Mount Athos: Group of Monks at the Monastery of Simopetra Monastery
| Department | Archive |
|---|---|
| Collection | BSA SPHS Image Collection |
| Reference No. | BSA SPHS 01/0151.1215 |
| Level | Item |
| Description | Film negative, smaller than quarter plate size, an original negative. |
| Condition | Two edges have been unevenly cut. |
| Dimensions | 9 x 6 cm |
| Place |
Simopetra Monastery Mount Athos |
| Dates | Latest 1912 |
| Donor/Creator |
Seale, Rev. Ernest G. |
| Scope and Content | The original description in the SPHS register reads: "Mt. Athos: monastery at Simonos Petra. Group of Monks". |
| Notes | Latest date based on the JHS slide catalogue and Rev. E.G. Seale's donation of images to the SPHS collection - 'Proceedings of the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies. Session 1911-12' The Journal of Hellenic Studies, Vol. 32 (1912) p. liii. SPHS Lectures & Slide Sets: This image appears in (no author), ca. 1932. The Greek Church, slide number 6. |
| Further information | The Simopetra (or Simonos Petra) Monastery was built on top of a high, isolated and precipitous rock formation much like the monasteries at Meteora. Its arsenal lies on the coast below. The monastery was founded in 1363 by a hermit named Simon with the Serbian king as benefactor. The monastery has been frequently burnt and rebuilt - the last at the end of the 19th century when only the relics were saved. Its fortunes have risen and fallen, often falling into deep debt. During the Greek War of Independence, it was abandoned by the monks and garrisoned Turkish forces despoiled the place. When Hasluck visited in 1911, the majority of buildings dated to the late 19th and early 20th century reconstructions. Hasluck, F.W. 1924. Athos and its Monasteries, London: Kegan Paul (pp. 194-195) |
| Reference |
1912 JHS 32: 8th accession to 1904 slide catalogue. lxxix.SPHS 1215. Link to article 1913 JHS 33: Catalogue of Slides. 32.SPHS 1215. Link to article 1913 JHS 33: Catalogue of Slides. 74.SPHS 1215. Link to article |