Ithaca in Odysseus’ Absence
The Trojan War finally over, the Greeks’ homecoming – particularly that of Odysseus – was plagued by storms and sabotage. After many years, when he did not return, most …
Category: Greek Mythology
The Kings of Ithaca
Odysseus belonged to a dynasty of island kings, all only sons. Most were of doubtful parentage. His (supposed) grandfather, Arcesius, was said to be the son of either Zeus …
The Judgment & Triumph of Paris
Paris had two passions: the mountain nymph Oenone, a skilful healer; and battles between bulls. His prize beast could beat any rivals, until a wild bull thundered into the …
Hesiodic Hades
Homer’s contemporary, Hesiod, imagines Haides’ realm more like a city than a single house. Thus the goddess of the River Styx has her own home, roofed with huge stones …
Sparta Map
Ancient Sparta began as a collection of villages, so (scanty) remains are relatively scattered. A car is recommended. Mycenaean Sparta and the Menelaion at Therapne lie on a bluff …
Mycenae Map
Approaching Mycenae, foundations of a Bronze Age bridge lie in the valley (right). Soon shaft graves can be seen cut into the rock (left). Before the main car park, …
Agamemnon, Clytemnestra & Aegisthus
Agamemnon and Clytemnestra had four children: a son, Orestes, and three daughters, Iphigenia (sometimes called Iphianassa), Electra and Chrysothemis. Mycenae flourished, becoming the most powerful city in all Greece. …
The Foundation of Mycenae
The spilling of kindred blood flows back through Mycenae’s past to its foundation. When Perseus accidentally killed his grandfather King Acrisius of Argos, he was loath to claim the …