Even though Yorkshire is known for its rich and diverse history, it also offers history buffs a glimpse into Ancient Greece. Numerous exhibits in the area spotlight this era, with sculptures, pottery and attractions that help bring history back to life. Exhibits also rotate as the years go by, giving people the chance to explore Greek mythology and the stories behind it.
A Resurgence of Interest in Ancient Greece
Over the last decade, there’s been a resurgence in the general interest that people have in Greek mythology. The hit Netflix show Kaos is a modern and reimagined take on Greek mythology, as it shows gods like Zeus — played by Jeff Goldblum — and his relationship with contemporary responsibilities. The show also features Poseidon and Hades, offering a new lens for viewers to explore the legendary tales.
Ancient Greece is also seeing a resurgence in the gaming world. If you play Age of the Gods online, you’ll see the same gods, including Hades, Poseidon and Zeus as the main characters. The game shows them in their traditional form, with Zeus having white hair, and wielding a thunderbolt. The game has also generated several sequels, including Mighty Midas, Rulers of the Seas and Apollo Power. This again, provides additional insight into the gods, including what they looked like, but in a fun format.
Interestingly, Ancient Greece is also seeing a resurgence in the music world. K-pop sensation, BTS, often uses Greek mythology in their music videos. Blood, Sweat and Tears in particular features ancient Greek statues right at the start, showing how far-reaching history can be.
Exploring Ancient Greece in Yorkshire
For those who want to take a deep dive into Ancient Greece, there are plenty of options in Yorkshire. Leeds in particular is a prime location for those who have a keen interest in history. You have the Leeds City Museum, which has an Ancient Worlds gallery. This gallery showcases different artefacts from Egypt, Rome and Greece. The artefacts there help to showcase the cultural significance of Greece, with everyday objects, tools and pottery on display. This gives insight into how Greeks lived, and the traditions that they had. The gallery is also interactive, with detailed explanations of each artefact.
You also have the Leeds Discovery Centre. Although this is primarily a research facility, it is home to numerous artefacts. You can take a guided tour, and also sign up for a behind-the-scenes experience. This gives you the chance to see all of the artefacts that are not on display currently. It’s also an educational hub, with numerous special events hosted throughout the year, with themes that span across Greek art and mythology.
The Discovery Centre tours have to be booked in advance, but a key element of the galleries is Greek pottery. This puts a focus on the things that were used daily, and is decorated to try and show mythological scenes. An example of this would be the gods who fought mythological beings, and the heroes that saved the city from destruction, which helps to offer a fascinating insight into the world of Ancient Greece.
