological heritage 

CSST: What distinguishes Greece’s archaeological heritage from that of other Mediterranean regions, particularly given its profound impact on Western civilization and its role in shaping modern culture, politics, and philosophy? 

Petridis: What sets Greece’s archaeological heritage apart from that of other Mediterranean regions is its extraordinary antiquity, the continuity of its cultural legacy, and its profound impact on laying the foundations of Western civilization. This influence spans multiple domains, from ancient Greek philosophy, art, and governance to the medieval preservation and transmission of ancient Greek literature and traditions through the work of the Byzantine monks, artists, and philosophers, which profoundly shaped the intellectual and cultural revival of the Western Renaissance. 

A comparison between Greek and Egyptian architectural traditions highlights these distinctions. While Egyptian pyramids embody magnificence and transcendence with their monumental and almost surreal scale, ancient Greek architecture adheres to the principle of metron—balance, harmony, and human proportion. Greek structures like the Parthenon exude elegance and refinement, aspiring to achieve symmetry and beauty that reflect a human-centered worldview. This architectural ethos resonates with the philosophical and intellectual achievements of ancient Greece, which remain integral to our modern understanding of reason, democracy, and ethics. 

Additionally, the enduring legacy of Roman law, which was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy and governance, exemplifies how Greece’s cultural contributions were preserved and transmitted through later civilizations, particularly Byzantium. The Byzantine Empire served as a vital bridge, preserving Greek thought and ideals that would continue to shape modern society. This continuity underscores Greece’s unparalleled role in the historical and cultural development of the Mediterranean and beyond. 

CSST: What are some of the most enduring misconceptions about ancient Greek society that contemporary archaeological research and excavations are actively working to correct? 

Petridis: As an archaeologist, I frequently encounter enduring misconceptions about ancient Greek society, many of which are perpetuated by popular culture and even simplified academic narratives. One of the most persistent misconceptions is the notion of ancient Greece as a monolithic culture. People often envision a unified Greek identity, but in reality, ancient Greece was a mosaic of city-states (poleis), each with its own distinct customs, governance systems, dialects, and traditions. Excavations consistently reveal striking regional variations in architecture, burial practices, and material culture, underscoring the diversity within what we collectively call “ancient Greece.” This complexity is central to understanding the richness of Greek civilization. 

Another common misconception is that ancient Greek culture was predominantly rational and secular, driven by its philosophical and intellectual achievements. While Greek philosophy indeed marked a pinnacle of rational thought, religion deeply permeated every aspect of Greek life. Temples, votive offerings, and sacrificial remains found at excavation sites vividly illustrate how central the gods were to daily existence. Politics, warfare, and even public festivals were imbued with religious significance. Modern research continues to reveal how myth and ritual were not only expressions of belief but also mechanisms of social cohesion and cultural identity. 

The Byzantine period also suffers from oversimplified narratives, often characterized as an era of decline and oppression—a so-called “dark age” overshadowed by suffering and stagnation. While the period was shaped by its challenges, it was also a time of gradual change, adaptation, and remarkable achievements. The Byzantine Empire was not solely defined by its religious dimension; it also possessed a secular character evident in its administration, trade, and cultural interactions. Furthermore, Byzantine’s role in preserving the intellectual heritage of ancient Greece is indispensable. Monks meticulously copied and preserved countless classical texts, ensuring that the philosophical and literary achievements of antiquity were not lost. Without their efforts, much of the wisdom of ancient Greece that we celebrate today would have vanished. 

Challenge, risks, and transformations 

CSST: Could you elaborate on the key challenges you confront in your archaeological work, particularly in the context of current excavations being conducted in Greece? 

Petridis: Archaeology as a discipline is navigating significant challenges, particularly in the Western academic landscape. During my visits to European higher-education institutions, I have personally observed declining student numbers, shrinking faculty, and reduced funding for archaeology programs. This trend is deeply concerning because it reflects a broader undervaluing of the humanities and social sciences, disciplines that are vital for understanding and preserving the foundations of Western civilization. 

Also, technological advancements have dramatically transformed archaeological practice, enhancing both our methods and our ethical responsibilities. In the early days of my career, excavations relied heavily on manual techniques and rudimentary record-keeping. Today, digital tools have revolutionized how we conduct and document research. Complex databases allow us to meticulously record every artifact and context, ensuring the preservation of invaluable information. Advanced technologies like electronic mapping and 3D digital modeling enable us to capture the spatial and structural details of sites and objects with unparalleled accuracy. These tools not only improve the precision of our work but also allow for broader accessibility and collaboration, as digital models can be shared globally with scholars and the public alike. 

Balancing technological innovation with cultural sensitivity and ethical stewardship is an ongoing challenge. Each excavation site carries profound historical, cultural, and sometimes spiritual significance for local communities. It is our responsibility as archaeologists to engage with these communities, respecting their heritage while advancing our scientific understanding. The practice of archaeology is no longer just about uncovering the past—it is about bridging the past with the present, ensuring that our discoveries contribute meaningfully to contemporary society while honoring the legacies we uncover. 

CSST: What are the unique aspects of Greek archaeology compared to Italy and other European countries, particularly in terms of artifact laws, excavation permits, and the allocation of responsibilities for cultural heritage protection? 

Petridis: A key aspect of Greek archaeology is that excavations remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture, universities, and foreign archaeological institutes. Unlike in Italy, France, or Spain, where private companies often conduct excavations, Greece maintains direct state oversight. I believe this is an approach worth preserving, as the absence of strict government control can sometimes result in the concealment of ancient artifacts for profit. 

Int’l and cross-cultural connections 

CSST: How can Mediterranean archaeological research enhance our understanding of ancient global exchanges and their connection to broader networks such as the Silk Road? 

Petridis: The relationship between the East and the West has always been through trade—the Mediterranean was the starting point for the trade missions that traversed Asia and vice versa. Alongside goods, ideas, techniques, and inventions also circulated, shaping civilizations across vast distances. The study of small-scale trade in the Mediterranean can therefore provide models that can be applied to the larger scale of the Silk Road. 

Reflecting on the broader connections between the Mediterranean and the Silk Road brings to mind an intriguing question that arose during my visit to China. It pertains to the invention of glazed pottery. Did the innovation originate in China and then travel westward to Greece? Or did Greece and the rest of the Balkan Peninsula develop its own glazing techniques independently? Such questions underscore the importance of interdisciplinary research and international collaboration in uncovering the pathways of ancient knowledge and technology transfer. 

By studying these interconnections, we gain a deeper appreciation of how ancient societies were not isolated but part of a dynamic network of global exchanges, with the Mediterranean playing an important role. 

CSST: How does Greece collaborate with foreign institutions on archaeological projects, and how do these international partnerships enhance global research? 

Petridis: The first foreign archaeological institution of Greece, the French School at Athens, was founded in 1846. Since then, the collaboration between foreign institutes and the Greek archaeological service of the Ministry of Culture, as well as Greek universities, has been very close and productive. These collaborations bring together diverse methodologies, technologies, and perspectives, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to archaeology. For example, foreign institutions often contribute advanced analytical tools, while Greek archaeologists provide unparalleled expertise in the local history, geology, and cultural context. The resulting synergy not only advances our understanding of Greece’s past but also sets benchmarks for archaeological research globally. I hope the Chinese School of Classical Studies will be part of this wonderful collaborative world in Athens. 

During my visit to China in 2023, I explored some of the most iconic archaeological sites, including Liangzhu, Shimao, and Erlitou, as well as the Shaanxi History Museum. I was deeply impressed by the richness of Chinese civilization and the meticulous work of Chinese archaeologists in uncovering their cultural heritage. Chinese museums excel in both preserving invaluable artifacts and engaging the public through modern museography. 

I believe the shared expertise of Greek and Chinese archaeologists will undoubtedly foster new insights into both civilizations and their contributions to the collective wisdom of humankind. By working together, we can bridge cultural divides and deepen our understanding of ancient societies, ultimately enriching the field of global archaeological research. 

Edited by LIU YUWEI