SUMMARY

History buffs heading to Greece are mostly drawn to the country’s wealth of classical temples and amphitheatres. But now the culture ministry has opened a stunning, restored palace from the Byzantine era in the 1300s. Greeks claim the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a model of bringing ancient treasures back to life. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports from Mystras on Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece.

View the transcript of the story.

Short on time? Watch the video and complete the following See, Think, Wonder questions: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

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WARM-UP QUESTIONS

• When did renovations to the palace begin?
• Where is Mystras located?
• What technologies were used to both modernize and protect the palace?
• Why is cultural heritage so important for Greeks to maintain, according to the piece?
• How is climate change threatening the preservation of Greek heritage sites?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

The video mentions that according to UNESCO’s abiding principles, protecting such irreplaceable treasures is not just a Greek responsibility, but the “duty of all humanity." What do you think UNESCO officials mean by this?

Why is it important for countries to maintain their heritage and culture through sustainability and preservation of physical landmarks rather than other avenues like online databases?

Media literacy: This video was produced in the field. What are the advantages of reporting on location as opposed to the inside of a studio?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage list here and research a site of your choosing. Answer the following questions:

• Where is the site located?
• Is it a cultural, natural or mixed heritage site?
• What qualifies it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
• Why is the site important to the country’s heritage and shared culture?

Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's intern Ryan Sowder and News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio

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