The group had a busy day today that started off with a trip to the Thebes Archaeological Museum. We then headed off to Plataea where Professor Rutter regaled us with an account of the Battle of Plataea. He also pointed out some of the more nonsensical and funny points in Herodotus’s account.
The group was then mesmerized by a video on ancient starting mechanisms for the foot races at the Nemean Games. We then engaged in their own footrace within the ancient stadium. Our race attracted the attention of some other visitors, who cheered the competitors on.
Our lunch break was made more interesting by a visit from a friendly and lively old woman. She engaged Professor Rutter in an animated conservation that included several smacks to his face while she waved her long sickle in her other hand. She handed the group some wild flowers, which she stated was supposed to be used in cooking. Caleb’s bug tour provided further entertainment for the group.
The group ended the day with a visit to a Mycenaean dam and tholos tomb. However, some of the group was more interested in “borrowing” some oranges that happened to be lying around. We end our day at Nafplion, where the whole group plans on scarfing down tons of Gelato during our stay.