Destination Olympia

This workshop takes students on a voyage of discovery through the mysteries of Olympia, immersing them in the universe of the ancient Olympic Games and their legacy. Students will explore historical reconstruction methods, from excavations to experimental archaeology. In order to understand how sport disciplines have evolved over time, they will compare the equipment used by the very first athletes with those used today and reproduce the sporting scenes immortalised on antique vases. They will be able to take part in fun and interactive activities to teach them about how the competitions of the past have inspired the Games as we know them today.

During this workshop, pupils will:

• Explore a range of historical reconstruction methods from the past, from excavations to experimental archaeology.
• Discover the unique characteristics of the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
• Draw comparisons between sports equipment from ancient times and their contemporary counterparts.
• Imitate the poses and expressions from figures on vases and sculptures, helping them to develop their analytical skills and imagination.
• Grasp the link between mythology and history, and how the present is shaped by the past.

NB: Entry to the exhibitions is not included when you book a workshop. Please also book a self-guided tour to access the exhibitions before or after the workshop.