Al-Khor Island history

Seafarers and traders of the day would weigh anchor in this protected port as an overnight safe harbour, or perhaps to repair ships, process fish, or prepare charcoal. The Island was protected by an embayment, and ships could be anchored close to shore for repairs or cargo loading.

Nearby to the west the Dilmun civilization was in full swing, and the Dilmun traders were travelling to trade and sell their goods. Many coastal sites have been found in the Arabian Gulf area with Al-Khor being sited between Bahrain and the present Northern Emirates. Early Dilmun pottery and charcoal from many stone lined pits dates the site at Al-Khor to late 3rd / early 2nd millennium BC. Dilmun pottery, a few bronze artefacts, and stone arrowheads were found at the site by Danish archaeologists.

The alternative modern name, Purple Island, comes from a purple dye which was produced from shellfish in ancient times. Four sites are known today, with the two on the east and northeast in a very poor state, but the sites at the northwest and southern end of the island remain a very good state of preservation.

Al-Khor Island today

The sites are not on the hill tops, but rather, on the very level coastal plains proximal to the sea. A few outcropping overhands were thought to be used as shelters.

The beautiful serene mangrove landscape is made even more accessible now by a raised walkway. There are also some useful information boards in English and Arabic at the start of the raised walkway on the wildlife and ecosystem.

There are no facilities at the location so take with you and, more importantly, take away everything with you. There are some amaing views across the bay to the mangrove, Al Khor and out to sea.

Getting to Al-Khor Island

Al Khor Island is located approximately 50 km north of the capital Doha. If travellin by car, go through Al Khor town, following the signs to Al Thakhira (a nearby town). At the RasGas/Industrial Area roundabout, follow the sign to Al Thakhira. Continue to Al Thakhira, go past the turning for Al Khor Hospital and go past the turning for Al Khor Community.

After roughly 2.5km from the RasGas/Industrial Area roundabout, turn right and continue for around 5km on an asphalt road. You will drive past a big water tank tower on your right, which has a Qatargas and RasGas logo on it. Pass the intersection on your left and continue for 200m. Look out for a small sign for the Flower Each Spring camp and after reaching this sign, turn onto the dirt track.

Follow the firm and obvious dirt track. As you approach the pathway leading to the island, you will see a large building on your left. After approximately 2km, you will see the start of the raised pathway on your right. If you have arrived at the Flower Each Spring camp, you’ve gone too far. The pathway is behind you on your rear-right.

Ancient Agora of Athens history

The Ancient Agora of Athens was a market, a meeting place and the social, political and commercial hub of the ancient city. Whilst initial developed in the sixth century BC, the Ancient Agora of Athens was destroyed, rebuilt and renovated several times, including attacks by the Persians in 480BC, the Romans and by the Scandinavian tribe known as the Herulians in 267BC.

The Ancient Agora of Athens was the primary meeting ground for Athenians, where members of democracy congregated affairs of the state, where business was conducted, a place to socialise, and watch performers and listen to famous philosophers. The importance of the Athenian agora revolved around religion. The agora was a very sacred place, in which holiness is laid out in the architecture of the ground in which it lay upon.

The layout of the agora was centered around the Panathenaic Way, a road that ran through the middle of Athens and to the main gate of the city, Dipylon This road was considered tremendously sacred, serving as a travel route for the Panathenaic festival, which was held in the honor of the goddess Athena every four years.

The agora was also famously known for housing the Temple of Hephaestus, the Greek god of metalworking and craftsmen. This temple is still in great condition to this day. Other temples priorly standing in the agora include honor for Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Ares

Ancient Agora of Athens today

Despite its turbulent history, the Ancient Agora of Athens houses several fascinating sites, including the stunning fifth century BC Temple of Hephaestus. It is also home to the remains of several covered walkways or “stoas” such as the famous Stoa of Zeus where Socrates is said to have debated and met with other philosophers.

A good way to get your bearings within the Ancient Agora of Athens is to start by visiting the Agora Museum, which offers more information on the site.

Getting to Ancient Agora of Athens

The Agora archaeological site is located within the historic center of the city. It’s nestled just underneath the imposing Acropolis, and nearby to Monastiraki Square and Plaka.

If travelling by metro, you can take lines 1 or 3 to Monastiraki, and line 1 to Thiseio – both within a very short walking distance of the site.

History of Aptera

Founded around the 7th century BC, Aptera became one of the most important cities of western Crete and grew into a thriving centre for much of the Hellenic and Roman periods. The city continued to be inhabited into the Byzantine age before a combination of natural disaster and external attacks forced its abandonment, which is dated to 823 AD.

In the 12th century, the monastery of St John the Theologian was established; the reconstructed monastery is the centre of the site. Excavations have exposed the remains of a fortified tower, a city gate and a massive wall that surrounded the city. You can also see Roman cisterns, an amphitheatre and a 2nd-century-BC Greek temple.

At the western end of the site, a Turkish fortress, built in 1872, enjoys a panoramic view of Souda Bay. The fortress was built as part of a large Turkish fortress-building program during a period when the Cretans were in an almost constant state of insurrection. Notice the ‘Wall of the Inscriptions’ – this was probably part of an important public building and was excavated in 1862 by French archaeologists.

Aptera today

Today as well as the impressive Roman cisterns, visitors to Aptera can explore a number of fascinating ruins at the site including Roman baths, villas and an ancient theatre – though this is not currently accessible as it is under excavation and possible restoration (since Sept 2013).

The archaeological site also includes a small ancient temple most likely dedicated to the goddess Demeter as well as the ruins of early churches. There is a small museum at the site which expands the history of Aptera and is situated within the surviving 12th century monastery.

A World War Two German machine gun post can also be viewed nearby along with a 19th century Turkish castle.

Getting to Aptera

The ancient site of Aptera is located in western Crete, a kilometre inland from the southern shore of Souda Bay, about 13 km east of Chania in the municipality of Akrotiri. If travelling from the island’s capital Heraklion (Airport), simply take the 90/E75 westbound along the coast for 130 kilometres until you reach the site. This trip should take no longer than 2 hours.

Today, the city is much smaller than its classical predecessor, which in the 2nd century AD was home to around 100,000 inhabitants.

Aquileia Archaeological Area history

Founded in 181 BC, the Romans only intended Aquileia to be a colony, but its excellent links meant that by 90 BC it was a thriving municipium, its residents rewarded not just with beautiful infrastructure but with Roman citizenship. On the frontier, the colony kept an eye on the advance of the hostile Carni from Gaul and the Celtic Taurisci who had settled nearby.

Yet located at the head of the Adriatic, Aquileia was also a commercially important spot – especially in the trade of Baltic amber – and soon connected with Roman Bologna in the 2nd century BC. Over the centuries Latin colonists and their families would reinforce the garrison by moving to the fortified frontier town.

However in 452 AD, Attila the Hun and his men destroyed the city as Roman inhabitants fled.

Aquileia Archaeological Area today

Attacked by Attila in 425 AD, much of Aquileia was destroyed but there is still a lot to see. The archaeological site boasts a set of baths, the Republican macellum, some grand homes, part of the forum, an amphitheatre and a cemetery. The Basilica at Aquileia is also a massive draw: whilst the current church was consecrated in 1031, parts of it – especially its stunning mosaics – hark back to the original 4th century structure.

The sites are actually spread out throughout Aquileia and many of them are visible from the roadside. There is also a museum, the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia, housing a series of ancient finds.

Getting to Aquileia Archaeological Area

On the coast, Aquileia is under an hour’s drive from Trieste via the E70. Alternately, you can get the train from Trieste to Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado, then the 401 bus to the via G. Augusta. There is then a short walk over to the archaeological site.

The site at Bisotun is a World Heritage Site as the inscription is a significant site of monumental art and writing, and is open to visit. However, check your government’s advice on travelling to Iran before arranging your visit.

Bisotun Archaeological Site history

Though hard to date exactly, the Behistun Inscription would have been produced around 520 BC and recounts the campaign waged by Darius the Great (who ruled between 522 and 486 BC) to secure his supremacy over usurpers to the throne. The inscriptions not only recounted his successes against Cyrus the Great and controlling the Persian Empire, but demonstrated his royal lineage.

The inscription was around 15 metres high and 25 metres wide, carved 100 metres up a cliff along the ancient road linking the capitals of Babylonia (Babylon) and Media. The text was written in 3 languages and was illustrated by life-size pictures of Darius I holding a bow – the sign of kinship – with his foot squashing the pretender, Guamata.

In the mid-19th century a British officer, Sir Henry Rawlinson, was able to copy and translate the inscription. Rawlinson’s work was influential in the future study of these languages, prompting many to liken the Behistun Inscription to the Rosetta Stone.

Bisotun Archaeological Site today

As well as the inscription, the archaeological site also contains remains from the Median, Achaemenid and post-Achaemenid periods, including a statue of the king Bahran as Heracles and a number of other rock-carved reliefs.

Expect to spend around 2 to 4 hours exploring the immense ancient site at Bisotun, and wear comfortable footwear as the site climbs a slope. A pair of binoculars will also help to see the reliefs more easily.

Getting to Bisotun Archaeological Site

Located just off the highway 48, Bisotun Archaeological Site is only a 38 minute drive from Kermanshah.

Butrint history

Originally part of an area called Epirus, Butrint has been occupied by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines and the Venetians. As a result, Butrint offers a wealth of incredible archaeological structures, including a well preserved Greek theatre, fortifications which have been changed by each civilisation which occupied it, Roman public baths inside which lies a paleo-Christian baptistery and a 9th century basilica.

One of Butrint’s earliest sites is its sanctuary, which dates back to the 4th century and sits on its hill or ‘acropolis’. The sanctuary was named after the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, and was a centre of healing. Butrint was abandoned during the Ottoman era when marshes started to emerge around it.

Butrint today

However, many of Butrint’s historical treasures remain intact and today the site attracts tourists from around the globe. The great thing about Butrint is the ability to trace the development of a succession of eras through its sites and structures, making it a microcosm of history.

With so much to see, including an onsite museum exploring the site’s history, a visit to Butrint National Park usually lasts around 3 hours.

Getting to Butrint

Approximately 20 kilometres from the modern city of Saranda, Butrint is easily reached by bus. From the port of Saranda, the bus stop is found on foot: on exiting the port turn right and walk for about 220 metres until you see a roundabout with a huge tree in the middle. There is roughly one departure per hour and the bus takes about 30 – 40 minutes and costs 100 lek.

History of Carnuntum

Roman influence first took hold at Carnuntum in the early Julio-Claudian period. At the time the Danube was vital to Rome’s defence and the site was chosen as an important defensive sector and home to Rome’s 15th Legion. The Emperor Claudius also recognised the potential of the city, erecting a military camp designed to hold 6,000 men while the city became the Carnuntum capital of the province of Upper Pannonia.

From the early second century the 14th legion, one of Rome’s most formidable, was stationed at Carnuntum – a testament to the city’s growing importance. With a permanent military garrison in place, and great potential for trade, a thriving civilian city expanded at Carnuntum and it soon became one of the largest and most important Roman cities in the region.

It was in 308AD, however, at a conference between the four Emperors of the Tetrarchy that Carnuntum would play its part in vital Roman – and world – history. After tough negotiations at Carnuntum, an end to the persecution of Christians and a universal tolerance of religion was proclaimed throughout the Empire.

With the increasing instability of the later-Roman empire, Carnuntum’s position on the border left it vulnerable. The city suffered greatly during the Barbarian Invasions and was gradually abandoned and fell to ruin.

Carnuntum today

Today visitors to Carnuntum can explore the remains of this Roman city – including the ruins of the military camp, amphitheatre and civilian and religious buildings – while also discovering the many full reconstructions built at the site.

These architectural reconstructions were produced largely with traditional Roman tools and craftsmanship and are said to be among the most accurate representations of Roman life in the fourth century ever produced. Fully functional, they are not simply museum pieces but instead welcome visitors to experience vibrant Roman life and society as it actually was.

Visitors can amass the dignitas and gloria of genuine Roman senators as they walk through the city’s buildings, particularly the Villa Urbana which showcases the luxury afforded to the wealthiest of the residents.

The archaeological site includes an important temple area which predates the Roman conversion to Christianity and celebrates one of the most important of Roman gods, Jupiter Optimus Maximus. Another highlight is the amphitheatre which was the centre of the Roman entertainment and home to the legendary Gladiator fights. The site’s other attractions include the remains of large public baths, an impressive Roman monument known as the Heidentor (Heathens’ Gate), while the museum is also a must see.

It’s worth noting that the site is set out across a large area, with significant distance between the various attractions: be prepared for long walks and wear comfy shoes. Allow at least half a day to visit. The site is closed over the winter months (November – March).

The site is made up of a number of different attractions spread across a rather large area. Fascinating Roman ruins sit amongst restored and entirely reconstructed buildings, designed to bring visitors back in time to experience what life would have been like here in the Roman era.

Getting to Carnuntum

Petronell-Carnuntum (as the modern day town is called), is close to the Czech border, about 40 minutes east of Vienna via the A4 and B9 and 30 minutes west of Braitslava via the B9. The ruins are in the centre of the town and are best explored by foot. There’s a station in the town (Petronell-Carnuntum Bahnhof) which has services running semi-regularly between Wolfsthal and Vienna.

The name Chichen Itza literally means  ‘at the mouth of the well of the Itza’ in Mayan, and the site was chosen for its location: it has four large cenotes (waterholes) close by, which would have provided plentiful fresh water to the city’s inhabitants. At its height, it was one of the largest Mayan cities, sprawling over 25 square kilometres and home to up to 50,000 people.

History

Mayans first occupied the Chichen Itza site around 600AD, although the city only rose to prominence in the 10th century: it eventually became a regional capital, controlling large swathes of the Yucatan peninsula following the decline and eventual collapse of the nearby cities of Yaxuna and Coba. Whilst the city began to decline somewhere around 1100AD, it was never deserted.

When the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the early/mid 16th century, they found a thriving population in the locality of Chichen Itza, which initially drove them out when they attempt to colonise the city. Control of Chichen Itza and the Yucatan by the Spanish was gained by mid 16th century.

Explorers including Desire Charnay, Augustus Le Plongeon and Alfred Maudslay were some of the first Europeans to photograph and explore Chichen Itza in the late 19th century: their photographs of Chichen Itza entered the popular imagination.

American archaeologists were the first to excavate the site in the early 20th century: much of what was found was shipped back to Harvard’s Peabody Museum. Mexican and American archaeologists began to fully restore the site in the 1920s.

1. El Castillo

Arguably the most iconic temple in Mayan culture, this 365 stepped pyramid rises from what is the centre of the Chichen Itza complex today. Although it’s no longer climbable, it’s still remarkable: built with the spring and autumn equinoxes in mind, when the late afternoon sun hits the north west corner of the pyramid around these moments, it creates a series of shadows showing where the sculptures of feathered serpents appear to crawl down the pyramid.

The pyramid is believed to have been specifically and significantly located above a cenote. Extensive excavations of the pyramid have discovered various human remains, suggesting it was used for sacrifices. The temple itself is located at the top of the pyramid, and is dedicated to Kukulkan, a feathered serpent deity.

2. El Gran Juego de Pelota (The Great Ball Court)

The Mesoamerican ballgame remains something of a mystery in the modern world. The game was played with a ball of hard rubber, which weighed about 4kgs. It had some resemblance to football, apart from the fact that the ball could only be touched with hips and thighs rather than feet or hands. Goals / rings line the length of either side of the court, and the ones at Chichen Itza are extremely well preserved.

Legend suggests that the game formed part of a wider ritual, and that the losing team would be sacrificed: this remains unsubstantiated. Chichen Itza alone has 13 ball courts, but The Great Ball Court is the biggest at 168 metres long and 70 metres wide. It also has a whispering effect, meaning you can hear (and be heard) clearly from the other end of the court – make sure to try it out.

3. El Cenote Sagrado (The Sacred Cenote)

Cenotes are natural sinkholes, filled with fresh water that can be found across the Yucatan peninsula. The Sacred Cenote’s name derives from its association with sacrifice: it became a place of pilgrimage in Mayan culture, and it was believed that throwing sacrifices into the cenote (which Mayans believed could be connected to the underworld) would bring good luck and fortune upon the thrower.

Sacrifices ranged from gold, silver and jade objects to human remains. It seems that for the most part those sacrificed in the cenote would have been killed prior to their sacrifice. Other stories report that Mayans believed that those who survived being thrown in the cenote as a sacrifice would return with the power of prophecy.

4. El Caracol

The Spanish named this observatory El Caracol (the snail) for its interior spiral staircase. Mayans used astronomy as part of their religious rituals, without using any kind of apparatus (i.e. just using the naked eye). The site allows for the observation of at least 20 notable astronomical events which could be used as markers of time. The building itself is a fusion of architectural styles and Mayan religious imagery.

Getting to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is about halfway between Merida and Cancun on Ruta 180, just to the west of Valladolid. Public buses run to Chichen Itza regularly from all three cities and take a couple of hours: although the early start might sound painful, you’ll be thankful when you get there!

Organised day trips and tours are also available from everywhere on the Yucatan to Chichen Itza.

History of Corinth

Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Corinth grew from the 8th century BC under the Ancient Greeks, developing into a centre of trade and a city of great riches. Much of this wealth was accumulated from the 7th century BC under the rule of Periander, who exploited Corinth’s location in the Isthmus of Corinth. By travelling through Corinth, ships could cross quickly between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf, avoiding the need to sail around the coast. Corinth had the diolkos, a ship hauling device which allowed them to do just that. Ship owners were charged for using this device, providing Corinth with an ongoing flow of income.

Corinth became such a powerful city-state that it even established various colonies such as Syracuse and Epidamnus. In 338 BC, following the Peloponnesian War and the subsequent Corinthian War, Corinth was conquered by Philip II of Macedon. Throughout the classical era, Corinth had held regular sporting tournaments known as the Isthmian Games. These were continued under the Macedonians and, in fact, it was at the 336 BC Isthmus Games that Alexander the Great was selected to lead the Macedonians in the war against Persia.

In 146 BC, Corinth suffered partial destruction from the invasion of Roman general Mummius, although it was later rebuilt under Julius Caesar, eventually growing into an even more prosperous Roman city. Corinth’s decline began in 267 AD following the invasion of the Herulians. Over the subsequent years, it would fall into the hands of the Turks, the Knights of Malta, the Venetians and finally the Greeks, each of these conflicts, together with numerous natural disasters, depleting but never entirely destroying the city’s once magnificent sites.

Another interesting aspect of Corinth is its diverse religious history. Dedicated to the Greek deities of Apollo, Octavia and Aphrodite, during Roman times it was also the home of a large Jewish community as well as being visited by the Apostle Paul.

Corinth today

Today, visitors to Corinth can see its many ancient sites, including the fairly well-preserved ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which was built in 550 BC and the remaining columns of the Temple of Octavia. By contrast, only few remnants remain of the former Temple of Aphrodite, once a home of Corinth’s sacred prostitutes. Perhaps what makes Corinth such a fascinating site is that, due to its extensive wealth over the years, this ancient city’s Doric architecture was exceptionally ornate.

Beyond these sacred sites, much of Corinth’s original infrastructure is visible along with many remains from the Roman-era city, including the Theatre and the Peirene Fountain.

Those wanting to learn more about Corinth and see many of the artefacts from its excavation can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth.

Getting to Corinth

Corinth is on an Isthmus – it’s easily accessible from Athens via motorway 8. The journey should take just over an hour. Corinth also has a train station, with direct connections to Athens (1 hour) and Kiato (40 mins).

As such, Delos has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990.

Delos history

Evidence shows that Delos was inhabited as early as the 3rd millennium BC and, from around the 10th century BC when it was taken by the Ionian Greeks, it developed into a religious centre as well as a thriving port. A site of pilgrimage for many civilisations, Delos was later ruled by the Athenians, under which the native Delians suffered greatly, being exiled on several occasions.

Delos was considered such a sacred site that it was forbidden to die or to give birth there. Athenian leader Peisistratus is said to have even rid the island of all of its existing graves in the 6th century BC. Later, severely ill people and pregnant women would be removed from the island and taken to nearby Rheneia.

Delos today

Over the centuries, activity at Delos centred around shrines and temples to Apollo in an area known as the Sanctuary of Apollo. Few of the once many temples in the Sanctuary of Apollo remain intact today, but what there is has been beautifully preserved and reconstructed. Mosaics and statues are dotted around Delos as are the facades of former temples, such as that of Isis.

Some of its most famous statues are those of the Terrace of the Lions. The originals of these are now held at the Delos Archaeological Museum, but the on-site replicas do give an idea of how it once looked. There is also an ancient theatre.

Unfortunately there are few if any English explanatory panels, so it’s a good idea to get a guide to go with you unless you speak French or Greek.

Getting to Delos

You can only get to Delos on a day trip by ferry from another island. Most commonly the point of departure is Mykonos, but there are also day trips from the islands of Naxos and Paros.