Gallery

Imperial symbols and public image

This gallery contains 3 photos.

Today it is Emperor Hadrian’s birthday. Born on January 24th, 76 CE, in Italica, Spain, he would become Emperor 41 years later. Hadrian left his mark all over the Roman Empire, but he was especially partial to the Greek cities … Continue reading

Gallery

New clues on the demise of the Minoan Civilisation

This gallery contains 3 photos.

Colleagues in Crete inform me of a recent breakthrough which may change our view of Minoan Civilisation. The partial decipherment of the Disc of Phaistos by Dr. Gareth Owens has allowed an international team or researchers to use a combination … Continue reading

Gallery

Ancient glass

This gallery contains 2 photos.

The raw materials for glass making are few and easy to find; the basic one is common sand. It is no wonder that glass was known from prehistoric times – glass artifacts in Greece date from the Bronze Age (ca. … Continue reading

Gallery

Baa, Baa, Cretan sheep

This gallery contains 2 photos.

When driving around the island of Crete, one often comes across sheep or goats grazing. One can’t help wondering what food they find on the rocky slopes of the island’s mountains. When not grazing rocks, they may use the road … Continue reading

Gallery

Photos of the week: Two Cretan faces

This gallery contains 2 photos.

The first picture shows the face of a woman’s statue found in Eleftherna, Crete, and dates from the 7th century BCE. It shows some of the characteristics of early Cretan sculpture: triangular face, prominent features, symmetrically arranged and stylized hair. … Continue reading

Gallery

Flowers of Crete

This gallery contains 13 photos.

The island of Crete is in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Europe, Asia and Africa meet. Given its position and geography (high mountains, craggy canyons) it is no surprise that it has a very rich and varied ecosystem. It is estimated that the island … Continue reading

Gallery

Photo of the week: the spires of Chania

This gallery contains 1 photo.

The city of Chania, in western Crete, was the island’s second largest city during both the Venetian and Ottoman occupations (13th– early 20th century). It even became its capital, from 1850 until the island’s union with Greece. Until the mid … Continue reading