On Sunday, 31 May 2026, Telesilla Talks & Walks hosted a cultural and educational event titled “The Mycenaean Landscape of Tiryns: Dams and Tholos Tombs”, as part of its on going programme of open public walks and dialogue-based cultural activities. The event was organized under the auspices of the non-profit organization The Arete Fund (www.aretefund.net/), and formed the 11th meeting of the Telesilla Talks & Walks series.
The walk began at the tholos tombs of Tiryns, where participants explored key aspects of Mycenaean funerary architecture, construction techniques, and the broader social and symbolic context of burial practices inthe Late Bronze Age. The presentation was delivered by educator, Mr. Panagiotis Psychas and archaeologist Dr. Adrianos Psychas, whohighlighted the significance of these monuments in understanding Mycenaeansociety and elite identity.
The group then continued to the Mycenaean dam of Tiryns, one of the most impressive examples of ancient hydraulic engineering in the region. There, the discussion focused on ancient water management systems, technical innovation, and the role of large-scale infrastructure in shaping the Mycenaean landscape.
The experience concluded at the traditional tavern “Drosia” in New Tiryns, where participants gathered for an open discussion and informal exchange of ideas on the cultural heritage of the area and the broader significance of the Mycenaean world. The setting allowed for a more reflective conversation, extending the experience beyond the archaeological sites themselves. A particularly important aspect of the event was its format: a continuous walk through the landscape, connecting different archaeological elements into a single interpretative narrative. This approach allowed participants to understand Tiryns not as a collection of isolated monuments, but as a living cultural environment shaped by human activity, engineering, and memory.
The strong participation and engagement of the audience once again highlighted the growing interest in experiential approaches to cultural heritage. These open and accessible activities encourage dialogue, learning, and a deeper connection between people and place. Special thanks are extended to all participants and contributors who supported the organization and implementation of the event.
Telesilla Talks & Walks is one of the cultural programmes of the non-profit organization The Arete Fund, under the leadership of Dianne Tittle de Laet and Steven de Laet, who are dedicated to supporting initiatives in culture, education, and community engagement. The international character of The Arete Fund reflects a long-standing appreciation for Greece and its cultural heritage, and a desire to contribute in a meaningful and constructive way to local cultural life.
