This is the amazing view from the top of where once stood a grand marble temple to Apollo and Artemis, across the bay from Parikia in Paros. You really feel like you are at the centre of the Cyclades from this point, able to see the islands of Delos, Mykonos, Naxos, Syros and Sifnos appearing … Continue reading Centre of the Cyclades
Ancient
A day in the life of an Egyptian doctor
Everyone always found the idea of mummies the most gruesome and enthralling topic at primary school. Here this Ted-Ed video tells you how they did it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rvLEJrQm7g
Who were the Vestal Virgins?
Roman teenage life
Murder of Hypatia of Alexandria
Rugged luxury
The island of Capri is an incredible rock outcrop in the Bay of Naples that has been a symbol of luxury and decadence for thousands of years. The Roman emperor Tiberius had his Villa Iovis pleasure palace built here and today the island is full of five star hotels for the wealthy. Taking a boat trip around the … Continue reading Rugged luxury
Central Point
This photo was actually taken whilst on a moving coach! The way the clock tower of the nearby village just outside Delphi stuck out of this promontory hill was an incredible view. It was almost as if the whole Parnassus mountain range was revolving around this point as we drove past it. Rather appropriate considering … Continue reading Central Point
Surrender All
Bobbing along in the sea with a local fisherman from Pylos as the sun was setting, the uninhabited island of Sphakteria stood defiant before us. It was here in 425BC that 292 Spartan soldiers surrendered to the Athenians having been isolated on the island since defeat at the Battle of Pylos. This was a great … Continue reading Surrender All
God Gaze
A river god looks out from theFontana dei Quattro Fiumi. A Bernini masterpiece from 1651, the 'Fountain of the Four Rivers' stands in the heart of Piazza Navonna and includes a large obelisk at its centre. It was commissioned for Pope Innocent X whose palace faced onto the piazza and the four river gods represent … Continue reading God Gaze
Lookout
As Albania is still based on small communities, when you get to a viewpoint you are looking at the same scenery people have looked at for hundreds of years. This is particularly the case at Phonike - an ancient Hellenistic city built on a plateau ridge looking out towards the port at Butrint. It is … Continue reading Lookout
Laura Aitken-Burt 