Dear Travelers,

As the August moon waxes in theBuddhist month of Esala, the Perahera,the largest and most colorful festival inAsia, takes over the medieval royal city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. For a week, theprocessions include fire jugglers swingingflaming torches, lively acrobats, a cacoph-ony of percussionists pounding traditionaldrums, almost 5,000 dancers clanging finger cymbals, musicians, whip crackers,torch bearers, and as many as 100 wildlyadorned elephants (think flashing lightsand velvet, bejeweled garments!). The tradition dates back to about 300 B.C. andis intended to invoke the blessings of thegods for rain, fertility, successful cropsand good health. I was there last monthwith a group! What a flamboyant andjubilant event…never to be forgotten.

And, although there are few tourists to be seen, Sri Lanka has so much more tooffer. This lovely island’s fascinating history spans at least three thousand years and the magnificent remains of each civilization are stunning, including sixUNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites – Galle’s Old City; Kandy; the Buddhistmural paintings in the caves at Dambulla; the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa;Anuradhapura founded in the 4th century B.C.; and Sigiriya with its exquisitepaintings. This isle also has lush rain forests, verdant tea plantations, and remarkable wildlife of which 22% is found only here. Certainly, one of the high-lights for me was viewing The Gathering, where in the evening huge herds of elephants, along with their adorable playful calves, come down to the edge of a lake to graze. What a sight!

As I hope you have noticed, we are adding more ‘history’ themed trips, and twonew ones have been added to our 2014 calendar. In the Path of Genghiz Khanfollows the story of this great man and his descendants through Mongolia andChina as they created the largest empire in history. The trip will be led by TheGreat Courses (The Teaching Company) lecturer, Andrew Wilson, an award-winning professor and an expert in both military and Asian history. In the Path of the Frankincense Trail traverses the peaceful country of Oman, located on theIndian Ocean and long a trading route. I’ll remind you to also look at our In thePath of the Crusader Knights that travels through Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta,along with In the Path of the Olmec traversing the remote areas of Mexico.

I hope you enjoy our latest newsletter and will pass it along to friends. And keepwatching our blog as we post interesting tidbits on the latest archaeological andhistoric discoveries along with tales from our travelers.

Happy travels,

Mary Dell LucasFounding Director

NEWSLETTERFAR HORIZONS ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL TRIPS

Volume 18, Number 2 • Fall 2013Published Erratically by Far Horizons • P.O. Box 2546 • San Anselmo, CA 94979 USA

(800) 552-4575 • (415) 482-8400 • fax (415) 482-8495 • www.farhorizons.com • email: journey@farhorizons.com

FEATUREDJOURNEYS

Egyptologist and

Great Courses Scholar,

Dr. Bob Brier,

now has a website -

http://drbobbrier.com -

where you can learn about

his latest publications, his lecture schedule,

and the trips he leads for Far Horizons.

You will also find him on Facebook -

https://www.facebook.com/DrBobBrier

Burma (Myanmar)December 1 - 19, 2014

Enjoy the Land of the Golden Pagodas in Yangon;

Bagan, where more than two thousand spires rise above

the horizon; ancient Mrauk-U; and the bustling, vibrant

city of Mandalay. Burma’s prodigious number of temples

is the perfect symbol of a country in which Buddhism

pervades every aspect of life. Along the way, revel in not

just the fascinating history but the hospitality of the

Burmese people, including those in the many villages

around Inle Lake.

IranApril 9 - 25, 2014

Embrace the cultural diversity of Iran and follow the

path of the author of the first human rights charter,

Cyrus the Great, to his powerful Achmaenid dynasty

sites of Pasargad and Persepolis. Waves of invaders

throughout the country's long history – the Greeks

accompanying Alexander, Arab armies, the Turkish tribes

that forced their way westward from Central Asia, and

finally the Mongols – all left their mark upon the people

of Persia, creating a vibrant tapestry that at its core,

is indelibly today’s Iran. While traveling from Isfahan to

Shiraz to Yazd, witness the unforgettable remains left

by previous empires.

Follow us on

By Professor Jennifer Tobin

In the year 2000 an international team of archaeologistsanswered a call. The ancient Graeco-Roman city of Zeugma,which once straddled the Euphrates River in what is nowTurkey, was in peril. The Turkish government planned toinstall a dam across the mighty Euphrates, bringing more reliable electricity and water to this desolate region, but alsocreating a lake that would submerge the ruins of Zeugma.For four months the excavators worked tirelessly, trying to learn as much about the city as possible before it wasimmersed in water. As the reservoir level rose they uncovered remarkable villas, outfitted with sumptuousmosaics and gorgeous wall paintings. These were lifted and taken to the city of Gaziantep, where they can now beseen in a new museum.

The archaeologists also uncovered vivid evidence for thedestruction of the city in antiquity. Zeugma stood on the eastern edge of the Roman Empire, a stone’s throw fromRome’s greatest enemy, the Sassanian Persians. In the 250’s AD the Sassanians swept deep into Roman territory,destroying cities in their path. One of these was Zeugma.The excavations revealed deep layers of burning evidence that the whole city had been engulfed in fire. An analysis ofthe finds buried in the wreckage reveals that the civilianinhabitants of Zeugma had fled before the destruction, andthe city had been turned over to the Roman army. Roomswith fine mosaic floors were transformed into granaries to feed the troops. Colonnaded courtyards that once served as

dining rooms for the elite were subdivided with makeshiftwalls to create barracks. Wall paintings were defaced by graffiti, scratched by idle soldiers nervously awaiting thePersian invasion. When it came, it came swiftly. Dishes offood were found abandoned as the Roman soldiers raced tomeet the Persian attack. But the Roman army was defeated,the soldiers killed or taken prisoner, and Zeugma was burned.

Destroyed first by fire and then, recently by water, the city ofZeugma has suffered greatly. However, one could argue thatif the dam had not been constructed, we would never havelearned Zeugma’s story – it would have been one of the manyancient cities in Turkey waiting to be excavated. The goodnews is that the reservoir only covers one third of Zeugma –much lies safely underground awaiting future research.

Zeugma: A Tale of Two Destructions

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Zeugma: A Tale of Two Destructions

Travel with Professor Jennifer Tobin

on Eastern Turkey’s Lost Kingdoms,

May 17 - June 1, 2014.

www.farhorizons.com  •   3

Dear Traveler,

The great Italian scholar Carlo Conti Rossini,one of very few explorers traveling in Africa atthe beginning of 1900, described Ethiopia as an“incredible mosaic of cultures”. And it is verytrue. Probably no country in the world has thediversity of landscape, people, and cultures thatyou will see in Ethiopia. I have the fortune ofbeing the scholar on our Far Horizons Ethiopiatrip. I have been in Ethiopia many times and I do archaeological work there. But we will talk about me later. This is about you and thebeautiful adventure that you are about toembark on.

Traveling through the Omo Valley you willexperience the amazing beauty of its wildlifeand the fascination of the many tribes that stillinhabit the region. And you will see a dramaticchange in both landscape and people when wewill be traveling north, through the archaeologi-cal and historical route that represents such animportant piece of Ethiopian history.

We will start with Aksum, the splendid capitalof the ancient Aksumite kingdom that becamepowerful by trading gold and precious stoneswith pharaonic Egypt and the Rome of theCaesars, and that is believed to house the Ark ofthe Covenant, the real one… We will seeLalibela, home to massive monolithic churchesthat eleventh century masons carved into solidmountainsides; the Lake Tana, with its atmos-pheric monasteries; and Gondar where we willwalk through hallways and courtyards ofmedieval palaces where kings, courtiers, andearly Portuguese explorers plotted royalintrigues... Usually this is the point when ourlocal guide and I take over the dance floor of themain ballroom for an improvised traditionalEthiopian dancing performance.

And while we are at it… We will take a trip tothe Semien National Park to see the highestmountains in Africa. An incredible formation ofgrassland plateaux separated by valleys anddeep gorges, and rising to high pinnacles populated by families of gelada baboons. Atotally unique spectacle that you have neverseen before if you have never been to Ethiopia.

It will not be easy all the time. Sometimes wewill get up early, we will walk long distancesand drive on bumpy roads, and every now andthen we will complain about the food! But Ipromise you that you will not regret a secondspent on this trip. If you love to travel you willlove to travel in Ethiopia and at the end, a littleshaken, you will say “WOW! What a journey!”

And I will be there to shake your hand, and tellyou “You did it. It was a pleasure and an honorto travel with you. Till the next, somewhere…”

Love,Cinzia

DiscoverEthiopia

Travel with Dr. Cinzia Perlingieri

on Ethiopia: The Wonders of the

Horn of Africa, April 12 - 26, 2014.

The city of Paestum is famous for its three magnificently-preserved Greek temples, some of the finest anywhere in theMediterranean. Almost unknown, however, are the tombsfound around the site left by the mysterious Lucanians. TheLucanians brought their burial practices with them, interringtheir dead in stone underground tombs, the inside walls ofwhich were plastered and painted. These magnificent paintings covering the tomb walls must have only been seenduring the funeral after which the tomb was sealed with astone roof and buried.

Many of the paintings display events known from ancientfuneral games, those athletic contests held in honor of thedead known from Greek myths such as the Iliad whereAchilles hosted a spectacular set of games for the dead Greekwarrior, Patroclus. Chariot races are shown repeatedly in the

tombs at Paestum, oftenwith key elements thatmake their context asfuneral games clear.They may represent real chariot races or an idealized form ofgames to further honorthe deceased. Other

categories of contests seen more than once are boxing and animal hunts. Both of these are known in Greek and laterRoman culture. The most remarkable images are of pairs ofgladiators. In these paintings men, usually armored with helmets and shields and sometimes body armor, face eachother with a variety of weapons. The earliest of these, fromthe mid 4th century BC, shows a pair of armored gladiatorsarmed only with long pointed sticks. They thrust these at each other to obvious effect as the blood runs freely from theirwounded arms and legs. That blood seems to be the point asthese illustrate the earliest form of gladiatorial combat, whenit was performed only at funerals to provide a blood sacrificein honor of the deceased. There is some evidence that thefights were carried out over the tomb or on a flat open spacein front of it. Later examples of the gladiator paintings showreal spears replacing the sticks of the early ones to greater,sometimes fatal, damage to the combatants. In some paintingsa monstrous figure crouches behind the defeated gladiator to carry his soul to the underworld. These rare early wallpaintings provide unique evidence of funerary ritual andbelief in the afterlife in ancient Italy.

Travel with Professor Tuck on Rome and Southern Italy:

Including Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum, May 27 -

June 6, 2014.

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TRAVELS with Professor Steven L. Tuck

The ancient Greeks identified Crete as the source of much oftheir art, architecture, and religion. Looking at a map of theeastern Mediterranean, Crete seems a natural crossroadsbetween Greece and the advanced civilizations of Egypt andthe Near East. Still, it is remarkable that the Greeks attributedso many critical components of their culture to what theyviewed as a foreign land. To explore and transmit those lessons they used stories told and retold in Greek mythology.The Cretan Cycle of myths centers around the family of KingMinos of Knossos and his architect/artist, Daedalus. The wifeof Minos, punished by Poseidon, gave birth to a monstroushalf bull, half man, the Minotaur. Daedalus, the father of allGreek arts, created the labyrinth, to imprison the monster in agreat maze. Minos fed the monster with captives sent fromAthens every year. The Athenian hero, Theseus, eventuallyslew the Minotaur and fled, aided and accompanied byAriadne, daughter of Minos.

The association of Crete and especially Knossos with theMinotaur was powerful and spread across the Greek and

Crete and the Origins of Greek Art

Paestum and the Origins of Gladiator Combat

Roman worlds throughout antiquity. When the modern exca-vator of the site, Sir Arthur Evans, began to dig there in 1900,he discovered what he decided was the palace of Minos. Thisbuilding was, at its height, constructed of over 1000 rooms,many small, on no overall plan. It was easy to see where themyth of the labyrinth had its start. In addition, the site wasfull of bull imagery. The famous Bull Leapers wall paintingshows what may be a religious ritual in which young peopledance or perform acrobatics with a live bull. Large sets of bullhorns, called by Evans “the Horns of Consecration”, werefound around the site and even in wall paintings that showedthe palace during a large religious gathering. The myths ofMinos and Daedalus may have had a basis in reality.

Travel with Professor Steven L. Tuck on Greek Isles of Myth:

Crete, Santorini, and the Cyclades, June 7 - 20, 2014.

By ProfessorSteven L. Tuck

Far Horizons Schedule of TripsAll Dates and Prices Subject to Change • Revised 9/27/13

EUROPE & TURKEYEastern Turkey's Lost Kingdoms

From the mountains of eastern Anatolia, to the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates, to the Cilician plain, through visiting temples, monasteries, andmosques, cities and castles, and the historic towns of the region, with only 13 others experience the history and culture of Eastern Turkey, truly acrossroad of civilizations.May 17 - June 1, 2014 with Professor Jennifer Tobin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,895.00

Let's to London co-sponsored with Humanities WestCharles II was restored to the throne of England in 1660 and with his ascension, Restoration London erupted with creative vigor after decades of civil war. Travelwith Far Horizons and Humanities West on a 9-day journey to uncover London’s glorious past and explore the city that invented the modern world. May 17 - 25, 2014 with Professor Robert Bucholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,850.00+air

Glorious GreeceThis 16-day journey through Greece explores both the celebrated and more remote remains of the many civilizations that have passed across this land.Spend three days in Athens, travel through the Peloponnese Peninsula, and end in the North with spectacular Delphi.May 24 - June 7, 2014 with Professor Thomas F. X. Noble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,495.00

Rome and Southern ItalyIn Rome explore the largest archaeological park in the world, a capital that was the center of the known world for centuries. Examine some of the chiefelements of ancient Rome and its civilization at impressive monuments and museums before traveling south to the remarkable sites of Pompeii,Herculaneum and Paestum.May 27 - June 6, 2014 with Professor Steven L. Tuck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,995.00 + air

Sicily: Art and ArchaeologyCircle this beautiful isle and learn about the rich history with visits to Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale, Monreale, the fortified medieval village ofErice, the glorious temples at Selinunte, the perfect sanctuary at Segesta, the magnificent Norman Cathedral at Cefalù, and Taormina’s superb Romanamphitheater. All this and more!May 31 - June 14, 2014 with Professors Jeremy and Maud McInerney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,895.00

Cyprus, Bodrum, Rhodes and Malta: In the Path of the Crusader KnightsAfter the fall of Jerusalem, the Knights of the Order of Saint John the Hospitaller sought refuge in the Kingdom of Cyprus, and then Rhodes. Two hundredyears later, Suleiman’s forces drove the Knights from that island and they were then established on Malta where they fought pirates instead of the infidels. June 1 - 15, 2014 with Professor Brett Whalen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

Cathedrals of FranceSince the Christianization of Europe in the 4th century, cathedrals have served both as centers of ecclesiastical authority and marvels of architecturalgenius and innovation. Travel with Far Horizons to France as we explore the evolution of the Gothic cathedrals, both in Paris and the surrounding area.May 21 - 31, 2014 with Professor William R. Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,495.00

Greek Isles of Myth: Crete, Santorini and the CycladesExplore the enchanting culture and rich history of the Greek Islands on this 14-day journey. Walk the grand halls of the Mycenaean center of Knossos.Visit the spectacular Minoan site of Akrotiri on Santorini. And embrace the culture of the Cycladic islands: Paros, Naxos, and Delos.June 8 - 21, 2014 with Professor Steven L. Tuck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,595.00

An Exploration of Wales and EnglandAlthough Wales shares a close political and social history with the rest of Great Britain, the country has retained a distinct cultural identity. On this tour, we willexplore the historical origins of this unique land as we visit the remnants of prehistoric, Roman, medieval and industrial sites in Wales and Western England. June 6 - 20, 2014 with Dr. James Bruhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,695.00 + air

The Archaeology of IrelandIn the enchanted land of Éire, discover mythic fortresses, inspiring monasteries, and forgotten relics that stand as evidence of the astonishingly rich and variedstory of this emerald isle. Visit both of the UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as unique sites like the Aran Islands and the Neolithic landscape of Céide Fields.July 5 - 20, 2014 with Dr. Enda O'Flaherty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,495.00 + air

The Riches of Scotland From the English border to the Orkney Islands, enjoy many of the historic and archaeological sites that few visitors manage to find - prehistoric stonecircles and chambered tombs, glorious abbeys and cathedrals, and medieval castles. August 2 - 17, 2014 with archaeologist Brian Buchanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,495.00 + air

Turkish TreasuresWith only thirteen others enjoy private tours of three of the most important archaeological projects in the eastern Mediterranean - Hattusha, capital of the Hittite Empire; Troy, and Ephesus. Also visit five of nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Sagalassos, Pergamum, Cappadocia, Assos, and much more.September 6 - 21, 2014 with Study Leader to be announced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,495.00

An Archaeological Pub Crawl of Great Britain Explore prehistoric stone circles and chambered tombs, walk in the footsteps of Roman armies along Hadrian's Wall, and savor the view from battlementsof medieval castles in remote and beautiful areas of Britain - and rarely be far distant from a source of liquid replenishment. September 14 - 26, 2014 with Dr. James Bruhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,995.00 + air

Greece & Turkey: a Voyage through HistorySail by private yacht with only eight others to the Greek Dodecanese Islands,scattered like tiny jewels through the azure waters of the Aegean Seahugging the coast of Turkey. Explore Kos, Nisyros, Tilos, Simi, Rhodes, and learn about the thousands of years of history along the way.September 28 - October 11, 2014 with Professor Garrett Fagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,295.00

THE MIDDLE EAST & ARABIAIran: Empires of Everlasting Fire

Embrace the cultural diversity of Iran! Follow the path of the author of the first human rights charter, Cyrus the Great, and his powerful Achmaenid dynastyat sites like Pasargad and Persepolis. Travel to Isfahan, Shiraz, and other sites, and witness the way in which previous empires have left their indelible mark. April 9 - 25, 2014 with Professor Lloyd John Llewellyn-Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

The Grandeur of Petra, The Splendors of JordanJordan has captivated travelers and conquerors alike with its beauty and mystery. View the celebrated mosaics of Madaba and prehistoric ‘Ain Ghazalwhere huge, unique statues were discovered. Finally, spend three days exploring the 2,500 year old Petra, full of amazing rock carved buildings.March 30 - April 12, 2014 with Professor Gary Rollefson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,295.00

Oman: In the Path of the Frankincense TradeSee what may be the only ziggurat in Arabia, impressive fortress-castles that are reminders of Oman's unruly past, the 3000-year-old city of Ubar, recentlyfound using NASA Satellite imagery, four UNESCO World Heritage sites - Aflaj irrigation systems, Bat tombs, Bahla Fort, and The Land of Frankincense.October 31 - November 14, 2014 with Professor John France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,995.00 + air

EGYPT AND AFRICASudan: An Exploration of Ancient Kush

Travel through the deserts of northern Sudan where towering pyramids, gigantic mud-brick buildings, painted rock-cut tombs, and ornately carvedtemples await discovery. This is the land of Kush where, fed by the richness of the river, remarkable civilizations developed more than 4,000 years ago. January 18 - February 1, 2014 with Professor Bob Brier and art historian Patricia Remler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00 + air

Ethiopia: The Wonders of the Horn of AfricaIn its mountainous isolation Ethiopians developed a sophisticated culture based on a deep love of Christianity. Explore the fascinating remains of thisculture, including the underground churches of Lalibela, join the colorful Easter celebrations in Axum, visit Gondar and Bahir Dar, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana.April 12 - 26, 2014 with Dr. Cinzia Perlingieri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,495.00

The Majesty of EgyptTravel from Cairo to Luxor to Aswan to Abu Simbel, and experience awe-inspiring events as Far Horizons opens sites closed to the public - the richly-painted tombs of Seti I and Nefertari, the Red Pyramid and Sakkara's Unas Temple, and the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid. November 1 - 14, 2014 with Professor Bob Brier and art historian Patricia Remler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,995.00

INDIA, ASIA and CHINASri Lanka and the Perahera Festival

Enjoy the festive processions honoring the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and visit Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka; the Royal Palace in Polonnaruwa; Fortified Galle; the sacred city of Kandy, and Dambulla Cave Temple – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.July 8 - 26, 2014 with Dr. Ruth Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan: A Journey through Central Asia Travel along the ageless Silk Road that for millennia was the link between the great civilizations of Europe and Asia. Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Genghiz Khan, Marco Polo, and Tamerlane. Experience Merv, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand – names that reverberate withcompelling history. September 27 - October 17, 2014 with Study Leader to be announced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

China: Along the Silk RoadSee the renowned Mogao Caves' ornate Buddhist cave paintings, explore one of the world's oldest continuous markets in Kashgar, learn about the Uighurculture, and travel through the Taklamakan Desert by camel to see the earliest Buddhist pagoda in Khotan. Visit Turpan, Kuqa and Urumqi and so much more.October 9 - 26, 2014 with Dr. Jennifer Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

South India: Temples and TraditionsTravel into an area of India which has managed to retain the essence of its mystique despite invasions both historical and modern. From Hampi toKaraikudi to Tanjore, the temples visited contain some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India.January 11 - 28, 2014 with Professor Daud Ali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

Angkor Wat and Laos An exciting 17-day trip through historically-rich Cambodia and Laos that includes the bustle of Phnom Penh and six full days at Angkor. In Laos, see Vat Phou, certainly one of the most spectacular of the Khmer cities, the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang and the capital, Vientiane.January 4 - 20, 2014 with Dr. Damian Evans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995.00

Mongolia and China: In the Path of Genghis KhanFollow in the path of Genghiz Khan and the Great Khan’s family as they swept through Mongolia, China and beyond creating what became the largest empire in history. October 10 - 28, 2014 with Professor Andrew Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,895.00

Burma (Myanmar)Enjoy the Land of the Golden Pagodas. In Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is covered with 30 tons of gold. In Bagan more than two thousand spires riseabove the horizon. Spend two weeks enjoying not just the fascinating history but the hospitality of the Burmese people. December 1 - 19, 2014 with Dr. Charlotte Galloway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,395.00 + air

OCEANIAChile and Easter Island's Tapati Festival

Explore Easter Island's immense stone statues, perplexing petroglyphs, and vibrant cave paintings. The trip is timed to include the wonderful Tapati Festival,a time of revelry and feasts and of honoring the culture - both past and present. Also including three days exploring Santiago, Chile and nearby coastal towns.January 29 - February 9, 2014 with Dr. Sidsel Millerström . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,295.00 + air

THE AMERICASMexico: In the Path of the Olmecs

Travel with renowned Olmec scholar, Professor Kent Reilly, through the Veracruz lowlands to San Bartolo to La Venta to Chalcatzingo, home to thecolossal heads and finely carved sculptures emblematic of the Olmec style were found. March 14 - 23, 2014 with Professor F. Kent Reilly III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,995.00

Capital Cities of the Ancient MayaExplore the capital cities of the ancient Maya. See Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Quiriguá, Tikal's towering temples, Yaxchilán, the delicatepaintings at Bonampak, and Palenque, arguably the most beautiful of the cities. Spend the last two days in the colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas.March 1 - 13, 2014 with epigrapher Stanley Paul Guenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,595.00

Peru: Inkas & Their AncestorsFrom the Moche cities of the north to the fabled Inka sites of the highlands, experience the wealth of Peru's archaeological past. Caral, Chanquillo,ChanChan, Ollantaytambo, and the imcomparable Machu Picchu all await you, along with an opportunity to fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines.June 18 - July 3, 2014 with Dr. William Sapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,395.00

(800) 552-4575 • (415) 482-8400 • fax (415) 482-8495 • email: journey@farhorizons.com • web page: www.farhorizons.com

Far Horizons Schedule of TripsAll Dates and Prices Subject to Change • Revised 9/27/13

Cyprus, crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean, has known

many past conquests and rulers. The era of the crusades, however,

stretching from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries, marked an

especially important time in the island’s history, including its

political and

commercial ties

to Europe and

the Middle East.

The crusader

king, Richard the

Lionheart, conquered

Cyprus in May 1191,

en route to battle

against the Muslim

leader Saladin for

control of Jerusalem and what remained of the crusader states

founded generations earlier by the First Crusade. Yet the English

monarch did not seize the island from Muslims—he captured it

from fellow Christians, members of the Greek Orthodox Church,

since the island then belonged to authority of the Byzantine

Empire. (The rich legacy of Byzantine religious life on the island

can still be seen in the medieval Greek churches dotting the

landscape). This situation did not stop Richard from attacking

Cyprus, however, when the locals refused to give him the

welcome he felt he deserved.

Richard soon departed for Jerusalem, leaving the island in

control of his deputies. Eventually, with his hands full elsewhere,

he sold his rights to the island to the military order of the

Templars. Disliked by the Cypriots, who even rioted against

them, the Templars decided to give Cyprus back to Richard,

who next sold it to the crusader kingsof Jerusalem in exile, the

Lusignans, whose family ruled there for generations to come.

Among the many architectural marvels of the Middle Ages on

Cyprus, the castle of Kolossi stands among the finest crusader

ruins on the island. The original fortress dates to a period shortly

after the English conquest, sometime in the early 1200s, perhaps

originally housing some of the Templars. The current structure

(which now looks over rich vineyards that produce some of

Cyprus’s famous dessert wine, Commendaria) dates to 1454,

erected by the Knights Hospitallers.

Although this formidable keep might conjure images of battles,

boiling pitch, and catapults, the era of crusader dominion over

Cyprus actually marked a period of remarkable peace and

prosperity for the island. magnificent Kolossi Castle, surely

able to withstand a siege, functioned as an administrative

center for the Hospitallers, who managed the fertile estates

of the surrounding coastal plain.

www.farhorizons.com  •   7

The Tower of London

Travel with Professor Brett

Whalen on The Crusader

Knights: Cyprus, Bodrum

and Malta, June 1 - 15, 2014

Dear Seth,

“Hault, who comes there?” “The keys!” “Whose keys?” “QueenElizabeth’s keys!” Thus was the exchange between the sentryand the Chief Warder, in the dark of night, as our small group of privileged onlookers stood engrossed. With that finalstatement to identify the keys, all was well… The sentry stood down with his firearm at his side and the Chief Wardercontinued his deliberate march up through the Bloody TowerArchway to meet the other watchmen on duty. The only soundthat reverberated through the crisp air was the squeak of theiron lantern swaying to and fro. The only light was the dimglow from the candle…

The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London has been performed every night in this exact manner, at the exact hour of 9:56pm, since the 14th century. It is just one of themany fascinating narratives of this building, which has stoodon Tower Hill since 1066 as a beacon of royal rule and, at times,tyrannical justice. A walk through the grounds, under thespeared gates and around White Tower, is quite literally astroll through English history.

Our exploration of the tower took place in the light of day onthe morning of the ceremony. Upon entering through the outergate, we took a tip from the guidebook and made a beeline forthe Crown Jewels exhibit. The various crowns, bejeweled swords,and coronation garb glittered beyond comparison.

With that and an obligatory stop at the gift shop under ourbelts, we rushed off to the lawn to meet our resident Yeoman, orBeefeater, for a tour of the grounds. Under his sage guidance,we learned about the tower’s greater and lesser known stories:the beheading of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Gray at the behestof Henry VIII; how it served as the Royal Mint for a time underthe rule of Edward I; and how Charles II’s paranoia led to thekeeping of at least six ravens at the tower at all times. Intruth, the traditional Tudor dress of the Yeoman almostupstaged this historical journey. But then we experienced the Ceremony of the Keys…

Travel with Professor Bob

Bucholz and visit the Tower

of London on Let’s to London,

May 17 - 25, 2014.

Kolossi Castle:Cyprus and the Crusades

We have subjected to ourselves the whole island of Cyprus with all of its strong points.

Richard I, King of England

By Professor Brett Whalen

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10/15/13

With majestic moai standing sentinel over the rolling grassylandscape, perfect cobalt skies, and the sparkling Pacific surfalmost always in our line of vision, Easter Island made an unforgettable backdrop for the Tapati Festival when I traveledthere with Far Horizons last February. I had been to a few festivals in past travels but the Tapati is like no other — an intoxicating mix of Polynesian music and dance, a triathlon and other games (featuring gorgeous specimens of male pulchritude), and barefoot horseback races staged on a cliffabove the sea.

Music was so much a part of the experience, even our driverEnrique (who had assisted on Thor Heyerdahl’s excavationsin the 60s), sang and played the ukulele for us daily. Once, aswe were navigating an underground petroglyph cave he hadus turn off our flashlights while he sang a Polynesian chant inthe totally darkened space. Evenings after dinner I wouldwalk down the street with my new companions and have amaracuya (passionfruit) ice cream cone and watch the sunset.

At the nightly concerts I could lean back in my seat, look upat the sky full of stars and find the Southern Cross. No light pollution here.

My friends back home in North Carolina couldn’t believe I was going to travel so far, alone, but our study leader, Dr.Millerström, and my fellow travelers were so companionableand informed, home was the farthest thing from my mind. In fact, the week long immersion in the Polynesian culture,and the idea of isolation that comes from being on the world’smost remote inhabited island, heightened the sense of adven-ture and made it one of my most memorable trips ever. All Ihave to do now is play the CD Enrique made for me of hiswonderful Polynesian chants, and I’m transported back tothat gorgeous spot 2300 miles out in the middle of the ocean.

Travel with Dr. Sidsel Millerström on Easter Island and the

Tapati Festival, January 29 - February 9, 2014.

The Song of Easter Island

by Jacqueline Humphrey, 2013 trip participant

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