In ancient Greek history, the Classical period covers more or less the fifth and fourth centuries BC.

A Minoan harbour town
The ancient site of Kommos in Crete
On the southern coast of Crete, a little north of Matala, lies Kommos, the site of a Minoan harbour town. While not open to the public, you can get a good sense of the site from behind the fences.

Sanctuaries in ancient Greece
The regular team consisting of Joshua Hall, Matthew Lloyd, and Josho Brouwers talk about sanctuaries and other sacred places in ancient Greece.

Set in stone
The law code of Gortyn
One of the longest extant ancient Greek inscriptions is found in Gortyn, an ancient city in Crete. The text was inscribed in the fifth century BC, but some scholars purport that parts of it are reflective of an earlier era.

The city on the mountain
Exploring ancient Lato
The remains of the ancient city of Lato in Crete are well worth visiting. This archaeological site, located in the mountains, features the remains of houses, public buildings, and public spaces.

The Battle of Cumae
Between regional squabble and pan-Mediterranean posturing
A naval battle off the Italiote Greek city of Cumae in 474 BC resonated across the Mediterranean. Not necessarily for its importance, but because the victor used it as a key element in his propaganda campaign.

Herodotus and the Question Why
A book by Christopher Pelling
Christopher Pelling shares the fruits of a lifetime of research on the Father of History. His epic tome asks many questions but offers no simple answers.

Who mourns for Motya?
The death of a Phoenician town
Thriving for centuries, the Phoenician settlement of Motya met its demise in a sudden attack by Dionysius I of Syracuse. This is an example of a fast-moving and well-organized campaign, as well as the fragility of ancient cities.

Talos, the bronze guardian
An Attic red-figure vase of the early fourth century BC depicts the death of Talos, the bronze guardian of the island of Crete.

Mercenaries in the ancient world
Experts Stephanie Craven and Hannah Ringheim join regular team members Joshua Hall and Josho Brouwers to talk about mercenaries.

Home of the Sibyl
The Greek colony of Cumae
About 18 kilometres west from Naples is the archaeological site of Cuma, which in antiquity was the home of the Cumaean sibyl (oracle).