Tonbridge Classicists Discover Agamemnon’s Kingdom

Earlier this term, a group of Tonbridge School students embarked on a week-long trip to Greece, visiting some of the most significant sites of the ancient world.

One of the major highlights was a visit to Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of King Agamemnon, renowned for its connection to Greek mythology and the Trojan War.

“Mycenae offered a fascinating window into the world of Ancient Greece,” said Sixth Former, Seb. “The sheer scale and sophistication of Mycenae was incredible. The Lion’s Gate was particularly strikingly and well-preserved, and with the ‘beehive’ Tomb of Agamemnon, clearly showed the scale and ambition of the civilisation.”

Before arriving at Mycenae, the group spent time in Athens, where they visited the Acropolis, the Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum, experiencing the foundations of Greek civilization. The journey also took them to Olympia, Sparta, the Menelaion, Tiryns, and the sanctuary of Apollo at Epidauros.

Reflecting on the trip, Head of Classics James Burbidge said: “This was an invaluable opportunity for the boys to learn about the ancient world while spending time at some of its most important and memorable sites. We packed a great deal into this trip, from museums, art and archaeology to Greek beaches and food. The boys showed an interest in everything from the Bronze Age to the twenty-first century, and the sun shone gloriously all week; it was a pleasure to lead the trip.”