Join me, The Muddy Archaeologist, and explore the myths and legends of Minoan Crete.


Gods and goddesses, heroes and tragic women, kings and queen behaving as badly as the gods, and a genius, a doomed boy or two ...

All their stories, richly illustrated and woven together, just as the ancients knew them.

This isn't just a live talk at 7.30pm on Friday 17th February 2023
This is access to the recorded talk,
PLUS downloadable maps and downloadable illustrated notes.
Add a fab reading list and sources of illustrations,
and you have a comprehensive view of the story of the Minotaur and all the associated myths from the Bronze Age Crete of King Minos!

This talk is sumptuously illustrated with truly beautiful images that capture the vibrant story and its impact.

Whether you are a professor or a Time Team fan, a student or a complete novice, an ancient  historian, story-teller, or studying for general interest ...

Whether you're planning to visit the Ashmolean's 'Labyrinth' exhibition in 2023, or not ...

Whether you spend much of your life like I do, wallowing in the colourful myths and legends and stories from the ancient world ... 

or if this is all new to you!

If you want to transform your view of our ancient past ...

Or if you just want a good old romp through some of the very best stories ever told ...

Then this course is for YOU!

What will you learn?

You'll be seeing the myths and legends in a coherent and clear way,  preparing you for future explorations into this remarkable world. 

- Explore the way the myths and legends from Minoan Crete are interwoven, connecting different stories and different locations ...

-  Discover the characters and personalities - divine and mortal - that inhabit this ancient world ...

-  See the art - in the ancient world and more recently - that the myths have inspired!

-  Discover what myth is FOR!



Great Value!     What will you get?

A great package!

-   Personal access to 1 LIVE ONLINE richly illustrated talk, starting promptly at 7.30pm on Friday 17th February 2023.

-  A chance to chat with The Muddy Archaeologist and have a Q&A (not recorded) after the talk .

-   A recording of this talk will be available after the live event.  -  Downloadable maps and useful handout with the quotes from ancient writers included.

-  Great reading list for further exploration.

-  By registering for the Muddy Archaeologist Online Courses, you'll have access to a LIVE Q&A online session (scheduled at one time, one date most months) with The Muddy Archaeologist with chat box & live conversation to ask your questions and respond and be part of the Muddy Archaeologist online community.

-  Absolutely no exams or tests except for short lightweight quiz which veterans of The Muddy Archaeologist Online Course often flag up as a highlight!  This course is for fun, discovery, learning and exploration for us to share together.

-  Group rates will be available.

- No quibble 30-day Money Back Guarantee



Pricing options


Group prices will be available

Course curriculum

Join 'The Muddy Archaeologist' on a journey
back into a land of myths and legends

Some of the greatest stories ever told - Insights into Greek Mythology - Fantastic illustrations - Providing CLARITY and UNDERSTANDING

What's included?
LIVE ONLINE Talk on 23 Feb 2023 - Recording of Live Lecture - Downloadable maps and notes - Informative and Entertaining Quiz - Reading List - Live Q&A session with 'The Muddy Archaeologist'

NB The curriculum below is NOT CLICKABLE. It is for information only

  • 1

    MINOTAUR: Crete's Minoan Land of Myths and Legends

    • About Gillian Hovell, 'The Muddy Archaeologist'

    • How to Use this course (video by The Muddy Archaeologist)
  • 2

    MINOTAUR! Crete's Minoan Land of Myths and Legends

    • Recorded Video Lecture: Minotaur: Crete's Minoan Land of Myths and Legends

    • Downloadable Notes: Minotaur! Crete's Minoan Land of Myths and Legends

    • Downloadable map of the Location of Minoan Crete

    • Downloadable Map: Location of Myths

    • Test and Consolidate what you've discovered in MINOTAUR! Crete's Minoan Land of Myths and Legends

    • Downloadable Minotaur Further reading list

    • List of Illustrations : Minotaur

    • Copy of About Gillian Hovell, 'The Muddy Archaeologist' - Just in case you missed it earlier!

This is your chance to gain clarity and understanding of the myths and legends that swirled around King Minos and the Minotaur.

SIGN UP NOW!

Don't just take my word for it!

Passionate scholar and educator with a flair for engaging audiences with dynamism, accessibility and fun

Freddie Matthews Director of Programme & Content at The Conduit

It has been wonderful to host talks by Gillian as part of the British Museum's public programme. She is a passionate scholar and educator, with a flair for engaging audiences with dynamism, accessibility and fun

Gillian brings learning to life

Course student

Gillian brings learning to life in a way that inspires future interest

Learned more in one hour

Public Talk attendee

Learned more in one hour than I've understood in 20 years

Brilliant

Course student

‘Gillian Hovell is brilliant -  I have previously been on a cruise where she lectured and that influenced my decision to do this course.’

Gillian Hovell BA(Hons) 'The Muddy Archaeologist'

Hi, I'm Gillian Hovell, known professionally as 'The Muddy Archaeologist'.

Welcome to this thrilling 'Minotaur! Crete's Minoan Land of Myths and Legends' Muddy Archaeologist Online Course.

Want to complement the Ashmolean's 'Labyrinth' exhibition in 2023?

Find out more about the myths that sprang from the Bronze Age Minoan world. It's so much more than the minotaur: the origins of the story involve a tapestry of gods behaving badly, kings and queens in epic situations, heroes being heroic (and behaving badly), a genius who altered nature, and a trail of consequences ...

This tale of the Minotaur and the myths of Minoan Crete are presented as lively, passionate and engaging ancient history and archaeology that connects with our lives today and which bring the past vividly to life.

My life is spent lecturing nationally and internationally, and on tours and cruises of ancient sites from Orkney's Neolithic to the diverse cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean - some of you will know me from our travels in the UK and throughout the Mediterranean. I lead groups for the Smithsonian Journeys, Australians Studying Abroad (ASA) and many other UK and international companies. I have lectured on many tours and cruises that have explored the Minoan world and I look forward to doing so again in the future. And I love it. My joy is to transform your experience of destinations into ones that are not 'just a load of old stones'; I help you to connect with the civilization, discover and share our common humanity with it and enjoy and appreciate the diversity, individuality and richness of each and every culture. Ancient sites never look the same again ...

For I am passionate about revealing how ancient history and mythology are full of human life and passion. I love sharing the joy of ancient history in person, in books and articles, on the media and on line. I'm a prize-winning author and one of my books, Visiting the Past: Finding and Understanding Britain's Archaeology, shares with you how to explore the archaeology of the British Isles from prehistory up to the medieval age and even beyond. My next book will explore the ancient civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean - the Minoans included.

After graduating in Latin and Ancient History from Exeter University, I worked in BBC Television and went on to become an award-winning freelance writer, author. I have led a community archaeology project in Yorkshire and I have excavated at major sites in the UK and Europe, from Mesolithic Star Carr right up into the Roman fort of Vindolanda and Pompeiian Roman Oplontis.

I now lecture at York University and have spoken at the British Museum. You may have seen me recently on BBC TV news as an expert, and heard me on various BBC national and local radio programmes. I share courses around the country and lecture throughout the UK and abroad for audiences that range from local societies and luncheon clubs to Classical Associations, The Arts Society, and international groups. Every event is tailored to YOU, whoever and wherever you are. Why not book me for a talk or event in person or online for YOUR society or organisation - it's always a pleasure!

I offer you expertise, passion and a warm welcome. Ancient history is for everyone: let me lead you on a journey into the past with knowledge, great images, and a sense of fun and enjoyment.

Adding colour and depth to our lives today by digging deep into the past.
Join me to explore the wonders of Neolithic Orkney

For more than just online courses visit
www.muddyarchaeologist.co.uk