Writing on Mount Hymettos in Duplo

2 days ago

Mount Hymettos, near Athens, has a rich history of writing spanning nearly 3,000 years.
The mountain was known in classical times for its bluish marble and high-quality thyme-fed honey.
A sanctuary to Zeus on Hymettos' peak housed the largest collection of early Greek alphabetic inscriptions, dating to the 7th century BCE.
Inscriptions on ceramic cups suggest writing was part of ritual activities, with mentions of Zeus Semios (Zeus of the Sign) and alphabetic sequences.
The concept of 'sema' (sign) may have early links to the alphabet, as seen in references in the Iliad.
Writing on Hymettos spans from ancient graffiti in caves like Liontari Cave to modern botanical trail signs.
Religious sites, such as monasteries and the 6th-century Agios Markos church, were important for writing and text dissemination.
The Vari Cave features inscriptions from the 5th century BCE, including those by Archedamos, a Nympholept (possessed by nymphs).
A Lego Serious Play session with Visiting Fellow Helen Magowan explored creative ways to represent research on writing.
The author recreated early Greek writing scenes in Duplo, illustrating the ritual use of inscribed cups and the 'monumentalisation' of writing on stone.

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