Over the centuries, Alexander the Great has captivated the imagination due to the vast empire he forged in less than a decade, extending from Greece to the Near East and India. While scholars have rigorously explored his military strategies, conquests, and the subsequent formation of Hellenistic kingdoms, the music, dances, and sonic landscapes that enlivened this vibrant cultural milieu remain underexplored.
This conference aims to spark fresh discussions on Alexander’s world by focusing on the auditory and performative elements that defined its spaces and communities.
Conference Details
The conference, co-organized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture-Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the CNR – Institute of Heritage Science, will be held in the Manolis Andronikos Hall from 15 to 19 October 2025. The conference proceedings will be published as a special volume in Telestes: The International Journal of Archaeomusicology and Archaeology of Sound.
The conference will feature a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, highlighting the museum’s key exhibits. Additionally, the tour will include a special presentation of musical instruments, vases, and other artifacts with musical themes from the museum’s collections. A live auloi performance using a reconstructed instrument will also be featured during the event.
* Following the conference, participants will have the opportunity to join a day trip (subject to an additional fee) to visit the New Polycentric Museum of Aigai, the Royal Tombs of Vergina, and the recently reopened Palace of Philip II.
Key information
Conference Schedule
Arrival and opening session: October 15, 2025
Paper presentations: October 16-17, 2025
Optional excursions*: October 18, 2025
Departure: October 19, 2025
