The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is running an exhibition called Labyrinth: Knossos, Myth & Reality until July 30, 2023. I couldn’t resist a visit! The story of Theseus and the Minotaur in the labyrinth at Knossos was well known, and there had been various conjectures about whether the site really existed. The original discovery of buildings and items at Knossos was by a Cretan, Minos Kalokairinos, in 1878. However, although… Read more
In late November and early December 2022 my husband and I finally took the Mediterranean cruise we originally had planned for 2020. The information below comes from our own observation, interpretive signage at various sites, and tour guides at some of the sites. Our journey started in the city of Istanbul, ancient Byzantium and Roman era Constantinople. A highlight was walking along the Theodosian walls. Several sections, including towers, can… Read more
My first port of call was Iraklio/Herakleion, the capital of Crete. Truth be told, Herakleion is far from the most attractive town, with sprawling ugly suburbs. But the area around the Venetian harbor is delightful. Crete was under Venetian occupation from 1204 to 1669, and there are many remains of this, including the impressive fortress which dominates the harbor and which is still called today the Fortezza (photo 1). Photo… Read more