Hale is a fabulous guide through Greece and Turkey. As an archaeologist, he brings a deep understanding and appreciation for history, but also for the culture that has shaped that part of the world. The lectures are full of videos and illustrations of the places he speaks of, so this is completely engrossing. As a lecturer, Professor Hale is smooth, friendly, non-academic, and full of good advice for tourists (e.g., wear a hat, watch for those slippery stones). This course will make you want to book your own several weeks long journey to the places he mentions--but of course, in 2016 that part of the world, especially Turkey, is not quite the relaxed, idyllic place it was in 2011 when this course was published. Let's hope that things eventually return to normal and we are able to once again pay our homage in person to the great Greek and Ottoman civilizations. ( )

He describes a location or area each of the 24 lectures. He gives advice on when and how to tour the area, if you are traveling there. He gives the back round history and culture for each place. He has nice pictures of both the actual site ruins, and overlays of what it would have looked like when it was built. My daughter likes watching it as history and travel video. I have learned of several interesting less known interesting sites in the region. ( )