(above) Three iterations of the Temple to Hera are visible by the blocks of stone and the fit and finish. The rough top level and the uniform bottom correspond to the first and the third constructions.
(above) A royal "chamber" tomb is built like a bee hive with an enormous stone lintel over the passage way entrance. The top has collapsed showing the round shape. The structures date from the 2nd millennium BC.
Map May 22 Temple of Hera, Acropolis of Mycenae
May 23 Transfer back to Athens and wrap-up dinner
(above) We are being spoiled again by Stavroula and her Mom with yet another picnic lunch. Stavroula's company provided the local guides for the walks.
(above) Nahidah (left, one of our group) talks to guides Hercules and Karola and Stavroula's Mom and Stavroula. Great guides. Great hospitality.
(above) The Citadel of Mycenae. At its peak it had a population of 30,000 a dominant bronze-age culture and its famous king, Agamemnon, and its war against Troy. The Mycenaean influence declines and collapses in the 12th C BC.
(above) Looking down from the high point inside the walls of the citadel it is easy to be impressed with the number of large stones (avg. 10 T) and the stones at the gateway which weigh 100 tonnes
(above) The Parthenon is wonderful by day
(above) We are seated at an outdoor table at sunset; the air is soft and still warm from the heat of the day. The talk is amiable and if we indulge in a little wine it's OK because there is no hike tomorrow.
(above) and it is spectacular when lit at night
(above) The evening passes into twilight and just when we have eaten too much the servers bring out dessert.
(left) You can't miss when dessert has a four food groups: Phyllo, ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate. A delightful end of the meal and the trip.
Thanks to the people at Teachers Travel and especially to Susan for the hours of research in putting the itinerary together. A great trip!
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