Titled “Crete at a Crossroads of Civilizations,” the third Summer School organized by the Center for Ancient Greek and Chinese Civilizations (KELKIP), in collaboration with the School of Philosophy at the University of Crete, brought together students from Chinese universities for an immersive academic and cultural experience.

Participants explored emblematic archaeological sites and museums in Athens, Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania, engaging with the layered histories of civilizations that converged on Crete—from the Minoan world to the modern era.

These guided visits were integrated with lectures and educational workshops that introduced students to the structure and function of the Linear B script. Comparative study with the Phoenician alphabet offered insights into the significance of writing technologies in shaping early legal systems. Through focused analyses of ancient Cretan inscriptions, such as those from Dreros and Gortyn, the program illuminated the central role of law in ancient Greek political life, with emphasis on democratic governance and philosophical perspectives—including Plato’s vision of Crete as the ideal site for his imagined colony.

The academic program was designed by Professor Chloe Balla (Department of Philosophy), in collaboration with Assistant Professor Artemis Karnava (Department of History and Archaeology). Contributing faculty included Assistant Professor Thanasis Mailis, Dr. Ioanna Venieri (Epigraphic Museum, Hellenic Ministry of Culture), Associate Professor Antonis Anastasopoulos, Associate Professor Giannis Kokkinakis, Dr. Eleni Kovaio (University of Crete Library), and Assistant Professor Sofia Trouli (Department of Preschool Education).

The Municipality of Sfakia hosted the students for three days in the guesthouses and primary school of Anopoli, with overall coordination provided by the University of Crete’s Welcome Office. During their stay, students and local residents attended a screening of “The Answer to Forever” (Zheng Yunchang, China 2024), a parallel event of the Cinephil101 Festival (www.cinephil101.com), introduced by Professor Aris Tsantiroupoulos (Department of Sociology).

At the Anopoli Primary School, children took part in the educational workshop From Ideogram to Letter and a session on Chinese calligraphy. The summer school also included an excursion to the traditional village of Aradena and the restored Church of Archangel Michael. There, participants explored the architectural integrity of an untouched historic settlement and studied the iconographic and structural elements of a 14th-century domed church, gaining a deeper understanding of how architecture, painting, and liturgy converged in medieval Cretan ecclesiastical design.

The program reflects the University of Crete’s ongoing commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue, advancing academic excellence, and promoting the shared heritage of ancient civilizations.