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Article: Beyond the moussaka; Travel: Historian and TV presenter Bettany Hughes first went to Crete as a teenager, captivated by the island's romantic and sensual history. Last summer she went back with her family.
- Article from:
- Daily Mail (London)
- Article date:
- April 10, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Solo Syndication Limited. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: BETTANY HUGHES
AT SCHOOL, I had a classics teacher with a taste for the sensational.
One dismal November afternoon, we gathered in the old geography room for a slide show.
A voluptuous, half-naked woman burst on to the projection screen. This was the famous 'Snake Goddess' from Crete, a fierce and feisty creature, with a wasp waist and furious, kohl-lined eyes.
The Snake Goddess' pneumatic breasts stood bare and proud above her tight bodice and flouncy skirts. A giant snake coiled around her arms and neck. I couldn't take my eyes off her. This startling pinup was 3,500 years old. I resolved to find out more about the culture ...