A history of the early excavations at the Heraion of Delos (1873-1911): the role of the French School of Athens and the interpretation of the cult of Hera

• Grant number: 25/04138-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - History - Ancient and Medieval History
• Principal Investigator: Gilberto da Silva Francisco
• Grantee: Heloisa Mattos Vidal e Silva
• Host Institution: Escola de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (EFLCH). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Guarulhos. Guarulhos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research project aims to understand the initial phase of archaeological exploration at the sanctuary of the goddess Hera (Heraion), located on the island of Delos, Greece. The first excavations at the site, which took place between 1873 and 1911, were undertaken by the French School of Athens (EFA), the institution that holds the rights to archaeological exploration of Delos to this day. In ancient times, the island was an important religious center, mythologically associated with Apollo, Artemis, and Leto. Based on the analysis of scientific publications, written documents, and material sources, the aim is to investigate the techniques and methodologies used in the period to interpret archaeological findings and to assess the impact of these studies on the field of Classical Archaeology. The detailed examination of documents that have not yet been explored, combined with the translation of sources and the creation of a database, may contribute to other studies currently being developed by members of the team responsible for the Heraion of Delos, under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Gilberto da Silva Francisco. (AU)