Archaeology in Greece, 1892

Extract

The chief interest of the excavations that have taken place in 1892 is associated, directly or indirectly, with Delphi. The French School, under M. Homolle's direction, has now actually begun systematic work upon the site, which will probably continue for many years, and which is certain to yield results of the highest importance. Indirectly, also, the charm of Delphi has led to discoveries of the most valuable kind during the past season. The American School had, owing to the indefatigable exertions of Dr. Waldstein, raised a large sum of money with a view to the excavation of the site; and when the French School succeeded after all in establishing its claim to Delphi, the Americans turned their energies and their resources into another channel; their excavations at the Heraeum near Argos have realized the expectations that so promising a site could not fail to raise. One head, in particular, is a most valuable addition to the known monuments of the very finest period of Greek sculpture, whatever may be the ultimate decision of experts as to its exact position in the history of art.

I will, as before, begin my description of the year's excavation with Athens and Attica, and then go on to speak of what has been done both by the Government Department of Antiquities, the Greek Archaeological Society, and the Foreign Schools, in various parts of Greece. Finally, I will describe the progress made in the arrangement, cleaning, and cataloguing of antiquities in the Museums of Athens.