Explorations in Antiquity Center
February 15, 2010 by Sherri Smith Brown
Filed under Sherri Smith Brown, Travel
I’m always looking for something interesting to do with Brianna when school is out like it is this week in Fayette County. A unique museum and a fascinating destination for everyone in the family is the Explorations in Antiquity Center in LaGrange. This museum with full-scale archaeological reconstructions of discoveries from the ancient world shakes off the dust of history and presents it to all ages in unforgettable ways.
Dr. James Fleming discusses archaeological artifacts with children at the Explorations in Antiquity Center.
You will find four separate Kid’s Dig pits. One, geared to very young explorers, contains dinosaur remains and other fossils. The other three are for older kids and are based on archaeological excavations of actual sites, ranging in time from the 15th century BCE to the second century CE. Real artifacts and replicas—things like coins, pottery shards, oil lamps, ancient fishing equipment, a stone anchor, mosaics and carved stones—are buried in the sand of these pits. One pit, centered in the early Roman era, is for elementary students. A bi-level Iron Age pit is for middle schoolers. The last, which has three strata ranging from late Roman to Byzantine periods, is geared toward high school students.
The Explorations in Antiquity Center is not just for kids, though—it is for people of all ages, customs and faiths who are interested in seeing the lives and practices of ancient peoples brought into fresh interpretation. You can visit a Time Tunnel, where you will learn about ancient worship practices, ranging from Canaanite paganism to Byzantine Christianity and covering a period of roughly 3,000 years. The Garden Walk features Middle Eastern plants, such as 200-year-old olive trees. You will also see authentic Bedouin goat-hair tents and numerous re-creations: pagan and Jewish altars, an olive press, a first-century residence and tomb, a threshing floor, and an area depicting the brutal Roman method of execution, crucifixion.
Experience food and drink common to the Middle East culture at an authentic Passover meal.
You can try your hand at bread making in the fashion Middle Eastern shepherds have employed for thousands of years. You also can dine as ancient Israelis did with a recreated Passover meal, featuring skewered and roasted chicken; unleavened bread; nuts; olives; sun-dried fruits; “bitter herbs,” such as radish, parsley and onion; several Middle Eastern dips; wine and water.
Another great reason to visit this week is that during this month of February, 2010, the Center has cut their non-group entrance fee in half – $5 per adult and $3 for children ages 4 – 12. The price is for self-guided Archaeological Garden walks only. You can also see a special exhibit, “The Good Shepherd,” now through February 28 at no additional charge.
The Explorations in Antiquity Center is on the west side of LaGrange and about a one-hour drive from Peachtree City. For more information, visit their website or call 706-885-0363.
Read more about Sherri’s travel adventures at Brown’s Guides.
Sherri Smith Brown is a writer, who has co-authored several guidebooks to Georgia with her husband; a mother; a grandmother; and a long time Fayette County resident. She also writes a blog about Georgia Family Vacations for BrownsGuides.com.