Re-Discovering Ancient Greece Using Modern Tools

For an enthusiastic look at ancient Greece read the brief account of Michigan State University professors Jim Peck and Jon Frey’s work on archaeological sites in Greece.

This is an engaging, brief reflection by video and communications professor Jim Peck who worked with archaeologist Jon Frey to use drones and software imagining techniques to create 3-d images of ancient sites such as the Sanctuary of Poseidon at Isthmia.

Peck’s writing helps bring alive the sense of history at being at these ancient sites and illuminates how Jon Frey became interested in archaeology and Frey’s enthusiasm for digital archaeology.

This brief read with the questions below could be a great “quick-read” for any secondary English/History course.

Questions for Discussion

1. Why was Ishtmia important to ancient Greek culture?
2. Besides athletics, what other qualities did ancient Greeks value?
3. Why did the ancient Greeks build a wall?
4. What career was Frey considering before becoming an archaeologist? What changed his mind?
5. What are the tools of digital archaeology?
6. What is Frey’s attitude towards digital archaeology?
7. What does Peck mean regarding Jon Frey’s attitude when he writes, “He says with that kind of openness, the potential for discovery is greater than ever.”