The Island of Sicily lies at the heart of the Mediterranean - all the ships plying their trade between east and west have had to pass its shores, and many landed to leave their cultural footprint. Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Normans have all left impressive traces for the 21st century visitor to explore.
Dr Michael Metcalfe will take great pleasure in introducing you to the archaeology of his current home area - the eastern part of the island - based in what was the rich and powerful Greek colony of Syracuse, prominent player in late 5th century BC Athenian politics. The war between Athens and Syracuse was vividly described by Thucydides, and it is still possible to stand before the great harbour and conjure in the imagination the trapped Athenian ships, and to empathise with the awful fate of the captives in the quarries in the city - the sites can still be visited, and should still be carpeted with late Spring flowers in May.
By making a thorough exploration of a limited part of the island, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of how the colonies related to each other, in war and in peace, and also to look at a wider chronology. This is a unique opportunity to explore a vivid cross-section of the best of the cultures that have shaped the modern world.
A drive to the wild hills of the interior introduces the prehistoric Sicilians - a people known to the Classical Greeks as the Sikels - who cut thousands of tombs in the rocks, and filled them with beautiful grave goods. Many of these are displayed in the museum in Syracuse, and their elegant pots would not look out of place in a contemporary studio.
The Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina, with one of the best collections of mosaics still in situ anywhere in the world, gives a glimpse of the wealth of Roman Sicily. The unique Baroque architecture provides another dimension to the art history of the island.
Finish with the opportunity to cross the narrow Straits of Messina to mainland Italy - once believed to be guarded by the monsters Scylla and Charybdis - to see the amazing Riace bronze warriors in the museum at Reggio di Calabria.
