Join Professor John R. Hale as he guides you through the fabulous civilizations of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, and to the natural wonders surrounding them. The Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul is a journey unlike any other, giving you the chance to experience important sites&;amp;-such as the Acropolis of Athens, Ephesus, and Sardis&;amp;-through the eyes of a scholar whose depth of insight goes far beyond any ordinary travel narrative. Featuring vibrant commentary and extensive field footage, these 24 lectures are a rich resource for travelers and a cultural journey that can also be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
The Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul
Tour of one of the world's most exciting and interesting destinations in this course that goes on location in Greece and Turkey with a brilliant archaeologist as your guide.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ILoveScience from
Wonderful Coverage of Archeology Greece and Turkey
I absolutely loved this series of lectures. Have been to a large fraction of these sites, and this lecture explained the background so well. If I could, I would give 6 stars out of 5.
The lecturer is very passionate about the topic and that shines through. I also greatly appreciate that he tries to use the correct pronunciation, teach us, tell us the etymology etc. He covered the culture of the period extremely well.
I do have a question for the professor. The supposed site of Troy is very very heavily fortified. Who were they protecting against? Did all cultures at that time have such heavy fortifications?
Note to Great Courses:
Would be nice if along with the description you also give, on line, the year when the course was made. I know it is in the book, but would like to see it in the on line description too.
Date published: 2024-11-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Prospero1962 from
Perhaps the best Great Tours course
The lecturer is extremely knowledgeable on the subject and clearly has a love for the ancient Greek world. I love that they showed maps of the layout for the places visited, along with multiple photos of each place to give an idea of what the sites look like. The historical information is pertinent to the lecture. It sure made me want to take a trip to see all these wonderful places.
Date published: 2024-05-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
San Diego Sue from
Ones of the Best of the "GREAT TOURS" courses
Having purchased several of the Great Tours, I loved this the best because of the wealth of visuals and only minimal shots of the professor. He uses voice overs of videos of sights rather than the more common (in other courses) of profs lecturing and only occasional photos of the subject. It's like I was there. I know this because I WAS in Turkey before I watched it and it was like a return trip with an excellent guide who provided history and insight for what I had seen in person.
Date published: 2024-03-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Konstantina from
Excellent
Very helpful for travelers and history enthusiasts, great storytelling, well-portrayed details and maps of sites or buildings.
Date published: 2024-03-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sumar from
Amazing Course!
I cannot recommend this course highly enough. My family and I are planning a trip to Greece and Turkey this summer and just finished this course (last night) in preparation for our trip. This is the third course I have finished from Prof. Hale and he is extraordinarily knowledgable and passionate about all of this subjects, and it shines through in spades in this course. I will certainly be rewatching several lectures from this series soon!
Date published: 2023-12-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jim D from
A must for any traveler to Greece and Turkey
I had not taken any course by Prof Hale before, but now I know how much I have been missing. With a nine day trip to Greece and Turkey coming up, my wife and I thought this would be good preparation. Good is an understatement: it is a superb orientation, historical, cultural and practical. His style is easygoing and engaging and he weaves history and culture throughout his topics. The course is easy to follow and literally we will be following in his footsteps. Do not miss this course, even if you don't have travel plans there , as it is a superb look into the time and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
Date published: 2023-03-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Retiredtim from
Excellent insight of long lost place
This a a great presentation on ancient sites. Some of which I have been to and many more that I hope to visit in the future> I love Greece but never gave much thought to the ancient cities of Turkey. This course has put Turkey on my bucket list.
Date published: 2023-03-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Cousindrew from
Fantastic Course!
I join all the other reviewers who have given this course a top rating. Prof. Hale is witty and engaging; his passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious, and the videos and photography are stunning. We will be touring the areas he focuses on in a few short months, and this course has proved invaluable in both exciting our interest and aiding our preparation and planning. Highly recommended!
Date published: 2023-02-08
Overview
About
Dr. John R. Hale is the Director of Liberal Studies at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He earned his B.A. at Yale University and his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge in England. Professor Hale teaches introductory courses on archaeology, as well as more specialized courses on the Bronze Age, the ancient Greeks, the Roman world, Celtic cultures, the Vikings, and nautical and underwater archaeology. An accomplished instructor, Professor Hale is also an archaeologist with more than 30 years of fieldwork experience. He has excavated at a Romano-British town in Lincolnshire, England, and at the Roman Villa of Torre de Palma in Portugal. Among other places, he has carried out interdisciplinary studies of ancient oracle sites in Greece and Turkey, including the famous Delphic oracle, and participated in an undersea search in Greek waters for lost fleets from the time of the Persian Wars. Professor Hale has received many awards for distinguished teaching, including the Panhellenic Teacher of the Year Award and the Delphi Center Award. His writing has been published in the journals Antiquity, The Classical Bulletin, the Journal of Roman Archaeology, and Scientific American.
Trailer
01: Touring the Cradle of Western Civilization
In setting sail for the ancient world, contemplate the dynamic civilizations that emerged in the Aegean and the scope of the human drama that was played out there. Preview some of the towering figures and remarkable sites you'll encounter, and hear Professor Hale's recommendations for traveling this world as the ancients did.
34 min
02: Athens-Around the Acropolis and Parthenon
Enter the Acropolis, symbol of Athens, following the path of the ancient annual procession honoring Athena. Investigate the history and meanings of the site's iconic buildings, including the grand Propylaea (gatehouse) and the Erechtheum (Temple of Athena). Learn about the superlative architectural features of the Parthenon and its surprising original uses.
33 min
03: In the Footsteps of Socrates-Historic Athens
Among treasures surrounding the Acropolis, discover the Theater of Dionysos, where you ponder the rituals of early dramatic festivals, and the grand Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a venue of music and recitations. Enjoy dramatic viewing places, including the Pnyx, an ancient hilltop assembly point, and finally the vibrant agora market, where Socrates walked.
33 min
04: Around Attica-Temples and Mysteries
This lecture takes you to sacred monuments of Greece's beautiful Attica region. At the picturesque Amphiareion, shrine of a prophet deity, learn about ancient oracle and healing practices. Visit imposing shrines to Artemis and Poseidon, finishing at Eleusis, sanctuary to the goddess Demeter and the site of mystical religious rituals.
33 min
05: Seeking the Good Life-Corinth to Epidauros
Your journey continues to the Peloponnese, Greece's southern half. From the impressive Corinth Canal, travel to Greece's most important sanctuary to Poseidon, where ancient athletes competed to honor the god. Visit Corinth's massive acropolis and agora (civic center) and the great healing center of Epidauros, highlighting the best-preserved theater of the ancient world.
30 min
06: Mycenae-Where Kings Planned the Trojan War
Next, visit the great citadel of Mycenae, made famous in Homer's Iliad. Entering through the imposing Lion Gate, learn about the rulers of Mycenae and ancient life in the citadel as you explore key monuments: the extraordinary "shaft" graves of an early dynasty, the Megaron palace, and the tomb of King Atreus.
31 min
07: Around Nafplio-Greek History at a Glance
In Greece's Argolid region, walk the mighty fortress of Tiryns, and learn about Mycenaean and classical-age warrior culture. Visit the Heraion, picturesque sanctuary to the goddess Hera, the imposing Roman villa of Herodes Atticus, and the port of Nafplio, with its remnants of Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman culture.
32 min
08: Ancient Olympia-Gods, Games, and Temples
Investigate the practices and culture of the original Olympic games at sites including the palaestra, where important athletes trained; the stadium; and the unusual Temple of Hera. Sense the heat and drama of the contests, as you contemplate the mind-set of the competitors and the significance of athletic competition as worship.
32 min
09: Quest for Wisdom at Apollo's Oracle-Delphi
At this legendary site, reconstruct the sequence and rituals of a visit to the oracle in ancient times. Enter the lower sanctuary, making offerings en route to the temple, with its dual warnings to the pilgrim, where the Pythia (priestess) speaks for the god in answer to each seeker's question.
30 min
10: Byzantine Outposts-Monemvasia and Mistra
The port town of Monemvasia, once a coveted trading center, offers a rich slice of Byzantine history. Discover its mazelike streets, Byzantine buildings, and its mystical, cliffside Hagia Sophia church. Then explore Mistra's majestic Frankish castle and Byzantine palace, and contemplate the soul of Byzantium in religious architecture here and at Meteora and Mount Athos.
32 min
11: Cruising the Islands-Mykonos and Delos
This lecture introduces Greece's glorious Aegean Islands in an overview of their scenic and cultural riches. Taste the pleasures of the popular Mykonos before crossing to Delos, birthplace of Apollo and a later trading mecca. Enjoy remnants of important sacred sites and spectacular island views from Mount Kynthos.
32 min
12: Aegean Ring of Fire-Milos and Santorini
On the lesser-known Milos, learn about the striking volcanic and geological features of the island before visiting its richly endowed archaeological museum, ancient classical theater, and extraordinary early Christian catacombs. Contemplate the breathtaking scenery of Santorini, as well as the intriguing remains of its principal historical site, the buried Minoan town of Akrotiri.
29 min
13: Exploring Crete-Realm of Ancient Minoans
On this greatest of Aegean islands, you encounter the very origins of European civilization. Here, take three memorable excursions: first, to the elaborate Minoan palace of Malia, then to Gortyn, Roman capital of Crete-which boasts Europe's first written law code-and finally, to Crete's Venetian capital and the massive Samaria Gorge.
31 min
14: Lure of the Labyrinth-Palace at Knossos
The great palace at Knossos offers dramatic glimpses of the Minoan civilization. Investigate the palace's structure of labyrinthine rooms and its grand courtyards, site of the death-defying bull dance. Ponder the flamboyant ceremonies, court rituals, and sumptuous luxury of the Minoan rulers, recorded in masterful frescoes and tablets memorializing the palace accounts.
30 min
15: The Dodecanese-Kos, Patmos, and Rhodes
On the beautiful island of Kos, reflect on the life and contribution of the physician Hippocrates at the ancient medical sanctuary honoring him. Discover Patmos, where Saint John famously wrote the book of Revelation, and finally Rhodes, renowned for the legendary Colossus and the majestic fortifications of the Knights of Saint John.
29 min
16: Welcome to Turkey-The Turquoise Coast
Turkey's Turquoise Coast reveals a fabulous array of destinations, highlighting treasures of history, nature, and the pleasures of travel. Begin at Bodrum, site of the vibrant civilization of Helicarnassus. Learn about Lykian culture and representative government; visit submerged cities, cliff tombs, wildlife habitats, and the fire-spouting mountain at Olympos.
31 min
17: Central Turkey-Ankara, Konya, Cappadocia
In Ankara, learn about ancient capitals of the great Anatolian civilizations, including the complex culture of Çatalhöyük. Continue to Konya, home of the Sufi poet Rumi and of the mystic whirling dervishes. Linger in the magical geologic landscapes of Cappadocia, with its "fairy chimneys," ancient cave dwellings, and astounding underground cities.
31 min
18: Up the Meander River-Priene to Pamukkale
Travel to three extraordinary ancient cities: In Priene, explore one of the ancient world's most spectacular classical ruins, with its remarkable council hall, sacred sites, and superb theater. Then study the sumptuous sarcophagi, bathhouses, and amazingly preserved stadium at Aphrodisias. Finish at Pamukkale, site of imposing mausoleums, healing waters, and cliffside "hanging pools."
32 min
19: A Wonder of the World-Ephesus
The metropolis of Ephesus stands as one of the greatest cities of the classical world. Here, focus on highly unusual features that distinguish the site: the magnificent "terrace houses" of the wealthy, the Library of Celsus with its stunning facade, the enormous theater, and the Cemetery of the Gladiators.
32 min
20: Royal Cities of Asia-Pergamon and Sardis
At the citadel of Sardis, learn about the luxurious culture of the Lydian people, credited with inventing monetary currency. Investigate the site's standout monuments, including the extensive gymnasium and monumental synagogue. At Pergamon, bequeathed by its last ruler to Rome, contemplate its great healing sanctuary, astonishing hydraulic system, and legendary library.
32 min
21: Troy-Beyond Homer and the Trojan Horse
The archaeological site of ancient Troy reveals numerous distinct historical phases. Explore the majestic remains of the different epochs of the citadel, from its beginnings in 2900 B.C. to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Trace interconnections between the site's monuments and the lives of the historical King Priam and Alexander the Great.
31 min
22: Istanbul-Capital of the Byzantine Emperors
In this first lecture on the wonders of Istanbul, study the history of the Byzantine Empire and the establishment of Byzantium as a new Rome. Encounter imposing elements of this culture in the cathedral-like Basilica Cistern, the Theodosian Walls, and the impassioned rituals of the Hippodrome, nerve center of Byzantine life.
31 min
23: The Pearl of Constantinople-Hagia Sophia
Imagine the sights and sounds of a visit to this magical edifice in Byzantine times, and learn the history of the emperor Justinian's plans for a church that would surpass all others. Contemplate the stunning columns, stonework, mosaics, and the architecture of the massive dome in this "place where God dwells."
28 min
24: Ottoman Istanbul-Mosques, Palaces, Bazaars
Finally, ponder the origins and planning of the Topkapi Palace, jeweled seat of the Ottoman sultans. Penetrate the layers of the palace, from the grand courts to the royal kitchens and harem. Conclude with visits to the Blue Mosque, hammams (baths), Grand Bazaar, and vistas of the mystic city from the Bosphorus.
31 min
