Over half term, 19 GCSE and A Level Classics students ventured to the Greek island of Crete for an enriching introduction into the life and culture of the Minoan Civilisation (which existed nearly 4000 years ago). We explored the ruins of Knossos (the mythological home of the Minotaur which was mostly reconstructed by the British archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 20^th Century) and many of the extant Minoan ruins in Crete. As well as these Minoan sites, we also explored the Roman settlement of Gortyn (with its fantastic inscription in Boustrophedon script giving one of the earliest legal codes in Greece), delighted in the traditional Greek village of Kritsa (famed for its handicrafts), took a fishing boat across the bay of Mochlos to explore the ruins there, and marvelled at some 13^th and 14^th century frescoes in a Byzantine-era church. Overall we had a lovely time exploring the sights, tastes and souvenir shops of Crete.

Eva, one of our A Level Classical Civilisation pupils, had this to say about the trip: “This A Level and GCSE trip allowed students like me to delve deeper into the world of Archaeology and Classics through our visits to amazing sites like the Knossos Palace or the sites at Gournia and Mochlos. Our teachers encouraged us to keep asking questions, research and simply enjoy our time in such a beautiful and historic place.”

For any aspiring GCSE or A Level Classics pupils, please note that our next trip will be to the Roman half of the Mediterranean (possibly to the Bay of Naples). Watch this space!