Knossos, Crete Jan 9, 2023 Crete is synonymous with Minoans and arguably the most famous relic of that age is the Knossos Palace. Knossos conjures in my mind a vast palace with hallways and squares held up by gracefully tapered blood-red pillars, the walls covered with intricate frescoes. I am off to see it for … More Palace of the Minoans
Merv, Turkmenistan August 6, 2019 The Greeks called it Margiana. Some called it Margush. Located squarely on the trade route between Asia and Europe, at the western terminus of Transoxiana, it was once called Marv-i-Shah-Jahan, or Merv, Queen of the World. The changing course of Amu Darya had over the centuries, caused settlements to shift … More Fabled Margiana
Swat, Pakistan June 14, 2019 At the crossroads between what is now Central Asia and India, Gandhara has been populated since 1500 BC. It has seen many an empire come and go, each leaving behind traces of themselves reflected in the art and writings, culture and languages, monuments and relics. For fans of ancient history, … More The Magic of Gandhara
Carthage, Tunisia Jan 6, 2019 Although founded by Phoenicians, stories of its founding trickle down to us, not from the Phoenicians but from Greek and Roman writers. Like all self-respecting Greek sagas, the story has lashings of avarice, the requisite murder and intrigues guaranteed to satisfy the most bloodthirsty soul. The story unfolds with King … More Ruins of Carthage
Taronik, Armenia Aug 1, 2018 Astgh, the archeologist at Shengavit had fueled my interest in ancient sites dotted around present-day Armenia and I have been diligently trying to find and visit them. Baffled looks alternate with bemusement when I ask for directions to obscure sites and the poor souls at the reception of the guesthouse … More Metalsmiths of Metsamor
Axum, Ethiopia January 8, 2013 Â King Solomon has heard of the Queen of Sheba and her great kingdom and she in turn has heard of him. So she travels to his court along with a large retinue carrying gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. The Queen tests Solomon’s wisdom, asking him many questions and giving … More The Queen of Sheba
ITCHY FEET TRAVELS 