I
consider myself very fortunate to have received a copy of this
treasure, produced at the direction of the Hellenic Republic-Ministry
of the Aegean and made by Kastaniotis Editions. This item is a
specially-produced combination CDRom and Video CD (VCD), all focused
on the Aegean Sea, both designed to educate and promote the
Aegean. The packaging is of a tri-fold design that opens up to
reveal two CDs, one containing the CDRom material and the other
containing the VCD, as well as a booklet that discusses both, in
Greek and in English. Inside is an opening statement by the Minister
of the Aegean, Nikos Sifounakis, who explains:
"Recent
progress in digital and information technology has hugely increased
our ability to record and analyze data, and the sweeping new creative
vistas thus opened up in the field of software applications has been
accompanied by a dramatic increase in expectations with regard to the
presentation and usability of teaching material. In view of these
developments, the Ministry of the Aegean decided to produce a CD ROM
recording every archaeological site in the Aegean from Prehistory to
Late Antiquity.
The
CD ROM is a creative digital version of the "Archaeological
Atlas of the Aegean" (published in book form in 1998) which
includes additional illustrative material and short film clips.
Providing an original compendium of the archaeological sites on the
islands and the coasts, the Archaeological Atlas of the Aegean also
provides a detailed index of every site uncovered to date. The Atlas
is accompanied by a short film "Aegean Archipelago", a
poetic reconstruction of the history of the Aegean from its creation
until today.
We
hope that the electronic atlas will prove a useful tool for
researchers, teachers, and travelers alike. We also hope that it will
help raise awareness of the timelessness and wealth of history of the
Aegean, thereby assisting us, in the best possible way, in our
unceasing efforts to protect and disseminate the culture of the Archipelago."
Of
interest to Vangelis collectors is the short film "Aegean
Archipelago", which is the film presented on the VCD. This 1998
short was first premiered in Lisbon at the international exhibition,
EXPO 1998, on the occasion of the global celebration of Oceans and
Seas. It was directed by Angelos Hadjiandreou, with Cinematography by
Nikos Smaragdis. The music is all by Vangelis, with the exception of the opening sequence, which I am told is "The Host of Seraphim" by Dead Can Dance. It contains
previously-released material set to images of the Aegean and the
surrounding coastline. When watching this short, I immediately
understood the connection between the sea and Greece, and imagine
what Vangelis felt when viewing the majestic sea and composing the
tracks on Oceanic. The music used includes "Mask
Movement 1", "Bon Voyage", "Rachel's Song",
"Prelude", "La Danse du Feu" and a reprise of
"Prelude" to finish the short.
For
more information, I suggest that you visit the website set up by the
Hellenic Republic, www.ypai.gr (with
my gratitude to them). The website for Kastaniotis
Editions www.kastaniotis.com.
[And many thanks to
Panos Kokkalenios for his assistance in connecting me with the
Ministry of the Aegean and for telling me of the existance of the
wonderful item!] |