CSCSA Photo: Yang Xue/CSST

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, now shines with the fresh new light of diversity and academic vitality with the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens. Over the past two short weeks, this historic milestone has been met with a warm and enthusiastic reception from all sectors of Greek society, reflecting a shared optimism for its academic mission.

Whether at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the Academy of Athens, or the National Archaeological Museum, the sense of excitement was palpable—a heartfelt curiosity and eagerness from Greek scholars to connect with this new platform.

Warm welcome from NKUA

At NKUA, we were captivated by the warmth and sincerity of Platon Petridis, a professor of Byzantine Archaeology in the Department of Archaeology and Art History and director of the NKUA Museum of Archaeology & Art History. His genuine excitement was unmistakable as he spoke with heartfelt passion about the School’s founding and potential impact.

Professor Petridis candidly acknowledged that while the university hosts numerous academic delegations annually, many are often more ceremonial than substantive. However, the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens stands out. The sincerity of this new institution’s collaborative intent left a strong impression on him, inspiring him to view the initiative as a priority. During our exchange, he offered a clear and detailed overview of the intricacies of site selection, excavation regulations, and operational processes in Greek archaeology. He expressed high hopes for the new School, envisioning its unique role in fostering cross-cultural exchange and academic cooperation.

To illustrate his support, Professor Petridis personally led us on a guided tour of the Museum of Archaeology and Art History at the NKUA. He thoughtfully selected artifacts that symbolized the blending of civilizations, accompanying them with insightful commentary. “The founding of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens allows these ancient civilizations to engage in dialogue once more, but in a new form,” he remarked. “We look forward to it opening a new chapter in the exchange of civilizations between Greece and China.”

Behind the scenes at National Archaeological Museum

At the National Archaeological Museum, we witnessed the intricate work being carried out at the laboratories for artifact restoration and conservation. A damaged ancient bronze statue was undergoing meticulous restoration. Despite its numerous cracks and scars, the statue’s textured details remained vividly discernible—particularly the patterns on its bronze shoes, which seemed to encapsulate centuries of wear, weather, and history. The restoration team, wholly absorbed in their efforts to clean its surface, moved with a precision and reverence that spoke to their deep respect for history and their dedication to preserving cultural heritage. This moment gave us a profound appreciation for the importance of cultural heritage protection.

In the restoration room, we also met Andreas Germanos Karydas, director of research and head of the X-ray Fluorescence Laboratory at the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics, National Center for Scientific Research, “Demokritos.” Operating a sophisticated X-ray instrument, he was analyzing a fragile ancient wooden panel that still bore traces of paint. He explained that interdisciplinary collaboration is a cornerstone of modern classical studies: “The integration of chemistry, physics, materials science, environmental science, and even digital technologies with archaeology is the key to uncovering the truths of history.”

“The founding of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens marks a significant milestone in fostering intellectual and cultural bridges between the East and the West,” he said. There are multifaceted potential contributions that the School can make, such as promoting cross-cultural exchanges, paving the way for collaborative research through joint excavations and projects, as well as unravelling and exploring potential connections between ancient Greece and China and building global academic networks through student and scholar exchanges. “The establishment of Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens symbolizes the historic meeting point of East and West in the city of Athens,” he concluded with expectation.

A pleasant visit at Academy of Athens

A few days later, we visited the Academy of Athens and met Olga Karagiorgou, director of research at the Research Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art. With curiosity and genuine warmth, she invited us to write down our names in Chinese and the meanings behind the characters. As we shared the meanings behind our names, she reciprocated with the story behind her own: in Greek, “Kara” means “black,” and “Giorgou” is derived from “George.” This lighthearted and deeply human interaction left us with a lasting impression of her openness and kindness, bridging the gap between our cultures in the most personal and memorable way.

Accompanied by Olga Karagiorgou, we explored the wealth of academic resources housed at the Academy of Athens. Discussing the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens, she expressed great anticipation, remarking that this initiative injects fresh vitality into the international academic community.

Karagiorgou also emphasized her commitment to using her field of expertise to build academic bridges, sharing Athens’ rich scholarly resources and cultural heritage. She expressed her eagerness to engage in meaningful exchanges with Chinese scholars and colleagues from around the globe through this new platform. “Your institution is like a ‘newborn.’ I wish you all the best on this journey,” she added warmly.

Panagiotis Pantazakos, a professor of ethics at the Department of Philosophy at NKUA, reflected on the profound connections between Greek and Chinese cultures, stating, “Greek and Chinese cultures, both ancient and worthy of deep respect, share remarkable similarities in their rich histories and philosophical traditions. The establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens symbolizes a new era of cultural and academic exchange between the two nations.” His words conveyed both joy and anticipation, as though he could already see the academic bridge forming between East and West, connecting the intellectual legacies of two ancient civilizations. He expressed his belief that through this platform, dialogue between different cultures will grow richer and more profound, breathing new life into academic endeavors.

Civilizations grow richer and more colorful through exchanges and mutual learning. President Xi Jinping has, on various occasions, repeatedly emphasized that fostering exchanges and mutual learning among different countries, nations, and civilizations is a vital mission of our time. The Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens undoubtedly serves as a powerful driver of this goal, advancing the inheritance, development, and preservation of civilizations, strengthening international cultural exchange, and promoting global dialogue among civilizations.

Foreign scholars are not the only ones brimming with excitement about the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies. Inspired by President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the inaugural World Conference of Classics, the first cohort of young resident scholars at the institute has also found their experiences in Athens deeply enriching, sparking deep reflections on the exchange and development of civilizations and igniting their passion for future research.

Far from home and family, these young scholars navigate an unfamiliar cultural landscape, experiencing both the thrill of discovery and the responsibility of their mission. Outside, the occasional chime of church bells punctuates the air, while inside, the office buzzes with the fervent atmosphere of lively discussions. Some recount the inspiration gained from Athens’ archaeological sites, while others reflect on how cross-cultural dialogue has opened new perspectives in philosophy and history research.

Sun Simeng, an assistant researcher at the Institute of World History at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shared his excitement: “Working in Athens is a dream comes true for me. As someone researching late antiquity and Byzantine history, the time spent here with my colleagues has been an academic experience like no other. We stroll through the streets of Athens, where the classical and modern intertwine, marveling at the imagination and creativity of ancient civilizations in libraries and museums, listening to experts from diverse academic backgrounds, and feeling the warm hospitality and sincerity of the Greek people. Living here, we embark on a wonderful intellectual journey, embracing fresh academic opportunities.”

Li Xiang, an assistant researcher at the Institute of World Religions at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, offered his perspective: “The history of human civilization, at its core, is a history recorded in writing. The philosophical and religious texts from the Axial Age not only testify to the past but are also the key to understanding the relationship between history and reality.” He emphasized that from the perspective of civilization exchange and mutual learning, classical studies in both the East and West have opened new horizons for the future of religious studies. This approach of uncovering the practical relevance of classical studies has helped him clarify his own research direction.

As the Athens sun streamed through the windows, it seemed to imbue these young scholars with fresh inspiration and hope. Immersed in new academic landscapes, they are not merely studying ancient civilizations but actively contributing their own wisdom and passion to the ongoing dialogue between them. Their sense of responsibility and enthusiasm has become an integral part of the Chinese School of Classical Studies’ mission.

The establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies marks a new starting point for East-West cultural exchange, offering the global academic community new perspectives and insights. These young scholars believe that, in the future, this bridge will serve as a broader platform for dialogue and cooperation, promoting the innovation and development of classical civilizations in contemporary society. Athens, a city both ancient and modern, once again assumes its role as a vital conduit for East-West communication, with the Chinese School of Classical Studies playing an increasingly important role in fostering global cultural integration and progress.