Please, keep Dodona Restoration Project going.

I went out to Dodona yesterday. It is pretty close to Ioannina and with Egnatia route running near it, it is deffinitely easy to access- Old road is a bit dangerous at times.Travel at slow speed and be mindful of falling rocks-. Dodona complex is pretty much all that remains of the Epeiros of Hellenistic times, displaying the splendor of Pyrrhos' vision of Epeiros. A strong country, in which culture, knowledge and the promise of a better future would lead its people out of the villages they dwelled in and into cities, as happened. Pyrrhos built the Theater near the millenia old oracle of Dodona to ensure its universal acceptance. The theater of Dodona, one of the largest surviving in Present day Greece wasn't built just for the residents in the immediate vincinity. It was built for all the people of Epeiros. It cast a shining light on all of Epeiros, and as such it remains. A small stadium for races is built nearby, which is supposed to have been used for the assembly of the Post Pyrrhos' dynasty, Koinon of Epeiros.

Pyrrhos has been considered an Albanian by some Albanian nationalists. I think that is wrong. I consider it as wrong as what some of our own nationalists say, that the greatest Albanian Hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu, widely known as Skanderbeg, is Greek. Let's put some facts on the table. Albanians are the modern Illyrians, I have no doubts about that and nobody should, either. Pyrrhos was born in Epeiros, fled to Illyria to save his life, then back to Epeiros, then to the Antigonid state in Anatolia, fought in Ipsos, where he distinguished himself and was given a Hero's welcome in Alexandreia, where he became so close to Ptolemaios, Pyrrhos called Ptolemaios "Father" and Ptolemaios called Pyrrhos' "Son". He used the leverage and money of the Ptolemaioi to return to Epeiros and reclaim his kingdom. He briefly became King of Macedonia but was pushed out, then started what could be described as a "Hellenic Crusade" in which he took the mantle of Protector and Savior of the Western Greeks from Romans and Carthagenians alike. All other Hellenistic monarchs aided him, including Ptolemaios Keraunos, then King of Macedonia. Who I just described doesn't sound like an Illyrian. I just don't think he would describe himself as one. Was he proud of the time he spent in Illyria at the court of an Illyrian King? Probably, as those were without doubt the happiest years of his life, and also was a very fluent Illyrian speaker. That Illyrian King of the Taulantians, Glaukias, who first adopted and saved Pyrrhos from certain death was married to an Epeirote lady, an aunt of Pyrrhos. As such, Pyrrhos was raised in a bilingual environment, he didn't become Greek overnight. He was always one, but with a proud Illyrian background as well.

I like to think that Pyrrhos would be happy today, seeing modern Greeks and modern Illyrians (Albanians) co-existing harmonically in present day Epeiros. Maybe in the future, once Albania joins the European Union, Greeks can make a living there, Albanians can go and leave as they please, much like what happens between Germany and France. I think we are getting there and we should be. I think the best way to consider Pyrrhos is what he was, a unifier of the people living under him, which enabled him to try and follow into his cousin's Alexandros steps. Not many people can compare to Alexandros, yet the ancient writers suggest that he would be pretty near. What many people don't realise, however, is that from Pyrrhos' time and up Aemillius Paullus, it was the best time for Epeiros, maybe its best time ever.

Aemillius Paullus put an end to that, looting and destroying more than 50 of those cities (albeit most were walled towns) and taking 150.000 Epeirotes (half those living in Epeiros today) as slaves. Most Epeirote towns and cities were destroyed, others were built on (making archaeological research impossible) and from all others, there is absolutely nothing left but empty husks. Even the tombs were unearthed and plundered. What we know is of the precious few that was unlootable and some tomb remains.

The single most important monument of that time is the Theater of Dodona. This is what it looks like today... (yesterday rather)
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00441.jpg

This is what it looked like at Pyrrhos' times, (the whole complex, built around the Oracle of Zeus)
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00429.jpg

The only thing left standing after the devastation that Aemillius Paullus wrought upon Epeiros, Julius Caesar did some reconstruction work on Dodona, as well as Hadrian. Later on there was a church built nearby. However, due to raids and plundering that ensued, the whole site was abandoned, and pretty soon it was forgotten.

Present day restoration effort began in the 1960's by Professor Dakaris, the single most respected Authority on Pyrrhos. An example thereof, check for the center of the picture and you will see it. It fixed a gaping hole on the supporting walls of the Theater.
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00447.jpg


It continues to this day, under the auspices of the European Union. The theater as it is now, is in absolute state of emergency. Epeirote weather is harsh and rainy. In Mainland Epeiros, it rains slightly less than it does in London. What can be done and thankfully is, is the following...
Damaged pieces of the theater are carefully hoisted up with this crane,
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00445.jpg

then lifted to a repair and restore facility nearby, where all restorative work that can be done to repair them is done. According to the new restoration rules, all added on material is CLEARLY different to the one that existed earlier so that nobody should have any visual difficulty discerning old from restored.
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00446.jpg

The problem? Well, like anything in Greece, it started very late in the project timespan. The money alloted to the project will be left unspent, and the project that you now see, will be a Hulk of its former self. No money will be given for the project post December 31.

I don't blame the EU. I blame us Greeks for failing to overcome our natural unwillingness to keep to a timetable. I share that blame, as well. I had thought that it was all going according to plan, but that unfortunately went out of the window. Right now, there is substantial progress, I just want to see it continue and, one day, be completed.

In light of this current state of affairs, I must ask, no I feel I must plead that whoever is in position to do something about this, please, please do. If this were the U.S. I would say write a letter to your Senator, however E.U. is not as easy. I will update this, when I have found a proper e-mail to adress.

Here's what happened. EU had allocated 8 million Euros for the project. All the money spent is well accounted for. It is just that the project started so late that there was no time for more work to be done. In December 31 of the current year, all the money left are returning to EU funds. I honestly don't blame EU, just us Greeks and our "last minute" approach to everything, including our own History.

The only way for the restoration work to proceed is that it be included in the E.S.P.A. package and resumes funding from there. No other funds exist. I realise that with the current financial climate that is very difficult, but really, can you put a price on Dodona?

I suppose it's too late in the day to organize a petition. Who is in charge of the project currently? Maybe they know which EU official should be approached.

Amazing place. I´ve always planned on going to old Epeiros some day for the beautiful landscape and the ancient remains of places like Dodona. Shame really that it isn´t treasured more highly.

Wonderful thread, keravnos. I understand your desperation deeply, I know myself how people work here in Greece. I don't like it as well but let me ask you something about the E.U. and all those that are in power today: Do you honestly believe they care about the restoration of the site of Dodona? It's the hard truth, but sadly enough they don't. Not enough to machinate the continuation of the project, at least.

hat doesn't mean, of course, that I don't care myself and will do anything I can if you point me out to the right direction.

Maion

I'd like to help, but I doubt that it would work at this time (again, the timetable f-up). perhaps the head leader can organize this and try to reach the EU.

EDIT: oh, Ludens aleady said it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios

I don't like it as well but let me ask you something about the E.U. and all those that are in power today: Do you honestly believe they care about the restoration of the site of Dodona?

---

I suppose so, or else they wouldn't pour millions of euros in this and similar projects of dubious economic value. They may not particularly care about this project specifically, though. The EU is a giant bureaucracy and cannot discern which projects are more important than others, so in the end the one with the best lobby, whether governmental or individual. The EU is alike to most large, governmental organizations in this aspect.

In my very limited experience, the best way to move the EU would be to get some big companies behind the project. That's how the scientific community prevented the EU from pulling the plug on SwissProt. However, from your description I get the impression that it's not a major tourist attraction, so I doubt this is an option. I am not giving any useful advice today, apparently :shame: .

Still looking for a place to send e-mails to concerning this. Will post when I have it.

I bear great news. Maybe it was the whole of Ioannina mobilizing for a just cause, maybe it is the fact that the people in power understood what it should be done, but it seems that Dodona restoration project will continue.

I must also thank any/all of those of you who saw this and did something about it. I am very grateful.

The governing body of the Archaeological council shall convene to review the progress and decide whether to continue with the present method of restoration or a different one. Restoration will continue, however, that much is certain.

On other news, the renovated Archaeological museum of Ioannina opened up its doors 2 days ago. Later today, I plan on visiting and taking as many pictures as I can before the wardens kick me out. While most or all of them will be used on Epeirote units and skins, I will post some here, as a tribute to a battle fought and won, not for us, but for those after us, who will get to see Dodona in its full splendor.

NENIKHKAMEN! (We won!)

I am very glad to hear this.

:rtwyes:

Excellent news, keravne. I'm happy to see reason has come upon the people in charge this project:yes: Eagerly awaiting those pictures as well.

Maion

P.S.: By the way, I was thinking of coming over to Ioannina this December, as I met some girls this summer who are studying there. You said Dodone is close to it, right? I ask you, because I believe I should consult you before anyone when I come over in order to visit the Oracle. It would be a great shame to miss such a golden opportunity.

It is 20 Km's from Ioannina. Just make sure you go by Egnatia. The other road is for Rally oriented drivers.

The pics I promised...

Helmets found in the vincinity of Ioannina. There are 3 others found from that time, but are going to be soon in Igoumenitsa museum in Thesprotia...
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00471.jpg

Aiakides dynasty, a small heads up...
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00465.jpg

Captured Makedonian shield fragment and reconstruction, from Dodona site...
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00494.jpg

Kassope, one of the major cities of the Kingdom, reconstructed,
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00476.jpg

A mounted statue, reconstructed from fragments found in Dodona. It was destroyed at 167 BCE, during the great devastation of Epeiros by the soldiers of Aimilius Paullus.
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00497.jpg

A spearman's statue reconstructed, probably a King of Epeiros one, showing some great details. Destroyed at Dodona at 167 BCE.
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00502.jpg

Ancient Epeirotes, Farmers, wood cutters, herdsmen,
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00477.jpg

All this wool from the lambs and goat had to go somewhere,
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00478.jpg

Pottery found in the valley of Ioannina, Top row is from EB timeframe,
https://i122.photobucket.com/albums/...9/DSC00479.jpg

Those are some wonderful pictures you snapped there, keravnos:wink:

Thanks for the instructions, by the way.

Maion

Very interesting keravnos, and good to hear that all went right for the good side. :2thumbsup: