Society and Archaeological Sites in Interwar Greece

Greek society's investment in archaeological sites, including the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae and Delphi, during the interwar period (1918–1939) was driven by national political and diplomatic agendas. This study reveals that while antiquities were promoted for their cultural value, their management often involved contradictions and conflicts between local communities, authorities, and the Greek Archaeological Service. High tourist interest during this era further complicated these relationships. The research draws on archival materials from the Directorate for the Management of the National Archive of Monuments (DMNAM) to analyze these dynamics, highlighting the complex interplay between heritage preservation, tourism, and societal priorities in modern Greece.

Vlizos, S., Petarouda, G., & Giannakaki, C. (2024). Society and Archaeological Sites in Interwar Greece. Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology, 36(2), 182–201. https://doi.org/10.1558/jma.29074