Left life, at the age of 71, the Panos Valavanisone of the most important Greek archaeologists, a professor of classical archeology at the University of Athens, with a rich authoring, research and excavation work (among other things, identified the traces of the oldest surviving hippodrome in Greece). His interest in the diffusion of research and knowledge not only to his students but also to the general public and, above all, to the students, was unique.

In an interview with RES-EIA in March 2023, on the occasion of his children’s book “History of the Acropolis. Where people met the gods“, From Kapon editions, he said:” In general, the work of education and all teachers is not to say everything. It is to open the appetite of children, to look further and to give them the ‘tools’, not the techniques -these kids know better than us -as much as the way you think. How, through the phenomena, ancient remains, architectural and sculptural forms, we will go back to the past to find out why, to see what it was that led people to make these choices. “

Panos Valavanis was born in Athens in 1954 with a family origin from the Mesopos of Lesvos. He studied Classical Archeology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA) and then at the University of Vyrtzburg, Germany, also gaining experience in many excavations, close to great teachers, such as Greek archaeologists, Vassilios Lambrinou Froning-Keler. He was a member of the German Archaeological Institute.

Since 1980 he worked at University of Athens And since 2000 he has been a professor of classical archeology in the Department of History and Archeology of the School of Philosophy. His main research interests included the following fields of research: Attica Ceramics and Angiography, Panathinaic amphorae, ceramic workshops, topography of ancient Athens, topography and history of the Galaxidi area, ancient Greek technology, ancient sports and Olympic Games.

Panos Valavanis had participated in a very large number of excavations and archaeological excavations, while as Director of the Art Archeology and History of the University of Athens, he had the general coordination and had presented at the events of the same University.

In his writing, he mainly referred to ancient Greek pottery and iconography, the architecture and topography of ancient Athens, in ancient sport, as well as in ancient Greek technology. He had participated in Greek and international conferences and had lectures in universities and museums in Europe, America and the Far East. He was also a writer (alone or in collaboration) of various drivers of archaeological sites, as well as books for the general public, with emphasis mainly on books, archaeological themes, students and children, most of which have been translated into foreign languages.

Statement by Minister of Culture L. Mendoni

Informing the loss of Panos Valavanis, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni made the following statement:

“I was deeply saddened by the loss of Panos Valavanis, a separate scientist, with a significant course in research and teaching. Panos Valavanis, Panos Valavanis, broadcast generations of scientists in the field of classical archeology, through the classical archeology. In many locations, but especially in the Eleonas of Itea, where he identified the traces of the oldest surviving hippodrome, in Greece.

The loss of Panos Valavanis marks for me the end of a close, long -standing relationship and creative cooperation. Panos has always been not only a dedicated and inspired archaeologist, but also a valuable friend who generously shared his experience, his multifaceted knowledge, his special look.

To Efi and to his children, friends and many students, I sincerely address condolences. ”