About the Tour
From antiquity down to modern Hollywood films, videogames and comics, 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 has been hailed as the most popular superhero of all ages! Unimaginably strong, brave, and resourceful, 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 has earned this huge fame through his celebrated 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘀, set by his cousin and king of Argos Eurystheus, triumphing over vicious beasts and monsters. Rumor has it, after all, that 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 , reaching the crossroads of Virtue and Vice in his early youth, chose to follow the severe and difficult path of virtue that would allow him to serve humanity and be glorified ever after!
🔴 How did the name 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 (or rather Heracles in Greek) end up including that of Hera, who hated the hero to death?
🔴 How did the myth relate 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 with Gibraltar, the Moon, and the Milky Way?
🔴 What tricks did Hera use to make 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 place himself at Eurystheus’ service?
🔴 Which monsters did Hera raise in hope they would slay 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 ?
🔴 Where are the Labors supposed to take place?
🔴 What sort of skills and particular weapons did 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 use to achieve them?
🔴 How were ancient Greek painters and sculptors inspired to portray all these tasks in pictures, and which were their favorite?
Guided by colorful stories from ancient Greek literature, let’s follow 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 in his Labours, from slaying the monstrous 𝗟𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗮, to stealing the 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻𝘀, to eventually capturing 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘂𝘀, the multi-headed 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀, and in his many wanderings all the way from the Peloponnese, to the Black Sea and to Spain! Exploring at the same time how 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 ’ legendary exploits were narrated in the language of art!
Activities
Educational activities, such as games, quizzes, role-playing, and mini contests among student groups or classes, with little surprise prizes from us, will give children the opportunity for active participation and creative reflection on what they have seen and heard, completing this colorful, both literally and figuratively, experience!
How it Works
This tour is designed for a virtual presentation, hosting a group of up to 60 participants at a time. Once you book for this experience, we will send you a confirmation email with an exclusive link to join the tour. You can access the tour only through the link we provide.
Your Instructor
Dr. Anthi Dipla
Classical archaeologist/art historian who has graduated from Oxford University (MA, PhD). She has participated in excavations, scientific projects and conferences in Greece, Cyprus and abroad. Her research has been focused on Greek vase painting, iconography, and mythology, with further interests in women studies, social history, ancient Greek theatre, and cultural exchange in the ancient Mediterranean world.