Daytrip to Chalkida

The excursion began in Aulis, on the southern Euboean Gulf, opposite the spring of Arethousa, where the Cycladic Friends were guided through the unique—and little known—Sanctuary of Artemis Aulideia. It was here that Iphigenia arrived in Aulis, believing she was to marry Achilles, at the very place where the Greek fleet had assembled to set sail for Troy. In reality, the goddess Artemis demanded her sacrifice in order to appease her wrath against her father, Agamemnon, who had killed a deer in a sacred grove dedicated to her. Agamemnon could not bear the cost, yet ultimately consented. Iphigenia was led to the altar, accepting her fate. The goddess, however, saved her, made her a priestess, and carried her off to the land of the Taurians, placing a deer on the altar in her stead.

The Cycladic Friends then visited the new Archaeological Museum of Chalkida ‘Arethousa’. The museum is housed in a protected industrial building, itself an exhibit and a witness to the industrial activity of the early 20th century in the Agios Stefanos area of Chalkida, where the springs of the mythical Arethousa are located, from which the museum takes its name. The exhibits are arranged chronologically, spanning from the Paleolithic period to the Late Roman era, and originate from excavations throughout Euboea.

The guided tour of the archaeological site was led by Metaxia Routsi, archaeologist at the Museum of Cycladic Art.