The Acropolis Restoration News

View of the south wing of the Propylaia and the temple of Athena Nike from the N. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

V. Eleftheriou, 2012-2013, The progress of the restoration works on the AcropolisE. Karakitsou, Z. Konteas, Empolia and poloi from the Acropolis monuments

E. Aggelakopoulou, Design and evaluation of restoration mortars for the Acropolis monumentsE. P. Sioumpara, E. Salavoura, The Reuse of Values: from gathering to systematizing

and to the Project of the Scattered Architectural Members of the Acropolis M. Katsianis, Current challenges in documenting the restoration works on the Acropolis of Athens

E. Petropoulou, News from the Acropolis

13 ñ December 2013

The most significant event of the past yearfor the Acropolis Restoration Service (YS-MA) was certainly the organising of the6th International Meeting for the restora-tion of the Acropolis monuments.

Eleven years after the 5th InternationalMeeting, at which the anastelosis pro-grammes for the Acropolis monumentswere presented analytically both from thepoint of view of the development of theo-retical questions and from that of report-ing the works accomplished, the newMeeting was organised on a completely dif-ferent basis. A determin-ing factor, for one thing,was its duration, whichwas limited to two days,for reasons deriving fromthe general financial sit-uation of the country. Asa result, the number ofspeakers was limited andthe themes were present-ed by those in charge ofdifferent Sections of theworks, while the pro-grammes planned for thefuture were presented bythe President of the Com-mittee for the Conserva-tion of the Acropolis Mo-numents (ESMA). The problem of a limit-ed amount of time in relation to the greatnumber of subjects and works that hadbeen carried out since the previous Meet-ing, was met by two supplementary ac-tions: a poster exhibition to present thestudies, research programmes and specialsubjects of concern, and a digital publica-tion to report on the ten years’ work of theService. This digital report is a large vol-ume of 900 pages, richly illustrated, andtirelessly prepared since the beginning of2013 by eighteen architects and civil en-gineers, thirteen archaeologists, sevenconservators, six draughtsmen, one pho-tographer, the rest of the personnel of theDocumentation Office and the administra-tive staff of the Service.The YSMA was of course affected by the

mobility scheme stemming from law4172/2013. Thus the Service lost two goodcolleagues, draughtsmen, G. Trichakis andA. Anagnostou. At the same time, two ofthe older colleagues, T. Skari, draughts-woman and P. Psaltis, draughtsman, re-tired at the end of 2013.

Voluntary work was offered to the Serviceduring the past year by the architect Dr T.Tanoulas, the archaeologist C. Hatziaslaniand the draughtswoman K. Matala. Re-search programmes and matters pertainingto the circuit wall and the rock itself were

monitored by the Director Emerita andSpecial Expert, M. Ioannidou.

On the Parthenon the works proceeded in ac-cordance with the approved programme.The Head of the work is the architect R.Christodoulopoulou. The scholarly staff ofthe work comprises the architects V. Ma-nidaki, A. Papandropoulos and K. Skaris, thecivil engineers A. Vrouva, Z. Konteas, E.Tavouktsi, E. Sourtzi and L. Palaiologos, andthe archaeologists E. Karakitsou and Dr E.Mimidou. The architect L. Lambrinou wason leave this year with a study permit. Head-ing the team of marble technicians were G.Angelopoulos and S. Kardamis.

An extensive report on the problems andstudy for restoration of the west side of the

Parthenon was included in the precedingissue of “The Acropolis Restoration News”.Carried out during the past year wereworks of structural restoration of the ar-chitectural members showing problems.The re-setting of architectural members atthe two corners of the west side is sched-uled to start at the beginning of next year,when the works of structural restoration ofthe 2nd from north and southwest columncapitals will have been completed. Consid-erable time was needed for research on thestructural restoration of the 2nd fromnorth column capital of the west side. The

solution ultimately ap-proved by the Committeefor the Conservation of theAcropolis Monuments wasto strengthen the columncapital in situ with titani-um reinforcement. Fillingthe missing west part ofthe southwest columncapital –amounting to 1/4of the whole– with mar-ble proved likewise to betime-consuming. The tas-ks of working and joiningthe marble filling, apply-ing grout in the cracks,working the outer surfacefor configuration of the

echinus and the formal rendering of the an-nulets of the member required both spe-cialist personnel and considerable time.

Copies of seven metopes and two pedi-mental sculptures were cast in April 2013to replace the originals, which were dis-mantled from the west side of the monu-ment and are now exhibited in the Muse-um. Three weeks after being cast, thecopies were placed in cisterns where theyremained for two months so as to completethe maturation process. The making of thecopies was undertaken by the experiencedYSMA cast-makers, A. Baibas, Th. Kagior-gis, G. Liakopoulos, and G. Argyris, super-vised by D. Michalopoulou and the mem-ber of ESMA, Prof V. Rigopoulou.The spring of 2013 saw the revising of M.

2012-2013, The progress of the restoration works on the Acropolis

Dismantling the NW column capital of the Parthenon. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2012

Korres’ study for the restoration of theParthenon’s west wall by the architect L.Lambrinou and the civil engineer V. Pa-pavasileiou, and its approval by the ESMA.The restoration of the lintel above the door-way of the Opisthonaos, which N. Balanoshad made of reinforced concrete, remainsfor the Service in a future programme. Thestudy analyses the means of removing Bal-anos’ construction, the structural restora-tion of the four plinths of the lintel, therestoration of the two overlying courses ofthe wall with fillings and the addition ofnew members as well as the organising ofthe worksite. The present programme in-cludes the structural restoration of the twomiddle plinths of the lintel, ancient frag-ments of which were removed from theirpositions by N. Balanos and remain in theParthenon cella. The marble blocks re-quired have already been found and theforming of the fillings of these plinths is tobe entrusted to an external partner.

The restoration of the orthostates and thefirst course of the cella north wall contin-ued during the past year, in accordancewith the approved study by N. Toganidisand K. Matala. The intervention includesthe restoration of the bedding of the toi-chobate, structural restoration of 15 of thetotal of 17 blocks of the exterior layer, themaking of new orthostates blocks for theinterior course, only one ancient block of

which has survived, and their resetting.Structural restoration of the first course in-volves 20 ancient and 9 new blocks. A-mong the programmed works completed,the toichobate bedding restored and 9missing corners of the slabs were filled inwith marble or mortar. Twelve ancientblocks of the outer orthostate layer were re-stored and 4 of these were set in place. Atthe same time work was started on therestoration of 5 blocks of the first row of thenorth wall, for which 3 fillings of new mar-ble had to be formed.With the completion of the cutting of the

flutes on the 9th column of the Parthenonnorth side, the north colonnade, which wasrestored during the period 2002-2009, hasnow been fully rendered. The carving of thefinal surface of the flutes in the filled-in ar-eas of the drums of six restored columnshad still to be done after the work of thatperiod was finished. The carving of theflutes, a work requiring the utmost accuracy,was undertaken by the most specialised mar-ble technicians of the Parthenon team.

The carving of the flutes of the fillings anddrums of new marble in the north columnof the the pronaos porch was initiated inJuly 2013. Anastelosis of the colonnadewas completed in 2004. The initial deci-sion –to render the fillings and drums ofnew marble in a truncated form withoutfluting– proved from the aesthetic stand-point inferior to the architectural magnifi-cence of the monument. After resubmittingthe matter to the Central ArchaeologicalCouncil (KAS), the proposal of L. Lambri-nou and the writer for carving the flutes byhand was approved.

In the Propylaia, work continued in thesouth wing of the monument. The Head ofthe project is the civil engineer, D. Mi-chalopoulou. The scholarly team includesthe architect Dr K. Karanasos, the civil en-gineer V. Papavasileiou and the archaeolo-gists E. Petropoulou and Dr C. Koutsadelis.Head of the marble technicians is G.Desypris.

The south wing had been restored in thepast, during the years 1946-1954 and1957-1960 by A. Orlandos, an interven-tion that remained half-finished. The ap-proved study by T. Tanoulas calls for the re-setting of 53 identified architectural mem-bers, of which 42 are on the ground and 9had been wrongly set from the time whenthe Frankish Tower was constructed. Twomembers are to be made entirely of newmarble. In 2012 the equipping of theworksite was completed in preparation forthe intervention. Dismantling of the archi-tectural members was launched in Septem-

3

Trial setting of the orthostates blocks of the north wall of the Parthenon cella.Photo V. Eleftheriou, 2013

Carving the flutes in the NE corner of thePronaos. Photo V. Eleftheriou, 2013

ber 2012 and completed in March 2013. Atotal of 14 architectural members were dis-mantled. Nine had been wrongly placedand 5 were in situ. Their state of preserva-tion necessitated their restoration on theground. The removal of the architecturalmembers from the southeast corner of thesouth wing revealed the corner, partly cutoff, of the original construction in the areaof its contact with the Mycenaean wall.Two blocks of the frieze and four architraveblocks –two from the north colonnade andtwo from the west façade– were dismantledas well. They had been restored earlier byOrlandos. This was preceded by an ex-amination of the adequacy of the Stikas -Orlandos intervention in terms of staticefficiency, since the architrave blocks wouldbear a greater load after the new interven-tion. The method of the earlier interven-tion was considered inadequate and a s-tudy for structural restoration was under-taken by V. Papavasileiou, in accordancewith the methodology followed in theAcropolis works. Resetting began in June2013 and to date, 7 architectural mem-bers have taken their final positions.

The study for restoration of the northwestcorner of the Propylaia by K. Karanasosand M. Ioannidou was approved by theCentral Archaeological Council at the endof 2012. Its application is to begin early in2015. The main problem lies in the capi-tal of the column at the northwest cornerof the central building, which has a pene-trating crack in the east side. The marbleblock from which the column capital hadbeen carved had an inherent flaw that wascountered already in antiquity by means ofthree iron clamps in the upper surface ofthe abacus. The southernmost of theseclamps has pulled off, and the northern-most has rusted and swollen, causing themarble to break and a fragment to detach.Structural damage is evident also in theouter block and backer of the architrave ofthe north façade, as well as in blocks of thefrieze. In accordance with the study, a to-tal of 11 architectural members are to bedismantled from the northwest corner of

the central building in order to be struc-turally restored and conserved on theground. This intervention provides an op-portunity to reset 3 authentic blocks of thenorth wall on the monument. It is plannedin addition to reset 4 preserved drumsfrom the colonnade of the west façade ofthe Propylaia and one of new marble. A-part from its rescue aspect, the interven-tion will assure the protection of ancientmaterial by incorporating it in the monu-ment.

By the end of the year the supply of 120 m3

of Pentelic marble for the requirements ofwork on the Parthenon and the Propylaiawas depleted. A final stage has beenreached in the process of awarding to an ex-ternal partner the mechanical cutting of alimited number of fillings and new archi-tectural members, which are too large to behandled in the worksite.

A series of interventions were carried out inthe basement of the temple of Athena Nike,

Dismantling the south architrave block of the west façade of the Propylaia south wing. Photo K. Karanasos, 2013

Joining fragments of a block from the south wall of the Propylaia south wing.Photo K. Karanasos, 2013

where the poros temple is preserved, in or-der to confront the structural problemsconnected with the aging of building ma-terials of the period 1935-1940, and to im-prove conditions for protecting the archae-ological remains while making them ac-cessible to visitors. A doorway was there-fore opened toward the hall where the al-tars are preserved and a wooden crosswaywas constructed for visitors to the area. Theold insufficient lighting and electrical in-stallation was redesigned and replaced.The architect K. Mamaloungas supervisedthe work.

The works of surface conservation of themonuments continued during the pastyear with the chemical engineer Dr E.Aggelakopoulou as Head. New mixtures ofmortar for sealing and for filling were de-signed, the physiochemical properties ofwhich are being evaluated. In the Parthe-non, with the conservator A. Panou incharge, support was given to the disman-tling of the northwest corner and conser-vation interventions were carried out on 45of the architectural members that had beenlowered. In addition, conservation work onthe hidden sides of 7 members of the northorthostate were completed and the joints ofthe marble fillings in the drums of the 4th,5th, 6th and 9th columns of the north sidewere sealed.

In the Propylaia, with the conservator K.Frantzikinaki in charge, rescue conserva-tion interventions were carried out prior tolowering the architectural members of thesouth wing, and systematic conservation of31 architectural members was completed.Systematic interventions were likewise car-ried out on resting surfaces and surfacessubject to thrust on members in situ thatwill be inaccessible after the works ofanastelosis. Conservation work on the 3rd,4th and 5th drums of the north column ofthe west façade was completed.

In the temple of Athena Nike, with the con-servator A. Tsimereki in charge, conserva-tion of the east colonnade was completedand interventions continued on the innersides of both the south and the west walls.

In the Erechtheion, with the conservatorM. Frantzi in charge, the systematic con-servation of 27 blocks of the inner side ofthe west wall was completed and work iscontinuing on 4 more blocks. The old mor-tar has been replaced in the coffered ceil-ing of the south porch, improving it aes-thetically. The remnants of ancient ironclamps preserved in the south and westwalls have been recorded and, togetherwith this, research proceeds on how best topreserve them. All the conservation interventions on allthe monuments continued to be document-ed and entered in the YSMA database; anoverall study of sealing and filling mortarsused in the surface conservation of themonuments from 1991 to date was sub-mitted by the conservation team.

In the field of research, special photogra-phy was conducted on the visible and in theinfrared electromagnetic spectrum in orderto determine the presence of ancient colour(Egyptian blue) on the coffered ceiling of

5

Wooden crossway for access of visitors to the basement of the temple of Athena Nike (left) andthe poros temple, after completing works of enhancement (right). Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

Dionysos quarries: choosing bulk marble for the restoration of the Acropolis monuments.Photo V. Eleftheriou, 2013

the south porch of the Erechtheion, on thenorthwest sima of the Parthenon and onblocks of the west frieze exhibited in theAcropolis Museum. In addition, trial shotswere made in infrared wave lengths of theErechtheion coffered ceiling and the Par-thenon northwest sima in an effort to in-vestigate new evidence related to poly-chromy. Fragments of poros architecturalmembers were joined in collaboration withthe Office of inventorying, documentationand classification of scattered architecturalmembers.

The Office of inventorying, documentationand classification of scattered architecturalmembers, headed by the archaeologist DrE. Sioumpara and with the archaeologistDr E. Salavoura, continued with the inven-tory and classification of material from theArrephorion stone-pile. In the frameworkof the programme for joining the poros ar-chitectural members, the joining of smallfragments without reinforcements wascompleted with the mending of 33 of a to-tal of 54 members. The mending with mor-tar recommended by the Technical Univer-sity of Crete is proceeding in a laboratoryestablished in the northeast hall of the old

Acropolis Museum under the guidance ofthe specialised marble technician L.Zacharopoulos. Likewise in process is therestoration of an archaic Parthenontriglyph (AE 21432), which is practicallyrestored in its complete original form. Thetriglyph, with ten fragments belonging toit, had been mended with inappropriatematerials. The fragments were dismantledfrom the cement base, to which they hadbeen anchored, underwent conservationand fillings were made of fossiliferous car-bonated material from Piraeus. The team of

the of scattered architectural members as-sisted the 1st Ephorate of Prehistoric andClassical Antiquities in the transport of 78inscriptions to the old Acropolis Museum.Twenty-six inscriptions had been movedthere sporadically in the past and the re-maining 63 are to be moved in the imme-diate future.

Conservation and consolidation of theAcropolis circuit walls have been includedin the programming of the works of the ES-MA and the YSMA from the very beginning.In previous years work was focused on doc-umenting the form, on research on thepathology and on monitoring the state ofpreservation of the walls, using the mostcontemporary technology. A problem in thesouth wall that became evident in February2012, launched a series of actions both forthe restoration of the span between the 6thand 7th buttresses, in the area of the Thra-syllos Monument, and for the drawing up ofan overall study for confronting the prob-lems of the fortification walls and the drain-ing of rain-water from the entire surface ofthe Acropolis; the work is to be included inthe next intervention programme of the YS-MA. The problem in the area between the

Mending a poros architectural member in thelaboratory. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

View of the south circuit wall of the Acropolis from the S. Photo V. Eleftheriou, 2013

6th and 7th buttresses, i.e. stones fallingfrom the wall, is connected both with ear-lier interventions in the area and with rain-water accumulating on the Acropolis sur-face around the old Museum. A 2 m protec-tive barrier has been placed at a span of 10m. below the affected area and a study onhow to resolve the problem has been un-dertaken by the architect A. Hatzipapa. I-dentified in the study are the areas fromwhich stones have fallen or spaces existthreatening new falls, a result of Ottomanreinforcing with rubble and mortar. It isproposed to reset stones that have been re-moved and to set new stones in the emptyspaces. Scheduled in addition is the use of

stainless steel or titanium reinforcementswhere necessary, surface conservation ofthe poros stones, removal of crumblingmortar and the deep-sealing of joints withcompatible new mortar. The proposals in-clude measures for coping with the damp-ness by means of a new system for drainingthe space between the old Acropolis Muse-um and the fortification wall as well as theworksite necessary for the task.

The current YSMA programme also in-cludes repair of the existing pathways forthe visitors and renewal of the roping inthe archaeological area of the Acropolis.

The study of R. Christodoulopoulou, G.Christakopoulos and E. Alexandraki wasprepared by the 1st Ephorate of Prehistoricand Classical Antiquities in December2011 and the work was awarded in Febru-ary 2013 after an underbid draft tender.The work comprised repairs to the dam-aged pathway for disabled going from theelevator at the north side of the archaeo-logical area to the elevator of the old Muse-um at the location of the WC’s for disabled,installed on the occasion of the 2004Olympic Games. Crumbling parts orwhole sections of the pathway were re-moved where necessary, new reinforcedpaving was introduced, the composition of

which was decided among various samplessubmitted, and 350 stainless steel ortho-states were made and set in place.

In the framework of research on materialsand methods of application: a) the Poly-technic School of the University of Patrascarried out experimental research on themechanical characteristics of ancient andnew marble, b) the Technical University ofCrete did research on the composition of amortar for joining poros, c) The NationalTechnical University of Athens (NTUA)analysed the historical mortars from thecircuit walls and the Propylaia and d) in ad-

dition, the NTUA undertook research onthe properties of titanium and on the resis-tance of the white cement pulp used forjoining architectural members. After a drafttender the Geodynamics Institute of the Na-tional Observatory of Athens undertook de-velopment of the accelerographic networkas well as modernisation of the existing sys-tem and utilisation of its databases.

In the framework of research, documenta-tion and dissemination of the work of theYSMA, undertaken by the DocumentationOffice headed by the archaeologist Dr E.Lembidaki, the habitual routine was con-tinued. This comprises the entering of da-ta into the archive and database of the Ser-vice from the anastelosis interventions (onthe Parthenon, Propylaia, temple of AthenaNike) and from the conservation works.The work in the main office of the YSMAarchive is supported by the archaeologistsDr M. Katsianis and Dr A. Sophou in addi-tion to G. Alexopoulos, technical engineer,in charge of the information website. TheOffice continued upgrading of the YSMAdatabase –a project to be completed verysoon– the digital recording of the library,the plans/drawings and audio-visual mate-rial of the works as well as the digitisationof conventional documentary material(films super 8 mm). Photographic docu-mentation of the anastelosis was continuedby the photographer T. Souvlakis and thedocumentary filming was awarded to anoutside collaborator, K. Arvanitakis, whoundertook the work after an underbid drafttender. Promotion of the works for the gen-eral public was continued as well. Thiscomprised the management of the YSMAwebsite with improvement and expansionof the application for virtual exploration ofthe Acropolis rock. Publication of “TheAcropolis Restoration News” in Greek andin English is prepared by the archaeologistE. Petropoulou who also takes the minutesof the ESMA meetings.

A more extensive report on the publica-tions of the Documentation Office is pre-sented elsewhere in the present issue of

7

The pathway for the disabled west of the Erechtheion, after its repair. Photo V. Eleftheriou, 2013

“The Acropolis Restoration News”. TheDocumentation Office also organised the p-resentation at the Acropolis Museum of thetwo-volume book by A. Papanikolaou “Therestoration of the Erechtheion (1979-1987): Final report on the Work” (inGreek with selected texts in English), inaddition to assuming the greater part of or-ganising the 6th International Meeting forthe restoration of the Acropolis monu-ments.

The programme for photogrammetricplotting is also included in the frameworkof the documentation of the work. This isheaded by rural and surveying engineer D.Mavromati, who completed in 2012-2013the photomosaic of the west lintel and viewof the west end of the entablature of theParthenon south side. She also supervisedthe “Study of topographic and photogram-metric documentation at the Acropolis ofAthens”, producing ground plans of thecorners of the west side of the Parthenonbefore and after the dismantling of theblocks, at a scale of 1:20 and a plan andview of the entablature of the Parthenonnorth side, likewise at a scale of 1:20. Inthe Propylaia the four interior views of thesouth wing, before initiation of the works,were presented at a scale of 1:25. Pho-togrammetric imaging was made also ofthe wider area of the Propylaia and temple

of Athena Nike at a scale of 1:100 and itwas incorporated with the imaging of2009, carried out in the context of thework “Study for the development of GIS atthe Acropolis of Athens”. The rural andsurveying engineer, Dr I. Kalisperakis, con-tinued the scanning of chosen architectur-al members of the Parthenon.

In November 2012 the building at 13Polygnotou street, known as the “KolettiHouse”, was granted to the AcropolisRestoration Service, which intends to re-store it and to use it for housing theArchive.

The Information and Education Depart-ment of YSMA continued its activities,which are reported in another article of thepresent bulletin. The scholarly team of theDepartment comprises the archaeologistsE. Kaimara, Head of the department, A.Leonti and S. Paraschou.

The Electromechanical Section supportingthe YSMA, led by the electrical engineer D.Zois, provided the necessary assistanceduring the past year in all the worksiteswith monitoring and inspection of theelectromechanical installations. The contribution of the YSMA AccountingOffice, headed by P. Katsimichas, was sub-

stantial during the past year in the partic-ularly demanding task of managing the lo-gistics and monitoring the community ap-propriations that fund the works. Impor-tant too was the contribution of the Secre-tariat, led by Ch. Papanikolaou and the Of-fice for the Management of Materials,where A. Anagnostou was in charge.

Having consumed half the time allotted forthe present programme, with the expendi-ture of 60% of the funding, and with theplan to start immediately on resetting thearchitectural members on the west side ofthe Parthenon and continue intensivelywith resetting the architectural members atthe south wing of the Propylaia, the courseof the work to date is considered satisfac-tory, according to the schedule approved.Even so, the span of time until the end of2015, when the anastelosis programmesnow under way are expected to be finished,is limited. Good organisation and effec-tiveness are required if the aims of the Ser-vice are to be accomplished.

Vasiliki Eleftheriou Architect

Director of the YSMA

Guided tour of the Parthenon interior for participants in the 6th International Meeting for therestoration of the Acropolis monuments. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

NW sima with lion head: three-dimensionalmodel with texture. 3d scanning A. Valani.Photo texture I. Kalispetrakis, 2013

In classical times, column drums wereconnected to each other by a system ofwooden components, one polos and twoempolia. Under the entry “empolion” inthe “Lexikon of Ancient ArchitecturalTerms” by A. Orlandos and I. Travlos, it isexplained that the empolion was placed inthe centre of the circular surface of the col-umn drum and that it held the polos.From the end of the archaic and through-out the classical period, these poloi andempolia were made of wood: the poloi ofwild olive or cornel (dogwood), the em-polia of coniferous trees.

The empolia and poloi examined comefrom the Acropolis monuments. There is,moreover, precise information aboutthose found in the Parthenon and thePropylaia during the past three decades.They were discovered with the disman-tling of the capitals and drums, as re-quired by the restoration works. On June13, 1990 while the 7th column capital ofthe east wing was being dismantled, thepolos-empolion system came to light; itwas in a crushed condition. On August21, 1992 the dismantling of the columncapital of the 5th column of the southcolonnade revealed the two empolia andone polos, all intact. On June 21 and 26,2001 the wooden components of the threelowest drums of the 6th column of thePronaos were recovered in fragments. Ac-cording to the observations of the archi-tect L. Lambrinou, lead sheets measuringapproximately 12.5x12.5 cm were foundin the 2nd drum of the 6th column of thePronaos. They were folded in two andmounted on the west and south sides of

the entormion of the drum, in order tostabilize the wooden empolion, a practicethat has been observed in situationswhere the empolion was not well adjustedwhen initially set in the mortice. Untilthen, however, this practice had not been

verified on the Acropolis monuments. Ju-ly 11, August 8 and September 17, 2002saw the discovery of the wooden compo-nents that joined the column capitals ofthe Opisthonaos, O.KK.5 and O.KK.6,with the underlying drums, O.K.5.12 andO.K.6.11 respectively, and those of thedrum O.K.5.12 with the underlyingO.K.5.11. A few parts of the empolion ap-peared in the dismantling of the 6th drumof the 11th column of the north colon-nade on 4 July 2002. Finally, on 5 July2012, while the NW column capital of thecolonnade was being dismantled, parts ofthe empolion and polos were discovered,likewise in fragmentary condition.

Evidence for the precise finding places ofthe wooden components found earlier (ofwhich 13 empolia and 9 poloi are pre-served today) is not strong. According tothe catalogued information in the inven-tory of the Acropolis Museum, empolia“20210” and “20211” come from theParthenon, but the monument from whichthe others came is unknown. In referenceto his activity in the east portico of thePropylaia, in his report “The Anastelosisof the Acropolis Monuments, Propylaia,Erechtheion, Parthenon”, N. Balanosmentions finding many wooden empoliain the centres of the columns. He notes

The empolia “2”, “20210” and “20211”.Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

Empolion and polos “18121”. Drawing by A. PapandropoulosEmpolion and polos “18121”.Photo Z. Konteas, 2013

Empolia and poloi from the Acropolis monuments

that a great number had been displaced asa result of the 1686 explosion. The empo-lion and polos “18122”, which were re-moved from the 6th drum of the 4th col-umn in the east portico can be recognizedon pl. 9‰ of his text.

On the basis of the above and given thevariation in their preserved condition,due probably to the type of conservationapplied at different times, we assume thatthe wooden components “1” to “11” comefrom the Parthenon, and the components“18121” to “18125” from the Propylaia.

Empolia The empolia are truncated pyramids –ap-proximately square– for which the ratio ofthe size of the bases, of the horizontal su-faces is close to the unit. Their side surface

forms four trapezoidal faces, the lateralsurfaces. The circular-section hole thatforms the cylindrical mortice holding thepolos, is opened in the large base of thetruncated pyramid, the hole surface. Op-posite to this is the small base of the pyra-mid, the solid face.

The edges of the empolia, except for thosebordering the hole surface, are obliquelybevelled, probably to facilitate setting.The edges of the solid face are obliquelybevelled uniformly lengthwise, whereason those bordering the boundary betweenthe lateral faces, the bevelling is asym-metrical, fading out at the hole surface orslightly earlier. Thus the vertices of theempolion in the hole surface constitutepoints, whereas on the solid face the formof the vertices is more complicated, sinceit is determined by the junction of the bev-elling.

The inclination of the lateral surfaces isa very significant feature of the empolia,since it is used while founding the co-lumns to set the overlying members(drums or capital) with precision, guid-ing the centring in relation to the under-lying drum. In case of earthquake, more-over, polos functions as a dowel, signifi-cantly limiting the relative horizontal dis-placement between the two members, asseen in the consolidated shape of the pair“18122”, shown above. It is likewise sig-nificant that when the columns are rock-ing, the inclination of the lateral surfacesallows the horizontal joint between the

members to open at an angle, without si-multaneous stressing of the polos. Duringclosing of the joint, the inclination of thelateral surfaces guides the two membersinto a position so that their centres coin-cide as accurately as possible, thus re-turning the column to its original form.

The empolia show only small deviationsfrom their geometric characteristics andphysical properties. The average length ofthe end of the hole surface is 113 mm,whereas the theoretical –ignoring theoblique– value of the average edge of thesolid face is 101 mm. The average heightis 75 mm. The average diameter of thehole is 55 mm. The average density wasestimated at 550 kg/m3 –with values from430 kg/m3 to 670 kg/m3– which is verysatisfactory, especially for coniferouswood.

Cutting the wood from the trunk has beendone without exception in such a way thatthe grain of the wood is oriented along oneof the two horizontal axes of the empolia,

Empolion and polos “18122”. Photo T. Souvlakis, Z. Konteas, 2013

Rocking of a column. The inclination of theside surfaces of the empolion Ê, allows theopening of the horizontal joint at an angle ofı without loading the polos, (since ı < Ê).Drawing Z. Konteas Empolion “10”. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

while the position of the centre of thetrunk, the pith, is usually beyond the lev-el of the hole surface and the hollows ofthe growth rings are therefore turned to-ward it. As a result of the first, the twoside surfaces are longitudinal sections(mainly tangential and exceptionally ra-dial), while the other two are transversesections allowing a clear reading of thegrowth rings in the wood. Apart from thefact that it is both ergonomical and eco-nomical for the material, this choice hasthe advantage of assuring, along one axis

the greatest possible “resistance” (strengthand stiffness) of the empolion, if the polosis subjected to shearing stress.

An even more careful choice of wood wasobserved in the attempt to include as few

knots as possible. This is evident not onlyin their limited number but also from thefact that characteristic irregularities of thegrowth rings are evident at the ends of theempolia, showing that a knot was avoidedby cutting the wood appropriately.

The traces of red colour observable on thesurfaces of the empolia are most likelypigment, and specifically miltos, from theprocess of leveling the surface of thedrums. The possibility that it comes froma fungal attack should be excluded.

The position of the pith was graphicallyestimated from the direction of the radialcracks and it was possible to determinethe minimum number of growth rings ofthe trunk and thus the minimum age ofthe tree. Minimum ages were estimatedfrom 75 to 275 years, although the lowervalues are of no special significance, sincethey could simply indicate an origin closeto the centre.

PoloiThe poloi are cylindrical with ratio ofheight to base diameter close to 2. Theedges of the cylinder are obliquely bevel-led, probably to facilitate its insertion in-to the empolion and possibly to avoidstress concentrations as well. At mid-height in every case there is a horizontalgroove (the simeia) that runs around theentire circumference and was evidentlyused in monitoring the depth of the holein the empolion. The perfection of thework unquestionably indicates the use ofa turning lathe for forming the cylinder,grooving the simeia and likewise for theoblique bevelling.

On most of the poloi one base is not en-tirely level, but has a low disk-shapedswelling in the centre, around which areconcentric circles, traces left from the cut-ting of the base. This indicates that downto a depth corresponding to the diameterof the disk, the wood was cut on a lathe.There are no traces of concentric circlesinside the disk. Quite the opposite, insome cases traces of linear cutting are vis-ible, showing that a small cutting tool,probably a saw, was used to cut the surfacein the area corresponding to the disk. Thiswould explain why the disk projectsabove the rest of the surface; the height ofthe projection corresponds to the thick-ness of the cutting tool.

In the centre of the disk surface on quite afew of the poloi, a trace of a point can beseen, further confirming the use of a lathe.The fact that not all the poloi have such apoint trace suggests that more than onepolos would be produced from a piece ofwood of larger dimensions.

Variations in the measurements are small.The average diameter is 51 mm, the aver-age height 108 mm. The ratio of height todiameter is 2.1. There is greater variationin the density. Densities were estimatedranging from 450 to 910 kg/m3, with anaverage value of 680 kg/m3.

Wood originating in the trunk (or possiblyin a large branch) is always taken from thecentre, so that the main axis of the poloscoincides in practice with the pith. The ex-istence of small knots is only natural sincethe wood is juvenile core. It appears, how-ever, that –as with the empolia– the wood

11

Empolia “2” and “4”.Graphic estimation of the minimum numberof growth rings of the trunk.Photo T. Souvlakis, Drawing Z. Konteas

Polos “9”. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

has been carefully chosen since at the lim-its of the height the characteristic irregu-larities in the growth rings are evident, in-dicating the existence of a knot that wasremoved in the cutting.

There is no sense in measuring the growthrings since all poloi are limited to the cen-tre of the trunk, thus the age of the treecannot be determined. The publication of I. Mariopoulos in 1937

in the Praktika of the Academy of Athensabout research on astrometeorological pe-riods is of considerable interest. He re-ports that he examined ten wooden con-necting systems from column drums,thus thirty wooden components. Theywere in excellent condition and had beenfound in the columns of the Parthenon.These formed a valuable scholarly archivefor determining the changes in the ringsof trees that come from Greece in general,while the evidence was that they hadprobably come from Attica. Photographicmaterial in the publication shows that thereference is to the empolia “20210” and“20211”. The researcher concluded thatboth empolia belonged to the same tree,which was estimated as 200 years old.

In this same article it is reported that amicroscopic examination was made by I.H. Politis, the results of which are report-ed in the Praktika of the Academy of A-thens 1945. According to the sampling,the empolia came from cypress wood andthe polos from cornus. The author clearlystates that the pieces are empolia and po-los from the Parthenon, without givingany further information or photographs.Observing today the remaining woodenelements, it seems probable that the em-polion in question is “18123” (which wesuspect comes from the Propylaia), inwhich the cutting is visible in one sidesurface.

The empolia and polos of the 5th columncapital of the south wing of the Parthenonwere examined microscopically in 2000.According to the results of the researchcarried out by the National Agricultural

Research Foundation (NAGREF), the em-polia were of cypress wood (CupressusSempervirens) and the polos of maple(Acer Sp.).

Elena KarakitsouArchaeologist

Zannis KonteasCivil Engineer

Parthenon Restoration Project

Polos “18123”. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

Base of polos “18121”: the forming of a diskand traces of concentric circles left by thecutting are visible. Photo Z. Konteas, 2013

Empolia “20210” (below) and “20211”(above). As is evident, they come from thesame tree. Photo Z. Konteas, 2013

Empolion “18123”. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

Base of polos “18124”: similar to above, butthe area of the disk is sunken due to the factthat the shrinkage of the pith area is greatercompared to the rest of the polos.Photo Z. Konteas, 2013

Base of polos “18123”: traces of linear cut-ting within the disk are visible. Photo Z.Konteas, 2013

IntroductionAs is well known, the Acropolis monu-ments are built with the dry-masonrysystem, without mortar between theirstructural elements. One of the basicprinciples that inform the contemporaryinterventions is respect for and repetitionof the ancient method of construction.Even so, the use of mortar is necessary inorder to confront the various forms ofdamage seen in the monuments in theirpresent condition.

In the context of the works of the SurfaceConservation Section, restoration mortaris employed for sealing joints of smallwidth (breaks in the marble pieces, jointof the surface that results from joining anauthentic marble piece and a new filling,and so on), for filling in large spaces(mortises, large pieces of architecturalmembers that have come apart, etc.) andfor joining small fragments and scaling.In the case of scaling or peeling in partic-ular, usually a paste is employed that ismade of the material (binder with water)without aggregates, so that the joint to bemended is minimal and the original mea-surements of the joined stones are notaltered.

Because of the progress that has beenmade in the field of conservation materi-als, it was considered worthwhile to con-duct a series of trials for the purpose ofimproving the restoration mortars.

Criteria for evaluating restoration mortars The restoration mortars come into directcontact with the authentic Pentelic mar-ble and their composition must thereforebe based on the principle of physico-chemical and mechanical compatibilitywith the adjacent building material, sothat the preservation of the authenticstructural material is assured.

The original mechanical strength of theauthentic Pentelic marble is greatly

impaired and its original properties aredowngraded through a combination ofvarious types of damage, such as exten-sive cracking, peeling, fracturing, surfacecrumbling (sugaring) etc.

The mechanical strength of the mortarsmust therefore be much less than that ofthe damaged Pentelic marble, so that inthe case of failure, it will be the restora-tion material that fails rather than theauthentic material.

Yet the strength must be high enough toassure the coherence, the satisfactoryjoining and the durability of the interven-

tion over time. The ability to absorbvibrations and minor deformations, thatassure good compatibility of the mortarwith the authentic structural materialand thus its preservation, are charac-terised by the modulus of elasticity val-ues, which must be sufficiently low.

On the basis of the above criteria and tak-ing into consideration the bibliographicaldata of the international scientific com-munity for the mechanical characteristicsof sealing and filling mortars, the desiredmechanical properties of the restoration

mortars for the Acropolis may bedescribed as follows:

ñ Compressive strength, Fc=6-10MPa(smaller value than that of the damagedmarble, sufficient strength and durability,easily removable if necessary).

ñ Flexural strength, Ff>1.2MPa (satisfac-tory strength).

ñ Dynamic modulus of elasticity,Ed<12.000MPa (and as little as possibleso long as resistance strength re-quire-ments are met).

Apart from the mechanical strengths,physical characteristics that must be eval-uated and be compatible with the adja-

cent authentic material and conservationmaterial, are those of the microstructure.With the term microstructure we refer tothe structure of the materials on a micro-scopic scale (proportion of empty space-pores that constitutes the porosity of thematerial, size and form of the pores, wayin which they are interconnected, etc.),which affects the physical and mechani-cal properties of the material (mechanicalstrength, modulus of elasticity, hygro-metric behaviour, etc.). In terms of themicrostructure and assuming that the cri-teria for mechanical strength are met, the

Pilot application of mortars in the Propylaia. Photo K. Frantzikinaki, 2013

Design and evaluation of restoration mortars for the Acropolis monuments

mortars must show a high percentage ofporosity (~30%) and a pore radius aver-age (>0.2Ìm), so as to assure a satisfacto-ry absorption of retained water andhumidity from the damaged marble orfrom the joints, as well as its swift evapo-ration from their mass. Water accumula-tion in the authentic structural materialaccelerates deterioration, mainly becauseof the action of microstress from thechange in volume of hygroscopic salts,depending on the conditions of relativehumidity and temperature and because ofthe growth of micro-organisms.

Materials and techniquesA total of nine compositions of restorationmortars were produced, six of which weresealing mortars and three filling mortars.For the sealing mortars, the compositionthat has been used to date on the Acropo-lis monuments was produced (Composi-tion 1) with binder of hydrate lime and

white cement including quartz sand witha grain size distribution in the range of0-1mm. Another six compositions wereproduced at the same time, with a binder,

either hydraulic lime of varying hydrau-licity, or else hydrate lime/metakaolin indifferent proportions of mixture. Thesand used in these syntheses was mainly

* Added also to this specific composition : CaCO3: 0.25% p.w. (for carbonisation acceleration), crude Sienna: 1.6%p.w., Baked obra:0.65%p.w. for colour harmonizationw/b (water/binder): ratio of the added water (gr) to binder (gr)C: white cement, Aalborg white cementL: lime hydrate in powder form, CaO HellasMK: metakaolin (Al2O3 2SiO2), Argical-M1000, Imerys Group.EM: Lava AnticaNHL 3.5-Z: hydraulic lime, Chaux Blanche NHL3.5-Z, LafargeNHL 2: hydraulic lime, Calce Albazzana, BASF C.C.Sq: Quartz sandSc: Calcareous sand

Mix design of restoration mortars: compositions 1-6 refer to sealing mortars and compositions 7-9 to filling mortars

Pilot application of sealing mortars. Composition A1: hydraulic lime mortar and composition B1:lime hydrate/metakaolin mortar. Photo K. Frantzikinaki, 2013

Binder percentage (%p.w.)

Aggregates percentage(%p.w.)

calcareous (0-1mm), given its chemicalhomogeneity with the building materialof the monuments, Pentelic marble. Forthe filling mortars, the composition wasproduced and evaluated for filling mortarused in conservation with white cement,natural pozzolan (earth of Milos island),and quartz sand (0-2mm) (Composition7). Produced also were two compositionswith hydraulic lime and calcareous sandof two different particle measurements, 0-2mm and 0-4 mm, in order to evaluatethe effect of a small change in the grainsize of aggregates on the final characteris-tics of the mortar. A diagram shows thedesign of the sealing and filling mortarswith the mixing ratios of the differentingredients (% p.w.), and the ratio ofwater to binder.

After production, the fresh mortar wascast in prismatic moulds measuring4x4x16cm in order to evaluate themechanical strength and the modulus ofelasticity. The following techniques wereemployed for evaluating the mortars:ñ Tests of mechanical strength to deter-mine the compressive and flexuralstrength of the mortars over periods of 1,3, 6, 12 and 24 months.ñ The Ultrasonic technique (CNS Farnell-Pundit 6, frequency of terminals: 54KHz) which is a non-destructive tech-nique for monitoring the materials, for

evaluating the transmission velocity ofthe ultrasonic waves (Vu.s., m/s) andmodulus of elasticity (Ed, MPa) over aperiod of 12 months in selected composi-tions of mortar. The rate of transmissionof the ultrasonic waves on the material isrelated to the apparent density of thematerial and its elastic constants(dynamic modulus of elasticity, shearmodulus). The dynamic elasticity modu-lus is the measure of rigidity of the mate-rial and it equates with the ratio of thetendency to deformation, when subjectedto tests of free or enforced vibrations.ñ Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP,Fisons, Porosimeter 2000) for evaluatingthe characteristics of microstructure in

selected mortar compositions over a peri-od of 12 months.

Results and discussion of the resultsMechanical strenghtShown in a diagram are the results of thecompressive strength of the six composi-tions of sealing mortar prepared, as theywere evaluated over a span of 24 months.The compositions that appear to meet thecriteria are those of hydraulic limeNHL3.5-Z (CBz.Sc1, CBz.Sq1) with a finalcompressive strength over 12 months ofaging equal to 8.53MPa and 8.70MPa.From the final strength values it appearsthat the different nature of the aggregates(calcareous or quartz sand) does notaffect the mechanical strength of the mor-tars.

The composition Sfr.LC.Sq1, with ceme-nt/hydrate lime that is already in use, aswell as the composition of hydraulic limeof the type NHL2 (Alba.Sc1), showed lowvalues of compressive strength equal to3.59MPa and 4.77MPa over 12 months ofaging, respectively. In the case of the useof metakaolin as a pozzolanic additive, itis observed that in the case of the compo-sition LMK10.Sc1, where metakaolin wasused in a ratio of 10% p.w., the compres-sive strength was very high, equalling20.23Mpa over 12 months of aging. This

15

Compressive strength of the filling mortars

Compressive strength of the sealing mortars

specific compressive strength is judged tobe too high for use in contact with dam-aged Pentelic marble. If the metakaolin ofthe mortar had a ratio of 5% p.w.(LMK5.Sc1), the compressive strengthdeclined to 7.34MPa over 6 months ofmaturation, thus meeting the criterionfor compressive strength (6-10MPa). It isobserved, moreover, that with the use of adifferent amount of metakaolin mortarscan be designed with a broad range ofmechanical strength.

As far as flexural strength is concerned,the values follow the same trend as dothose for compressive strength. The com-positions that fulfill the criterion of flex-ural strength >1.2MPa, are those contain-ing hydraulic lime NHL3.5-Z (CBz.Sc1,CBz.Sq1) and those with the mixturelime hydrate-metakaolin (LMK10.Sc1,LMK5.Sc1). The mortar syntheses withhydrate lime-cement (Sfr.LC.Sq1) andwith hydraulic lime NHL2 (Alba.Sc1), onthe other hand, show low flexuralstrength values (<1MPa).

For the filling mortars, the mechanical

strength of the mortar with white cement(Pl.CEM.Sq2) is very high, with a finalcompressive strength Fc=43.60MPa, andflexural strength of Ff=6.84MPa, over 24months of aging. The specific strengthsare too high for both the adjacent authen-tic marble, which may be crumbling andfractured, and for the sealing mortar,which will be set over the filling mortarso as to seal the final joints. The mortarswith hydraulic lime (CBz.Sc2, CBz.Sc4)

show satisfactory strength from the firstmonth of aging. The use of aggregateswith a greater granulometric gradationincreases minimally the final strengthand mainly the flexural strength.

Modulus of elasticityThe results of the ultrasound tests showthat the transmission velocity of theultrasonic waves follows the same tenden-cy as for mechanical resistance, a tenden-cy to be expected given that the rate oftransmission is connected with theapparent density and the microstructureof the material, characteristics that alsodetermine the mechanical srength. Thusthe value of the ultrasonic and the appar-ent density is recorded as greater for thefilling mortar with white cement(Pl.CEM.Sq2) while the sealing mortarwith white cement and lime hydrate(Sfr.LC.Sq1) is recorded as lower. As forthe dynamic modulus of elasticity, thefilling mortar with white cement(Pl.CEM.Sq2) presents a very high rate(29,592MPa) whereas all the other com-positions meet the criterion that has beenset for Ed<12,000MPa. Research is underway, while evaluation of the lime hydrate-metakaolin composition (at a ratio of 5%p.w.) over a 12-month aging period isoutstanding.

*dapp.: apparent density (g/cm3)Vu.s.:ultrasonic transmission rate (m/s)Ed: dynamic modulus of elasticity (MPa)

Pilot application of mortars in the Propylaia. Photo K. Frantzikinaki, 2013

Velocity of ultrasound transmission and dynamic modulus of elasticity

Mercury intrusion porosimetry mea-surementsFrom the results of the mercury intrusionporosimetry measurements it is evidentthat the three compositions of sealingmortar (Sfr.LC.Sq1, LMK10.Sc1, CBz.Sc1),generally speaking, presented satisfactoryvalues for microstructure with relativelyhigh porosity values (24-29%) and totalspecific volume (120-159mm3/g). Themortar with white cement that is alreadyemployed in the filling mortar, showed avery low porosity value (~11%) and totalspecific volume (~48mm3/g), values notcompatible with those of the damagedPentelic marble to which it would beadjacent after the intervention. Evalua-tion of the composition hydrate lime-metakaolin (ratio of 5% p.w.) over 12months maturation is outstanding.

Conclusionsñ The type of sand (quartz or calcareous)was not observed to have any effect on themechanical characteristics of the mortar.Thus a calcareous sand, which is chemi-cally and aesthetically compatible withPentelic marble, can be used.ñ The use of aggregates of greater grainsize distribution increases by a small per-centage the final strength and especiallythe flexural strength.ñ Mortar with white cement must beavoided as a filling mortar because of itsphysico-mechanical incompatibility. ñ Mortar compositions that will be usedas filling and sealing mortars should havethe same binder with a calcareous aggre-gate of different grain size distribution.The grain size range of 0-1mm is to beused in sealing mortars and the range of0-2mm or 0-4mm in the filling mortars,depending on the size of the space to befilled. The aggregates will thus form thesuitable skeleton of the mortar volume soas to avoid micro-cracks and failures dur-ing shrinkage.ñ Mortars that have been prepared with-out the addition of cement, withhydraulic lime NHL3.5-Z (CBz.Sc1,

CBz.Sq1) and hydrate lime-meta-kaolin:20%-5% p.w. (LMK5.Sc1), meet thephysico-mechanical criteria and can beused in the conservation interventions ofthe Acropolis monuments. Small-scalepilot applications have already been car-ried out on the monuments with the mor-tars under discussion so as to evaluatetheir behaviour on a real-time scale.

Eleni AggelakopoulouDr Chemical Engineer

Head of the Technical Office for theAcropolis Monuments’

Surface Conservation

Acknowlegments

The preparation and evaluation of the mechanical

properties of the mortars was carried out in the

laboratory of the Directorate for Technical

Research on Anastelosis of the Hellenic Ministry

of Culture and Sports and at the mortar laborato-

ry of the cement industry TITAN S.A., at the fac-

tory of Kamari in Boeotia. The ultrasound veloci-

ty measurements and the mercury intrusion

porosimetry measurements were performed at

the National Technical University of Athens

(NTUA), in the laboratory of the Section Materi-

als Science and Techniques of the Chemical Engi-

neering School.

17

TCV: Total specific volume of mercury (mm3/g)Á: apparent density (g/cm3)P%: total porosity (%)As: Specific surface (m2/g)rav: average pore radius (Ìm)

Microstructure characteristics (Mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements)

Pilot application of filling mortars. Composition of hydraulic lime. Photo E. Aggelakopoulou, 2013

The time-honoured history of the AthenianAcropolis, before and after its Pericleangrandeur, is captured in the best possibleway by the thousands of marble fragmentsthat surround the classical monuments.While these have been freed of their sub-sequent historical mantles, the myriads ofscattered stones that form an inseparablepart of the landscape and leave their markon the experience of the visitor to the ar-chaeological site of the Acropolis, they arethe last witnesses of the age-long history ofthe Sacred Rock and at the same time partof the history of the capital of Greece.

In the scattered architectural members ofthe Acropolis the cen-turies are garneredthrough a distance ofonly a few metres: ina few seconds only theeye passes over theporos bases for metaltripods of the early7th c. B.C., for manythe first monumentalsculptural works, overthe inscribed marblebase of the great bron-ze Troyan horse in thearea of the Brauro-nion, Strongylion’swork dedicated byChairedemos from thedeme of Koile at theend of 5th c. B.C., overthe members from the pulpit of thePanaghia Atheniotissa with the transfor-mation of the Parthenon into a church andon to the characteristic crowns from themonuments of the Ottoman cemetery onthe east slope of the Areopagus.

Added to all that unalloyed acropoliticalhistorical evidence thousands of scatteredstones were collected on the rock just afterthe founding of the Greek State in order toprotect them from the gale of reconstruc-tion of the then-new capital, or are prod-ucts of subsequent excavations, small orlarge. Their adventures through the pas-

sage of time follow the events themselves ofthe modern Greek State.

In May 1827, with the siege of theFortress of Athens at an end, the Acropo-lis was the picture of a tremendous pile ofruins. The houses of what was to then theOttoman settlement had been destroyedand only the ancient monuments stillstood upright. From the ashes of the af-termath of the Greek revolution and inthe scattered stones on the rock, the sys-tematic efforts of individual leading fig-ures of Archaeology stand out, such asKyriakos Pittakis, and pioneers of re-search, such as the general Ephor of An-

tiquities Ludwig Ross who, together withthe Bavarian architect Leo von Klenze,sought the promotion and restoration ofthe Acropolis monuments. In 1833, K. Pit-takis begins to collect systematically manyvaluable antiquities from the areas aroundthe Acropolis, some lying out in the open,some already sheltered under ancient mon-uments, and still others in more recentbuildings. Thus the first archaeologicalcollection was formed, initially in the me-diaeval tholos that covered the Pina-kotheke of the Propylaia (1833) and in themosque of the Parthenon (1836/7) and lat-er on in the cistern that existed in front of

the west side of the Parthenon. When thecistern was demolished, inscriptions wererecovered from its walls comprising pse-phismata, sculpture fragments and the in-scribed bases of statues. The antiquitieswere transferred at that time (1858) to theTurkish powder storeroom east of theErechtheion which in turn was also to bedemolished during the great excavation of1885-1890. Many ancient marble pieces,moreover, gathered by K. Pittakis for pro-tection on the rock, were incorporated in-to a wall near the south side of the rockwhich was to be dismantled in 1888 by P.Kavvadias. They were at that time trans-ferred to the then new Museum, on the

tower that was latercalled the Belvedereand in the outdoorspace between them.

After the antiquitieswere cleaned, more-over, two collectionsemerged: one in thecentral part of the Pro-pylaia and the other inthe Pinakotheke, cre-ating, in Pittakis’ wo-rds, “antiquity withinantiquities”. For pro-tection against easythievery, many smallpieces were placed inspecial cases withwooden frames, mou-

nted together with mortar and iron nails;these ended up in the Acropolis Museum.

Together with collection and protection ofthe scattered material during the first yearsafter the Greek War of Independence, a re-verse movement was taking place thatbears witness to the contradictions in theGreek process of coming into being. Itconcerned the removal of numerous piecesof building material from the demolishedOttoman buildings that inevitably includ-ed ancient members as well. In 1835, theGeneral Ephorate of Antiquities tendereda series of public auctions of building ma-

The Reuse of Values: from gathering to systematizing and to the Projectof the Scattered Architectural Members of the Acropolis

The Erechtheion with the stone piles from the W. In the background right the house that heldthe first archaeological collection. J. H. Stilling 1853

terial from the Acropolis rock and its envi-rons. The original idea came from LudwigRoss and Leo von Klenze and it was carriedout by K. Pittakis. Some 2,400 horse-loadsfrom the area outside the gate and 1,600loads of material from within were auc-tioned.

Much of this was sold to private individu-als in order either to use it as building ma-terial or to resell it. The case of Manolis Af-thonides, a Phanariote comrade-in-arms ofAlexander Ypsilantes is characteristic. Hearrived in Athens in 1832 and built hishouse of material from the auction de-scribed above in the area that is now PlateiaKlafthmonos. Otto also stayed there for ashort time and today the building formspart of the Museum of the City of Athens(Vourou-Afthonides residence). Such buil-ding material is very probably what wasused for the Piraeus Road and for the con-struction of the Ottoman barracks in thesite of Hadrian’s Library. One thousandtwo hundred fifty poros blocks (ˆÚ›·)and probably another 1,400 marle blocks(·ÁÁˆÓ¿ÚÈ·) were needed for the buildingof the military hospital by Lieutenant W.von Weiler. Between January 1836 andApril 1837 a large amount of material wasmade available without auction, for con-structing the royal palace, now the Parlia-ment. Similarly, in 1849 “left-over stones” of the

Acropolis were used for building the Ar-sakeion Megaron. This does not diminishthe overall work of the above-mentionedarchaeologists and the rest of their accom-plishments, given the circumstances.Rather it reflects the climate of a time whenthe engineers were hunting for whateversupplies of building material could befound, mainly for the construction of pub-lic buildings. This effort also functionedmost likely as an early form of consciousrecycling of “useless” material. Its system-atic recording in the history archive of theArchaeological Service shows, for yet an-other time, the great value of documenta-tion, through which information is pre-served that facilitates the understanding ofevents.

With the beginning of the 20th c. and un-til the Second World War, the scatteredmembers follow the course of works on theAcropolis, when the anastelosis of NikolaosBalanos was dominant. In the 1st Interna-tional Meeting in Athens, April 1905, be-tween the polemical disagreement on theprinciples and limits of anastelosis inter-ventions, a more general consensus e-merged on the resetting of scattered mate-rial on the monuments being restored,while at the same time the need was un-derscored for scholastic study, survey and

cataloguing of the scattered members, theiridentification and their restoration to theirspecific original position on the monu-ments. Despite the fact that only after manydecades was this principle tÔ be realized, itis most significant that the great anastelosisprogrammes provided the foundation forsystematic management first of the futureof the classical monuments and subse-quently of all the scattered stones of theAcropolis, even though incorrect settings ofmembers on the monuments or the re-placement of missing parts with ancientmaterial of various and haphazard originwere tolerated. Thus a great percentage ofthe authentic material was set again in themonuments, saving it from further damage.

During the Second World War, and partic-ularly during the Civil War, the scatteredmembers, together with the monumentsthemselves, were converted into protectiveshields for armed soldiers, while pho-tographs of this time show others reposingbeneath the gaze of the archaic pedimentalfigures in the Acropolis Museum.

After the war, the Acropolis enters a new cy-cle of life. As Ephor and Director of theAcropolis Museum, Ioannis Meliades ex-tended the Museum and exhibited theAcropolis masterpieces in an exceptional

19

The Pinakotheke with the temporary exhibition of antiquities. E. Bréton 1868, p 46

Ancient and Byzantine sculpture and archi-tectural members built into the nearby circuitwall of the Acropolis. A. Kokkou 2009, fig. 70UPenn Museum, Philadelphia

way. At the same time he inaugurated newstorage areas for the sculpture and architec-tural members. Only a small number of thescattered stone finds of the Acropolis couldbe accomodated in the underground store-room, mainly the fragile poros pieces thatpreserve in good condition their painteddecoration. Most of the scattered finds con-tinued to lie piled up in the open air. Thesculpture will be moved to the new Sculp-ture storeroom, east of the Museum, and onshelves south of the Museum where the col-lection “Cour Anglaise” was created.

Assiduous documentation with analyticaldescriptions, drawings and photographs,and the arrangement of thousands of frag-ments and complete scattered architecturalmembers have been a basic priority of theESMA ever since its formation. The workbegan with the first entries in 1977. Theinitial aim was to support the works ofanastelosis which were resumed at thattime, by identifying the architectural mem-bers so that the authentic material could beused in the classical monuments being re-stored. Up to now this purpose has beenfully justified and indeed the identificationslead to the recognition of fragments frommany well-known Athenian monuments,inside and outside the Acropolis. The frag-ments are then handed over to the corre-sponding work-sites for further evaluation.At the same time, however, categories ofmaterial have now surfaced into scientificfocus that had disappeared in the shadowof Periclean light, such as the Frankish ar-chitectural members of the Acropolis, gravemarkers from the Ottoman cemetery ormarble and poros members of the archaicconstructions of the Acropolis, demonstrat-ing anew the diachronic and variant activi-ty on and around the Sacred Rock. Even themost delicately carved traces of games onscattered stones is of value for making newcopies in marble for educational purposes.Public buildings with ancient material builtinto their very core were re-examined, suchas the Arsakeion, where 482 were recordedand 47 acropolitical stones were removed

from the walls during the decade of the1980’s, or the old National Printing Housein which 128 fragments were located, dis-mantled and transferred to the Acropoliswhere they were recorded, with 27 of themattributable to the Parthenon.

The thousands of scattered membersrecorded are divided into groups andarranged in newly organised piles accord-ing to categories and date, given the lack ofavailable closed storage space on the rock.A basic disadvantage, however, of themethodology is the difficulty, at times im-possibility, of access to the recorded mate-rial in the stone-piles.

To date some 24,000 members have beenrecorded and over 10,000 shapeless mem-

bers have been separated from the rest ofthe material, the numbers speaking forthemselves. It was therefore considered ab-solutely imperative to enter the data intothe digital indexing and documentationmanagement system of the YSMA, whichassures speed in finding the information,organization and classification of the evi-dence, and analysis as well as immediateaccess to the content.

The archive of the scattered members ofthe YSMA database has been organised onthe basis of the same principles as thosefollowed in a conventional archive. Foreach member, which is represented by itsown inventory number, information is giv-en that is relevant to its material, date,measurements, description and character-istics of the member, its origin (for thosewhich can be attributed to specific monu-ments), how the surface has been worked,identification if possible or joining withother members and especially its locationon the rock (whether in a numbered stone-pile, transferred to the Acropolis Museumor in an YSMA worksite for use in anastelo-sis). Each member is accompanied by pho-tographic documentation, while furthercharacteristics are correlated with draw-ings and bibliography.

From June 2011 to date, data has been en-tered into the digital database correspond-ing to some 8,000 members. Informationcan be accessed on the basis of search cri-

The Acropolis during the events of the De-cember uprising: the architectural membersused as a rampart by armed men.M. Tiverios, Praktika of the Academy ofAthens 2013, p. 192

Children playing in the north porch of the Erechtheion with a new marble copy of the gamefound in one of the scattered-members piles. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

teria, simple or composite. With a simplesearch it is possible at any time to findwhere each recorded member is located onthe rock, at a work-site or in the Museum.Apart from single members, it is possibleto search for wider categories of membersand to combine the search with criteriachronologically (for example archaic si-mas, Ionic capitals, Roman sarcophagi,early Christian screens, Ottoman gravecolumns), to search members on the basisof origin, the monument to which they be-long, or the material of which they aremade.

Today the Work of Scattered ArchitecturalMember of the Acropolis has completed theseparation and recording of the marblemembers, of practically all the stone-pilesof the rock. This has led to greater empha-sis during the last years on the programmefor recording and arranging the poros scat-tered architectural members, thus also pro-motion of the archaic buildings of theAcropolis sanctuary of the 6th c. B.C. Therecording and assiduous study of the spe-cific material, for yet another time in thelast 130 years, and with many unansweredquestions about the historical topographyof the sanctuary during the 6th c. B.C.,yielded to begin with many new identifica-tions of fragments that belong together, to-taling 117, and new interpretations in ref-erence to the earliest buildings of the Acrop-olis. The first results, especially for the firstmonumental, stone Doric peripteral templeof Athens with its impressive pedimentalcompositions of lions devouring a bull, wereannounced at the 6th International Meet-ing of the ESMA and YSMA in October,2013.

Yet each voyage has its port of destina-tion, and in this case it is the successfulfulfillment of the programme as a whole.And while the scholarly aspect of thework never ceases, the “measurable” partof the work leads to an end, and hereinlies the greater challenge.With the functioning of the new AcropolisMuseum, new situations came into exis-

tence. The transferal of the exhibition anda large portion of the antiquities from thestorerooms of the old Museum to the gal-leries and storerooms of the new Museum,left behind 1,200 m2 and a section of thestoreroom space of the old Museum free.The 1st Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classi-cal Antiquities had already transferred thesculpture collection from the shelves southof the Museum (Cour Anglaise) to the so-called Sculpture storeroom, in order toavoid their further deterioration from thesoot of the Athenian atmosphere. Trans-ferred to the same space was also the pot-tery from the storeroom next to the

Belvedere tower, thus freeing 27 m2 ofclosed space, where 564 well-preservedporos architectural members have been sto-red on new shelves and with a new systemof organization. The next priority was thetransfer of the inscribed stones from the ar-chaeological site to closed exhibition areasin the old Acropolis Museum. One hun-dred thirty five of the 167 moveable in-scribed stones have already been movedand the last phase of the transfer is underway.

In the recent past, the use of the freed sto-rage space has given rise to questionsabout its further designation. After many

years of work and pioneer archival doc-umentation, and with the recent digiti-zation and electronical entry into thedatabase, the scattered stones of theAcropolis await a final place to be pro-tected and exhibited, just as modern ar-chaeology demands. Priority is for themost fragile, such as the poros architec-tural members, followed by the marblemembra disjecta, as they have beentermed and classified up to now, still inthe open air. Their protection and pro-motion is now the greatest challenge andperhaps the last port in their voyagethrough the centuries, within and out-

side the sanctuary of the Sacred Rock, ananchorage that will share in and con-tribute decisively to the overall promo-tion of the archaeological site of theAcropolis.

Elisavet P. Sioumpara Dr Archaeologist,

Head of the Project of Scattered Architectural Members

of the AcropolisEleni SalavouraDr Archaeologist

Documentation Office

21

Interior of the small Belvedere storeroom with the poros architectural members.Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

The digital management of the documenta-tion from the restoration works of theAcropolis monuments was initiated over 25years ago. The maintenance and gradualexpansion of the necessary technologicalinfrastructure in this period contributed tothe effective management of a growing vol-ume of information. Nevertheless, as digi-tal technology progresses rapidly, newchallenges must be addressed principallywith respect to the emergence of new datatypes and the guarantee of their long-termpreservation. The Documentation Office ofYSMA, in an attempt to confront thesechallenges, formulates the essential courseof action in this direction.

The database of YSMADuring this period the main computerizedsystem for the documentation of the works,the electronic database of YSMA, wentthrough three major upgrades and manyminor improvements that have been pre-sented in previous communications. In itscurrent form, the database is organisedaround the archive of the architecturalmembers, the structure of which repro-duces the architecture of ancient Greek ar-ticulated buildings by implementing a hi-erarchical partitioning system of the mon-ument from the whole (e.g. Parthenon) tohorizontal subdivisions (e.g. wing), build-ing components (e.g. colonnade), architec-tural elements (e.g. column) and, finally,individual architectural blocks (e.g. drumA.K.2.2). The architectural membersarchive is connected to the archives of re-lated documents (photographs, drawings,texts), which record information (e.g.drawing type, photographer, date of cre-ation) about each object. A similar link ex-ists between the scattered architecturalmaterial archive and the aforementionedarchives of related documents. All archivesreceive coded values and restrictions fromcontrolled vocabularies that can be furtherextended by the users.

The interface uses the hierarchical divisionof monuments as a navigation tool to accessmonument sections or a selected architec-

tural member and to examine the relevantrecord. In addition to information relatedto its position within the monument or toconservation and restoration interventions,all relevant documents are included (pho-tographs, drawings, texts). These can beselected in order to access their respectiverecords from the corresponding archivescontaining descriptive information. Searchmechanisms allow further investigation ofthe database through complex query for-mulation (e.g. identify all photographsdepicting the repositioning of entablaturepieces on the north colonnade of theParthenon).

With respect to the size of the database,content volume grows at a geometric rate,as the documentation is intensified throughthe use of digital recording media (laptops,digital cameras, laser scanners). The pho-tographic archive constitutes by far thelargest part of the database, including morethan 110,000 records. Next follows thedrawings archive (11,000), while in theprocess of the restoration works new en-tries are still created in the archive of ar-chitectural members (10,900).

Currently the system is undergoing the lat-est upgrade focusing on a number of issues,such as the addition of user auditing mech-anisms to increase data security and facili-tate statistical monitoring of the databaseusage, the enhancement of the graphicaluser interface for content access usingthree-dimensional models of the monu-ments, the improvement of the systemtransaction speed through programminginterventions and, finally, the developmentof a web interface for remote access to data-base records. Despite these regular and vi-tal improvements, after 25 years of system-atic data entry and subsequent softwareupgrades, the demands on the functionali-ty of the system still continue to grow.

The new digital dataThe situation becomes even more pressinggiven the new circumstances that havearisen over the last decade in respect toadopting digital modes for documentingthe restoration works. The spread of digi-tal technology during this period led to theintensification of documentation and con-tributed to the gradual replacement of con-ventional documentation production pro-

Access to a database record through the monument division diagram and display of relevantdocuments from the archives of photographs and drawings

Current challenges in documentingthe restoration works on the Acropolis of Athens

cedures. For example, the use of digitalcameras has facilitated direct, cheap andextensive photographic documentation ofthe works, at the same time contributing toa sharp increase in digital data volume. Inaddition, optional recording of the sameactivities using a camcorder or otherportable devices means that the volume ofdata aggravates all procedures in their pro-cessing, storage and retrieval within theexisting infrastructure.

These problems are even more serious inconnection with digital spatial data, as theirproduction through successive processingstages complicates their integration into themain electronic data archive for the restora-tion interventions. For example, in the lastdecade, the technology of computer assist-ed design (CAD) tends gradually to replacemanual drawing. CAD models require par-ticular diligence with respect to storage andpreservation, given the volume and com-plexity of the information contained. ACAD model stores graphics in two or threedimensions, arranges information into dif-ferent layers and may include external da-ta, such as scanned drawings often used asbackground for digitization. The archivingof CAD files is fundamental, as their infor-mation can be updated or integrated with-in other models.

Between 2007 and 2008, under the “In-formation Society” programme, a projectfor the geometric registration and the de-velopment of Geographic Information Sys-tems (GIS) applications for the Acropolisof Athens led to the production of a largevolume of digital spatial data and still moredigital derivatives. The photogrammetricmapping of the Acropolis relief and the cir-cuit wall produced a series of high resolu-tion orthophotos. The same project in-cluded the three-dimensional scanning ofthe Erechtheion, the restoration of whichhad been completed, as well as of the cir-cuit wall and the physical rock below, con-tributing to accurate three-dimensionaltextured models.

Apart from this large-scale project, YSMAregularly employs photogrammetric docu-mentation techniques. Geometric docu-mentation is carried out in sections of themonuments, before and after the restora-tion works, to record current structuralcondition (structural damages, changes inthe geometry), to plot visible archaeologi-cal features and to assess the accuracy ofthe intervention during and after comple-tion. Similarly, case-specific laser scan-ning is performed on a smaller scale de-pending on the requirements of the works.The products of this process can be used inthe studies for the restoration of monu-ments, e.g. to simulate micro-sliding ef-fects in the drums of the columns on theParthenon.

In both cases, the production process in-volves several separate processing stagesresulting in large data volumes in variousformats, each of which may be used to ex-tract further by-products. Consequently,the archiving of each finalized model re-quires the storage of all intermediate out-puts and their documentation with appro-priate complementary information, calledmetadata, in order to be able to reproduceand control the entire manufacturingprocess for future reference.

Overall, these new digital data types posevery different issues concerning their man-agement and their connection with themain documentation data archive of therestoration works. A key factor in the suc-cessful functioning of every digital dataarchive is the accessibility and usability ofits collections regardless of potentialchanges in technology. It is then under-stood that preserving the content of a dig-ital archive is a demanding task that re-quires constant upgrading of the informa-tion carriers of both physical storage mediaand relevant software.

Aligning digital management proce-dures with present requirementsIn this context, the challenge is shifted fromestablishing a functional digital archive toensuring the long term preservation of dig-ital content. The obvious answer to theproblem and at the same time a great op-portunity, as many experts on the subjectconstantly stress, is associated with thereuse and dissemination of digital archiveswithin broadly accessible data collections.It follows that by giving a greater emphasisto the creation of compatible digital datasetsand their documentation with appropriatemetadata structures, the potential for fur-ther exploitation and diffusion of the infor-mation they include is greatly enlarged.

23

Successive extensions of the database structure of YSMA

In combination with the continuous up-grading of the main information system,digital management must be expanded toother categories of documents so as to as-semble separate (yet interrelated) digitaldata collections suitable for dissemination.Steps in this direction have already beentaken by the Acropolis Restoration Service.For example, the set of geospatial informa-tion generated under the development ofGIS applications was combined and it hasbeen made publicly available on the inter-net, immediately after the completion of theproject. At the project’s webpage, the visitorcan zoom into the orthophoto map of theAcropolis, select andexamine parts of thewalls, interactivelyexplore a simplifiedversion of the three-dimensional modelof the Erechtheionand browse videos ofthe full model of theErechtheion and thedigital reconstructionprocess of the Cary-atids.

The orthophoto mapof the Acropolis re-lief and the photo-mosaics of the cir-cuit wall have alsobeen used in the re-cently developed webapplication “Virtualtour of the Acropolismonuments”, which includes a range of360Æ panoramic images at various loca-tions onsite and is supplemented withhigh-resolution photos for viewing signifi-cant details on the monuments. The groundplan view of the Acropolis was incorporat-ed as an interactive map that allows theuser to orient and navigate to individualviewpoints, while selected views of thewalls support high resolution zooming ca-pabilities.

At the same time, the structure of the main

database is expanded to incorporate audio-visual material in video format and CADmodels within the system. Likewise, pho-togrammetric surveying and laser scan-ning products may be organized as distinctdata collections by adopting appropriatemetadata and developing tools for their ef-fective management. This will allow theirseamless future integration within broadercultural heritage digital repositories, suchas Europeana, the official European cultureresources online collection portal.

In this context, recorded datasets associat-ed with completed restoration projects

could be directly promoted. For example,parts of the content from the main databasethat have already been made availablethrough the complementary CD-ROM ofthe publication of the Erechtheion restora-tion can be integrated in an online reposi-tory. This work can provide an opportunityto examine the compatibility of our record-ing with available international documenta-tion standards that facilitate the exchange ofinformation between digital systems, suchas the Dublin-Core or CIDOC-CRM. More-over, it will contribute to the development

and testing of mechanisms for the auto-mated mass extraction of records from themain database.

At the same time issues related to the pro-vision of multilingual support should beinvestigated. Most content held in the coreof the digital infrastructure of YSMA is cur-rently only in Greek and the prospect of itsdissemination presupposes the translationof at least basic information fields. To thisend, controlled vocabulary lists should beassociated initially with existing thesauriof ancient architecture terminology and betranslated. As a next step, the potential for

the mass automatedtranslation of data-base records usingrelevant software so-lutions should be ex-plored, so as to limitmanual content edit-ing.

Accordingly, in an ef-fort to promote thecollection of the au-diovisual materialheld by YSMA, thepilot disseminationof indicative recentand archival footagefrom the restorationworks on the Youtubevideo-sharing plat-form has recentlybeen approved. Vi-deos will be orga-

nized by theme and they will be comple-mented with explanatory information aswell as brief viewing statistics. In view ofthe possibilities for video-sharing on vari-ous social network media (e.g. Facebook,Twitter) the dissemination of the audiovi-sual material from the restoration works isexpected eventually to reach a broader au-dience.

Finally, the holdings of the Library of theDocumentation Office can be used for set-ting up a digital library for the restoration

Examples of digital spatial data types

works. As a first step, the publications ofYSMA (~100), internal reports (~2000),reprints (~500), books and periodical vol-umes (~1,700), and worksite logbooks(~250) have been catalogued in a simpledatabase application. Selected reports(>1100) have been digitized and attachedto the respective database record, while allnew productions by the members of staffare being deposited in digital form. The de-sign of the database allows data export tocommon reference management applica-tions (e.g. Endnote) or data file types com-patible with the MARC 21 bibliographicstandard used by most digital libraries.The collection can be connected at anypoint to the online Greek Academic Li-braries Catalogue (Zephyr) allowing itscontent to be searchable on the internet orcomprise an autonomous online repositoryproviding access to selected parts of thematerial. Part of the archive collection ofYSMA associated with educational re-sources about the restoration projects is al-ready managed and distributed through anonline repository platform provided by theNational Documentation Centre.

ConclusionsThe long-term efficiency and sustainabili-ty of digital systems for documenting andarchiving activities related to the protec-tion and enhancement of cultural heritagemonuments depend on a number of factors.Of foremost importance are the functionalassessment of the information system usedand the continuous monitoring of its per-formance, so as to identify opportunitiesfor improvement especially with a view toensuring information accessibility and ex-change. Meanwhile, at the operational level,the relevant software and hardware up-grades should be scheduled at regular in-tervals, in order to keep track of advancesin digital technology and avoid costly re-engineering solutions and data migration.Established recording procedures shouldalso be continuously monitored in order todetect changes associated with digitaltechnology (e.g. new data types, softwareor devices) and timely update archival

management practices. Finally, with aview to ensuring the desired reversibility ofinterventions for the protection and pro-motion of cultural heritage monuments,concern for documenting these interven-tions should be complemented with simi-lar attention to the dissemination of therecorded information. In the new digitalworld this practice comprises the utmostmethod for ensuring long-term preserva-tion of an archive’s contents.

Markos KatsianisDr Archaeologist

Documentation Office

* This article is an edited version of a presentation

delivered at the Seminar on Information Systems in

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage organised un-

der the research project NARNIA (New Archaeo-

logical Research Network for Integrating Ap-

proaches to Ancient Material Culture), University

of Paris West, Nanterre (France), 27-29 May 2013.

25

Using the ground orthophoto map of the Acropolis in the virtual tour application to navigate toselected viewpoints

The repository of educational resources for the Acropolis restoration

For yet another year the YSMA respondedto the undiminishing interest of the pub-lic –general and specialised– in theAcropolis restoration works. The effort ofthe Service to contribute to informing thepublic led to the organisation of a series ofactivities, programmes and events thatare described below. Not only this, but theYSMA scientific personnel willingly re-sponded to invitations from elsewhere.

Educational activitiesDuring the second half of 2012 and in2013, the Information and Education De-partment of the YSMA carried out educa-tional activities for educators, pupils andfor the general public. To be precise, 188 educational programmeswere conducted with 3,859 pupils attend-ing from 100 schools and 14 anniversaryprogrammes were attended by 380 chil-dren. The Department’s museum kits forschools were used by 14,364 pupils from255 schools all over Greece. The educa-tional folder “Acropolis and Anastelosis”was published in English. The museumkits designed for families (family packs),were used in the Acropolis Museum by5,456 families (3,840 from Greece and1,616 from abroad), that is to say, some16,368 children. Seminars were held for1,024 people, comprising educators andstudents from Greece and abroad, who weregiven educational material as well.The Department participated in two one-day seminars of the ICOM-CECA (Inter-national Council of Museums - Commit-tee for Education and Cultural Action) onthe subject “Printed and digital educa-tional publications for promoting culturalheritage” and “Educational activities forspecial social groups”, a one-day seminaron the subject of “Digital knowledge andopen technologies: bridges to research, e-ducation, culture” organised by the EKT-EIE, a one-day seminar on the subject“The Educational Museum: innovationsand technologies that transform the edu-cational programmes of the museums”,organised by the Benaki Museum, the

USA Embassy and the British Council. Inaddition it participated in the 6th Inter-national Meeting for the restoration of theAcropolis monuments.The Department’s digital educational ap-plications were expanded with the newapplication “The Glafka Project” for chil-dren over age 12 (http://www.ysma.gr/theglafkaproject/). It consists of a mul-ti-level digital game with Glafka, a flyingowl robot, as the star. The purpose of theapplication is for children to learn aboutthe restoration works on the Acropolismonuments. They are presented in fivethematic units: a) The Journey (damagesand causes of the interventions), b) TheHelp (types of interventions), c) the Crew(the people who carry out the works ofanastelosis), d) The Action (restorationworks on each monument separately),and e) In the Future (machines and newtechnologies that are being used in theanastelosis of the Acropolis monuments).Each unit includes the preparation, thebrief presentation of the subject and thetesting-game. When the child has wonthrough the five trials, he participates inthe final stage of his mission, which is to

draw the robot and to receive his prize.The application ends with the unit “LearnMore”, which comprises the Library ofGlafka for those who are interested inmore information. During the period Feb-ruary-December 2013 the applicationhad 8,272 visitors.Other digital applications were visited asfollows: “The Parthenon Frieze” (www.parthenonfrieze.gr) recorded 81,686visitors and the application about the god-dess Athena (www.acropolis-athena.gr)noted 23,745 visitors. The “Repository ofeducational material about the Acropolis”(http://repository.acropolis-educa-tion.gr) was also completed, in collabora-tion with the National DocumentationCentre (EKT) of the National Hellenic Re-search Foundation (EIE). The repositoryincorporates all the material of the Depart-ment so as to assist educators to enrichtheir school lessons or their visits to the ar-chaeological site and the Acropolis Muse-um. During March-December 2013, therepository was visited by 16,582 users.Digital plans of lessons for educators andexploration leaflets for the pupils were alsomade available. The purpose of these plans

Education programme “Periods of crisis and acme in ancient Athens: reflections on the Acropolis”.Photo S. Paraschou, 2012

News from the Acropolis

27

is to facilitate the educator in organisingand conducting a lesson about the Acropo-lis. Included also are instructions for ar-ranging the theme in three stages: beforethe visit, in the course of the visit and afterthe visit. The leaflets for the pupils can beused in the archaeological site to reinforcethe experience of their visit.

The ESMA/YSMAInternational MeetingThere is no doubt that the most signifi-cant event of the past year was the 6th In-ternational Meeting on “The restorationworks on the Acropolis”, which was heldon October 4th and 5th, 2013. The Meet-ing was organised by the ESMA and theYSMA in collaboration with the 1stEphorate of Prehistoric and Classical An-tiquities and the Special Service for theSector of Culture. It took place in the Au-ditorium of the Acropolis Museum. TheMeeting revolved around two thematicaxes: first, the theoretical concern aboutthe restoration of the monuments and sec-ond, the discoveries of recent researchand the special problems of technologyand applications.Included in the Meeting’s programmewas a visit to the archaeological site andthe work-sites of the monuments, givingthe delegates the opportunity of being in-formed about the results of the interven-tions and about the programmes under

way by those carrying out the work. In theafternoon of the first day, two comprehen-sive reports were given, entitled “Therestoration work on the Acropolis monu-ments, 2000-2010” (by M. Ioannidou)and “The current restoration work on theAcropolis monuments” (by V. Eleftheri-ou). In addition, Ch. Vlassopoulou re-ported “From the work of the 1st Ephor-ate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiqui-ties relating to the Acropolis monuments,2003-2011” and Prof. D. Pandermalisspoke on “The architectural sculptures ofthe Acropolis in the New Museum”. Thefirst day closed with a film by K. Arvani-takis about the anastelosis works on theAcropolis, which was produced on the oc-casion of the Meeting and elicited veryfavourable comments from the delegates. The morning of the second day of the Meet-ing was devoted to the new programmesand to the special issues that have beenconfronted, with presentations by thosecarrying out the works. The President of

the ESMA, Prof. Emeritus Ch. Bouras,spoke on “The new programmes for thework on the Acropolis”, R. Christo-doulopoulou spoke on “Theoretical andmethodological issues arising from therestoration programmes of the Parthenon”.She was followed by D. Michalopoulouwho spoke on “The restoration work onthe Propylaia”, E. Aggelakopoulou with areport on “Conservation interventions onthe surface of the Acropolis monuments”,and Prof. M. Korres, who contributed a re-port on “The Acropolis circuit wall”. Theafternoon of the same day was dedicated todocumentation of the works, display of thearchaeological material, and education. E.Lembidaki spoke on the subject of “Thedocumentation of the restoration projectsat the Acropolis and its digital manage-ment”, D. Mavromati on “Topographic andphotogrammetric documentation at theAcropolis of Athens”, E. Sioumpara gave areport on “The archaic Acropolis based onthe poros architectural members – propos-als for the display of the material” and E.Kaimara reported on “Acropolis restora-tion for kids... on site and online”. The re-ports were followed by a lively discussionin which the proceedings of the Meetingwere summarised and the opinions of thedelegates about the future of the works andthe archaeological site were offered. In an-other area, along with the conduct of theMeeting, there was a poster exhibition pre-senting special topics of the anastelosis andphotogrammetric surveys produced by theYSMA. The delegates received a digital publica-tion (double DVD) containing a volumeentitled “Interventions on the Acropolismonuments 2000-2012: the completedprogrammes», containing final reports onthe works accomplished, and three vol-umes of studies for the restoration of theAcropolis monuments.

AwardsIt was a special honour during the pastyear that the Acropolis works were award-ed two prizes for cultural heritage by Eu-

GLAFKA programme, an internet game aboutthe restoration of the Acropolis monuments

Guiding the participants of the 6th International Meeting for the restoration of the Acropolismonuments in the Propylaia. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

ropa Nostra: the Committee for the Con-servation of the Acropolis Monuments wasawarded the Grand Prix in category 3(Dedicated Service) for the total of itswork and “the 37 years of dedicated ser-vice in planning and guiding the conser-vation of one of the most iconic sites of Eu-ropean culture”. The anastelosis of thePropylaia, moreover, won the award in cat-egory 1 (Conservation) as a work “en-hancing the inherent formal and socialvalues of an iconic monument”. ThePropylaia project also received the publicchoice award, since the work proved to bethe most popular in an online poll on a Eu-ropean level. The Europa Nostra awardswere announced and awarded on June 16,2013, in a moving ceremony that tookplace in the theatre of Herodes Atticus,which was full to overflowing. The awardswere received on behalf of the ESMA by itsPresident, Prof. Emeritus, Ch. Bouras andfor the Propylaia by the former head of theproject, Dr T. Tanoulas. The world ofanastelosis was present to honour the con-tribution of those who work intensivelyand responsibly for the protection of theAcropolis monuments.

We must mention also the most significantdistinction of a man whose name is insep-arably tied to the Acropolis works. On 8November 2013, Prof. M. Korres wasawarded the “International FeltrinelliPrize” for his entire contribution to thefields of Archaeology and Restoration. Theaward is the utmost distinction and it is giv-en by the Academia Nazionale dei Lincei ofRome for major contributions to art, histo-ry, literature, philosophy, medicine andmathematics. It is awarded once every fiveyears for each specialty and it is accompa-nied by a monetary prize. M. Korres has de-voted a great part of his life to the study andanastelosis of the Acropolis monuments andto the Parthenon in particular. His contri-bution to the works of the Acropolis con-tinues unabated today, through his ener-getic participation in the Committee for theConservation of the Acropolis Monuments.

Publications One of the basic principles of the ESMAthat has been followed faithfully since theAcropolis works began is publication of theresults of the interventions. Greeted in thisspirit were two very significant YSMA pub-lications that circulated recently. The firstis the exceedingly important book of thelate A. Papanikolaou “The restoration ofthe Erechtheion (1979-1987): Final re-port on the Work” (in Greek with selectedtexts in English), which was published inDecember 2012 under the scholarly super-vision of F. Mallouchou-Tufano and Ch.Bouras. It is a two-volume work compris-ing mainly the final report of the work asprepared by A. Papanikolaou, accompa-nied by an introductory note, a time-frame

and appendices for the purpose of integrat-ing the intervention into the theoreticaland historical/scientific framework of theperiod. The publication is accompanied bya DVD with a special application providingaccess to all of the photographic and graph-ic documentary material.The presentation of the work on theErechtheion was also of symbolic impor-tance, since it was the first final report ofan anastelosis work on the Acropolis. Ittook place in the amphitheatre of theAcropolis Museum on 10 April, 2013.The event was greeted by the General Sec-retary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr L.Mendoni. The speakers were the Directorof the YSMA V. Eleftheriou, the Presidentof the ESMA Prof. Ch. Bouras, Dr K. Zam-

Poster exhibition in the Acropolis Museum, held on the occasion of the 6th InternationalMeeting for the restoration of the Acropolis monuments. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

From the presentation of the book “The restoration of the Erechtheion (1979-1987): Finalreport on the Work”. Visible (from the right): K. Zambas, Ch. Bouras and F. Mallouchou-Tufano.Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

29

pas civil engineer responsible for thework of restoration of the Erechtheionand a close colleague of A. Papanikolaou,and Prof. F. Mallouchou-Tufano. The pre-sentation was held in a most moving at-mosphere, with references to the specialdifficulties of the project, with commentson the personality of the author himselfand with occasional anecdotes from dailylife on the Acropolis rock.

Especially important was the digital pub-lication on the occasion of the 6th Inter-national Meeting which, as mentionedabove, has been distributed to the partic-ipants in a double DVD. The publicationincludes the volume entitled “Interven-tions on the Acropolis monuments (2000-2012): completed projects” (in Greekwith abstracts in English), published un-der the scholarly supervision of Ch.Bouras and V. Eleftheriou, which com-prises 35 articles summarising the resultsof a decade of systematic works of ana-stelosis on the Acropolis monuments.Moreover it includes the “Studies for therestoration of the Acropolis monuments”(in Greek with abstracts in English), pub-lished under the scholarly supervision ofthe same, which consists of three volumesof studies approved by the KAS. Withthese publications, which were edited bythe YSMA Documentation Office, the o-riginal aim of the ESMA for publication isfulfilled, while the quality of the inter-ventions is open to the judgment of thescholarly community.

ExhibitionsIn July 2013 the exhibition with thetheme “Parthenon-Architecture and Art”was inaugurated at the National Museumof Architecture at the “Pallazo de BellasArtes” of Mexico. It was organised by theGreek community of Mexico. The YSMA,responding willingly to the request of theCommunity cooperated with the Board ofGreek community by providing materialfrom its Archive. Collection, choice andannotation on behalf of the YSMA was car-

ried out by the archaeologist E. Karaki-tsou, and Ôverall custody of the exhibitionwas in the hands of A. Apostolakis, ar-chaeologist and member of the adminis-trative board of the Greek Community.While the exhibition was enthusiasticallyreceived by the public, the purpose of theGreek Community was not only to pro-

mote the monument and its influence onarchitecture and art, but also to expeditea revised image of modern Greece in Cen-tral America.

Lectures – PublicationsDuring the year just past, the scholarlystaff of the YSMA took part in scholarly di-alogue, presenting the progress of theworks of anastelosis and the results of re-search. In addition to the 6th Internation-al Meeting, which provided the YSMAwith the opportunity for an overall pre-sentation of the work, the YSMA scholar-ly personnel took part in Greek and for-eign events with reports, lectures and pub-lications.The YSMA Director, V. Eleftheriou, togeth-er with D. Mavromati, collaborated in anInternational Symposium entitled “2nd In-ternational Symposium on Cultural Her-itage, Conservation and Digitization”,which took place in Beijing on 18-19 Oc-tober 2012, with a report entitled “TheAcropolis of Athens, the restoration projectand contemporary technology”. They alsodelivered a report entitled “Methods ofdocumentation using contemporary tech-nology. Application and evaluation of the

From the presentation of the book by A. Papanikolaou in the Acropolis Museum. Visible in the firstrow (from the right): D. Pantermalis, President of the Administrative Board of the AcropolisMuseum, L. Mendoni, General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, V. Eleftheriou,Director of the YSMA, M. Andreadaki-Vlazaki, General Director of the GDAPK, M. Ioannidou,Director Emerita, K. Liakopoulou-Papanikolaou. In the second row (from the right): the childrenof A. Papanikolaou, Konstantinos and Kleoniki-Elena. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

Awarding of the Europa Nostra prize to theESMA President, Prof Ch. Bouras. Visible atthe right is the the Europa Nostra President P.Domingo and the E.E. deputy A. Vasiliou.Photo Studio Panoulis

monuments of the Athenian Acropolis” atthe 3rd Panhellenic Symposium on Ana-stelosis of the Society for Research and Pro-motion of the Scientific Anastelosis ofMonuments (ETEPAM), held in Athens on1-3 November 2012. The architect L. Lam-brinou likewise participated in this Sym-posium with a report on the subject “Eastporch of the Parthenon or Pronaos: inter-vention choices and implementation”. On14 December 2012, V. Eleftheriou and D.Mavromati gave a lecture on “The work ofthe YSMA and the contribution of the rur-al and surveying engineer to the geometricdocumentation of the monuments”, to stu-dents at the School of Rural and SurveyingEngineering of the National Technical Uni-versity of Athens, in the framework of thelesson “The Surveying of Monuments”.

On 23-24 November 2012, an internationalsymposium was held in Agrigentum, Sicily,on the subject of the anastelosis of ancientmonuments (Giornate Gregoriane 2012: Ilrestauro dei monumenti antichi. Problemistrutturali: esperienze e propettive). On be-half of the YSMA the following reports werepresented: V. Eleftheriou (The recent inter-vention programs on the monuments of theAthenian Acropolis), K. Karanasos (Criteridi reintegrazioni strutturale nel restauro deimonumenti dell’ Acropoli de Athene. Prob-lemi metodologici-scelte progettuali) and A.Vrouva (Calculating reinforcement for frag-mented architectural members. A three-di-mentional approach). K. Karanasos had inaddition given a lecture shortly before this,on 5 November 2012, on the subject of therestoration works on the Acropolis monu-ments in a seminar at the Italian School ofArchaeology that was held in the frameworkof the 6th Travelling Master of the AcademiaAdrianea di Architettura e Archaeologia ofRome.

M. Ioannidou participated in the postgrad-uate programme of the University of A-thens entitled “Museum Studies” with twolectures on 28 April and 5 May 2013. Thelectures were entitled “Principles and

methodology of interventions on the mon-uments” and “Research and contemporarytechnology in the anastelosis of the Acro-polis monuments”.

F. Mallouchou-Tufano lectured on thesubject of “Documentation requirementsin restoration projects: the case of theAcropolis of Athens” by invitation fromthe seminar “Information Systems for Ar-chaeology and Cultural Heritage” of thenetwork of excellence NARNIA, that washeld in Paris at the Université Paris X(Nanterre), 27-29 May 2013. At thissame event, M. Katsianis gave a lectureabout “Information technology in thedocumentation of the Acropolis restora-tion project”.

E. Lembidaki contributed to the volume“£ ¶ » ¶ ⁄ „ ˆ `, 24 studies for the teacherPetros Themelis from his students and hiscolleagues”, Athens 2013, with an articleentitled “The cult of Athena Nike on theAcropolis of Athens. From Athena theNike to the Wingless Nike”.

Members of the Office of the Surface Con-servation took part with their reports inthe 5th International Round Table forGreek and Roman sculptural and archi-tectural polychromy, which was held inthe Acropolis Museum Auditorium on 7-8 November 2013. G. Frantzi and A.Maridaki together with E. Papaconstanti-

nou, G. Verri, S. Soteropoulou and H.Brekoulaki presented a report on “Therevelation of the decorative pattern of thecoffered ceiling of the Maidens’ porch inthe Erechtheion”. The head of the Office,E. Aggelakopoulou with the antiquitiesconservators A. Panou and I. Kotsifakostook part in the Round Table with a reporton the “Technical investigation of thepolychromy of the NW raking sima of theParthenon”.M. Ioannidou participated in a one-dayseminar entitled “Seismic protection ofmonuments”, which was organized by theOrganisation for Antiseismic Planningand Protection (OASP) and the EuropeanCenter on Prevention and Forecasting ofEarthquakes, on December 2, 2013. Her

report was on "Seismic actions of theAcropolis monuments. Scientific andtechnical choices during the restorationinterventions".

The year closed with the lecture of E.Sioumpara on the “Archaic Acropolis.New research and results”. The lecture, inthe series of lectures of the Society of theAcropolis Friends (EFA), was given on 13December 2013 in the Auditorium of theAcropolis Museum.

Evi Petropoulou Archaeologist

Documentation Office

Exhibition on the subject of the “Parthenon: Architecture and Art” in the National Museum ofArchitecture of Mexico. Photo A. Apostolakis, 2013

News Letter of the AcropolisRestoration Service of the HellenicMinistry of Culture and Sports

Editor:Acropolis Restoration Service

Editing and Production:E. Petropoulou

Layout:Intraway

English Translation:M. Caskey, Ph.D.

The restoration and conservation worksof the Acropolis Monumentsas well as the present issue are executedunder the scientific supervsionof the Commitee for the Conservationof the Acropolis Monumentsand are jointly financed by theGreek State and the European Union.

The Acropolis Restoration Service10 Polygnotou StreetGR-10555 AthensTel/fax: (30)210 3243 427/3251 620e-mail: ysma@culture.grwww.ysma.gr

©YSMA, 2013ISSN: 1790-2665

`Group photograph of the Parthenon personel on the occasion of the 6th InternationalMeeting for the restoration of the Acropolis monuments. Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

The YSMA personnel: group photograph during visit to the Acropolis Museum on theoccasion of the 6th International Meeting for the restoration of the Acropolis monuments.Photo T. Souvlakis, 2013

Group photograph of the Propylaia personel on the occasion of the 6th International Meetingfor the restoration of the Acropolis monuments. Photo M. Toufeklis, 2013