Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies

Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies. The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies was founded in 1879 by Frederick Whitington, Arthur Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Baron Stanmore, and Reginald Brett, 2nd Viscount Esher, with the aim of promoting the study of Ancient Greece and Hellenistic culture, as well as supporting the work of Heinrich Schliemann at Troy and Arthur Evans at Knossos. The society's early members included notable figures such as Dorothy Nevill, Jane Harrison, and Gilbert Murray, who were all involved in the study of Classical antiquity and the preservation of Greek archaeological sites like Delphi and Olympia. The society's activities were also influenced by the work of Eugeneia Kefalas, a Greek educator, and Nikolaos Balanos, a Greek architect who worked on the restoration of the Acropolis of Athens.

● History

The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies has a long and distinguished history, dating back to the late 19th century when it was founded by a group of British Museum curators, including Charles Newton and Alexander Stuart Murray, who were interested in promoting the study of Greek art and Greek architecture. The society's early years were marked by a series of lectures and publications, including the Journal of Hellenic Studies, which was first published in 1880 and featured articles by prominent scholars such as Ulrich von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff and John Pentland Mahaffy. The society also supported the work of Greek archaeologists like Manolis Andronikos, who excavated the Tomb of Philip II of Macedon at Vergina, and Yannis Sakellarakis, who worked on the excavation of the Minoan palace at Zakros. The society's history is also closely tied to the development of Classical studies at universities like Oxford and Cambridge, where scholars like Richard Jebb and Henry Jackson taught and conducted research.

● Objectives

The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies has several objectives, including the promotion of the study of Ancient Greek and Latin, as well as the preservation of Greek culture and Hellenistic art. The society also aims to support the work of Greek archaeologists and Classical scholars, such as Nikolaos Kontogiannis and Christos Doumas, who are working on excavations and research projects in Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean region. The society's objectives are also reflected in its support for institutions like the British School at Athens and the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, which provide opportunities for scholars to conduct research and participate in excavations in Greece. Additionally, the society works closely with organizations like the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Acropolis Museum to promote the study and preservation of Greek cultural heritage.

● Publications

The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies publishes several journals and books, including the Journal of Hellenic Studies, which is one of the leading journals in the field of Classical studies. The society also publishes the Annual of the British School at Athens, which features articles and reports on archaeological excavations and research projects in Greece. Other publications include the Supplementary Papers series, which features monographs and edited volumes on topics related to Greek history and Greek archaeology, such as the work of John Boardman on Greek pottery and the research of Anthony Snodgrass on Greek archaeology. The society's publications are widely read and respected by scholars in the field, including Martin Bernal, Edith Hall, and Paul Cartledge, who have all contributed to the society's journals and books.

● Library and Archives

The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies has a large and extensive library and archives, which include a wide range of books, journals, and other materials related to Greek studies. The library is particularly strong in its holdings of rare books and manuscripts, including works by Aristotle, Euripides, and other Ancient Greek authors. The archives also include a large collection of photographs and drawings related to Greek archaeology and Greek art, including the work of Harriet Boyd Hawes and Richard Seager. The library and archives are an important resource for scholars and researchers, including Mary Beard, Simon Price, and Robin Lane Fox, who have all used the society's collections in their research.

● Events and Activities

The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies organizes a wide range of events and activities, including lectures, conferences, and exhibitions. The society's annual lecture series features talks by prominent scholars, such as Paul Millett and Robert Parker, on topics related to Greek history and Greek culture. The society also hosts conferences and workshops, such as the International Conference on Greek Archaeology and the Workshop on Hellenistic Pottery, which bring together scholars and researchers from around the world to discuss the latest developments in the field. Additionally, the society organizes exhibitions and other events, such as the Exhibition of Greek Art at the British Museum, which showcase the society's collections and promote the study of Greek art and Greek archaeology.

● Governance and Membership

The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies is governed by a council of trustees, which includes prominent scholars and researchers in the field of Classical studies, such as Christopher Pelling and Judith Herrin. The society also has a large and active membership, which includes scholars, researchers, and students from around the world, including UC Berkeley, Harvard, and Sydney. Members of the society receive a range of benefits, including access to the society's library and archives, discounts on publications, and opportunities to participate in events and activities, such as the Society's Annual General Meeting and the Summer School in Greek Archaeology. The society also offers a range of awards and grants, such as the Hellenic Society's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Greek Studies and the British School at Athens' Scholarship, which support the work of scholars and researchers in the field. Category:Classical studies