Artemis, das verlorene heiligtum

This interesting documentary deals with a joint Swiss-Greek team of archaeologists digging up a major site, namely a vast sanctuary dedicated to Artemis. It had been known for centuries that there was an Artemis temple to be found somewhere in the neighborhood, but pinpointing the exact location was the devil's own work. After a long search the site was finally discovered, in one of the triumphant successes of modern archaeology. Still, it took additional decades in which to convince the scientific community, to obtain the necessary permits and to negotiate with the local landowners.

"Artémis, le temple perdu" follows the various archaeologists around while they discuss their project, their work methods and their finds. (Note the deeply-moved pleasure with which each new advance is greeted. We should all be as lucky in our jobs.) Animation segments depict the temple as it must have looked in its heyday, complete with processional roads and sacred festivals.

The story of the temple's eventual downfall is a useful reminder of the fleeting nature of religions. Once upon a time multitudes trembled before the might of their tutelary goddess, building a temple of finest marble. For a long time the area resounded with music, poetry, vows - and in a less romantic register, with the bellows of animals to be slaughtered. Later generations were to drag away the building material in order to erect walls, houses and Christian churches.

Much recommended to all those interested in the history of the Western world and in Classical Greek civilization.