The Iklaina Project investigates the states and complex society in Ancient Greece. The site is one of the capitals of the Mycenaean Kingdom of Pylos. The current excavations under the direction of archaeologist, Michael Cosmopoulos, and his team of experts reveal a significant Mycenaean site that challenges previous understanding of the Mycenaean era and state formation. The site, once considered a minor settlement, is now recognized as a regional capital with evidence of a two-tiered governance system, potentially influencing the development of states in Greece and the Western World.
We will hear from archaeologist and faunal expert, Deborah Cosmopoulos, about the work at Ancient Iklaina as well as hear her first-hand story about the discovery of the remains of a young girl who lived 3,400 years ago. It would appear from the story of her bones that the young girl who died at twelve was likely a slave due to evidence of malnutrition and advanced arthritis. It will be an honor to hear the lecture by Deborah Cosmopoulos about Iklaina and the girl we call Roxanne. In turn, Dianne Tittle de Laet will pay homage to the girl who may have been a captive of war with a presentation of ancient verse at the harp from the greatest denunciation of war in ancient literature, Euripides’ “Trojan Women.”
