Empires of the Mediterranean, Europe

The Mediterranean has been the cradle of civilizations throughout history and several empires have risen and fallen in this region. These include the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Phoenician Empire, the Greek Empire, the Carthaginians, and the Egyptian Empire among others. The influence of these empires can still be seen today in the architecture, art, language, and culture of the Mediterranean region.

This trip was AWESOME and taken December 4, 2016, on a Viking Ocean cruise line. We visited the following countries along the Adriatic Sea, many which formally up Yugoslavia. For instance, we saw Athens, Greece (home of the Acropolis, Parthenon), beautiful Santorini with its many white buildings on top of the mountains (I thought it was snow at first glance), Olympia (where the Olympics began), Corfu (Palaces of St. Michael and St George, Old Fortress of Corfu, Kotor, Montenegro, the made-man island of Our Lady of the Rocks (the island was built after a fisherman had a vision), Dubrovnik, Croatia (walled city), Zadar, and Koper, Slovenia (home to Postojna and Predjama Castle-a castle built in a cave).

GREECE

Let’s start with some historical pictures from ancient GREECE.

SANTORINI, GREECE

KATAKOLON (OLYMPIA)

Let’s look at some pictures from Katakolon (Olympia), where the Olympics began.

Acropolis renovation

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

Let’s look at some pictures from Kotor, Montenegro.

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Let’s look at some pictures from Dubrovnik, Croatia, the walled city.

ZADAR, CROATIA

Let’s look at some pictures from Zadar, Croatia.

KOPER, SLOVANIA

Let’s look at some pictures from Koper, Slovania where the awesome castle built into a cave is located.

December 4, 2016 – Viking Ocean Cruise