This book about the Mycenaean past makes some reference to Homeric myths and traditions.
Contextual information reminds us of history textbooks, even though we are in prehistoric times. We have a list of key Mycenaean dates, ranging from the tombs at Mycenae (1580–1550 BC) to the end of the Mycenaean kingdoms (1100 BC). Interestingly, the illustrators show these dates on a slab that resembles an inscription from later times, perhaps Classical or Hellenistic.
The narrative is interspersed with standard keywords, such as “civilisation”, which could appeal to adult readers by reminding them of traditional schoolbooks in their childhood. The (historical?) overview continues with a focus on economic matters that guaranteed prosperity: seafaring; trade; and craftsmanship. Inevitably, a decline followed from the late 13th century BCE onwards, after the Trojan War (p. 7). The underlying idea is that civilizations rise and fall.
Objective knowledge, as exemplified by Schliemann’s and his followers’ excavations, is juxtaposed with the possibility of fantasy in textual accounts. The term “myth” is equated with what does not hold true, by contrast to archaeological and historical facts.
The authors provide background information for key terms and ancient figures, such as “acropolis” (p. 6) and “Pausanias” (p. 8). Yet, some ancient figures, like “Cassandra”, Priam’s daughter (page 8), are mythological, and this is not quite fully acknowledged. To appreciate Cassandra’s mythological status, readers need to combine what they read about her on page 8 with information on page 7, where it is explained that ancient people preserved memories of the Mycenaean world in myths that were passed from generation to generation.
Information in a box enlightens us that Argos was Odysseus’ faithful dog, and that Odysseus was a mythical king. Argos’ mythological connection is made explicit here, blending the real with the imaginary in children’s minds. And yet, another piece of information, appearing in a separate box just below that about Odysseus’ dog, is about the word “argos”, which means shiny in ancient Greek. Once again, there appears to be an emphasis on objective knowledge. We are not reminded of Argos’ Homeric role when we notice the dog’s presence in pages 9 to 22. Rather, the dog appears to exist as a real entity, helping children to focus their attention. On page 18, in particular, Argos tells children that a white dog in a fresco from Tiryns is a drawing of himself. Argos’ homeland, Ithaki, has been forgotten here. Also, Argos reminds readers of talking animals in children’s literature and of real pet animals that frequent public buildings.
The authors encourage children to think imaginatively. Each museum exhibit, we are told, bears a secret message in a secret language about the past (page 10). Whether the authors refer to object biographies remains unclear. In the section with interactive activities, some traders hold a dagger and a helmet (p. 23), like those in the museum. Here we can visualise object biographies, and how people other than elites handled remarkable pieces of craftsmanship.
Representations of ancient artefacts are very close to the originals. The colours are bold, and with good reason. Children could contrast, for example, the bold blues in the book with the faded and cracked surfaces of fresco fragments in the museum. Text appears in various colours, such as black, blue, red, and green on page 25. Any reader is drawn into the book, compelled to flick through and enjoy the art of text and image.
Teamwork is encouraged throughout the book. On the inside cover, students are asked to fill in their name and whom they visited the museum with. It is commendable that a museum visit is understood as a shared experience, since children are made to think creatively about the exhibits and communicate their thoughts and ideas with others.
