Archaeological expert delivers UQ lecture

Neoclassical architecture of Athens and its prototypes will be the topic of a free public lecture at the University of Queensland by the 1997 visiting professor of the Australian Archaeological Institute in Athens.

Professor Hermann Kienast will deliver the talk at 8pm on Thursday, September 4 in the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, St Lucia campus.

Professor Kienast is director of the German Archaeological Institute in Athens and director of excavations at the Temple of Hera on the island of Samos.

Classics and Ancient History Department head Professor Bob Milns said the lecture would focus on neoclassical buildings in Athens that have remained in a state of good preservation despite rebuilding and developmental programs in that city since World War II.

Professor Kienast will describe how the choice of Athens as the Greek capital in the 19th century, following the War of Independence, presented serious architectural/stylistic problems which, after various trials, were solved by the creation of a very specific Athenian style.

The neoclassical architecture that emerged is unique in Europe and is amazingly faithful to the style of ancient monuments.

The Classics and Ancient History Department and the Queensland Friends of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens have organised the lecture.

Light refreshments will follow.