The Dorus’ Finger

Many years ago, Basilio Coccheri left his former life behind and moved to Crete. For many years, he has worked as a tourist guide, introducing his guests to the island’s rich history and culture. While telling stories of how people lived on Crete a couple of thousand years ago, he dreamed of catching at least a glimpse of the people of the past and how they lived.

When he bought an old abandoned house near the ruins of a Minoan palace, he couldn’t even imagine the adventures that awaited him!

While repairing an old wine press, he discovered a narrow tunnel carved into the ground by a stream. Following this stream, he traveled back in time, where his dream came true – he saw firsthand how people lived on Crete 4,000 years ago!

This journey was described in the book “The Past is Underfoot.”

The unknown always calls to action, and having safely returned home from his first adventure, Basilio soon ventures into the tunnel again, this time to a different time—when the Mycenaeans ruled the island.

I described the mystery Basilio uncovered, as well as his adventures during this time, in my book, “The Ring of Queen Tiye.“

Several years passed, and a thirst for adventure drew Basilio underground again—into the tunnel.

This time, he finds himself in a turbulent time, when the island was conquered by the warlike Dorian tribes. Many Cretans refused to accept the oppression of their rule. People fled to the mountains, built their homes there, and attempted to resist.

Basilio arrived in this era just as someone destroyed the sacred statue of Dorus, the progenitor of the Dorians, and stole the sacred crystals and hands from the sculpture. Together with Agis, the old priest of Knossos, who graciously welcomed Basil into his home, he investigates the case and recovers the stolen goods. During his stay in this time, still referred to as the “Dark Ages,” he learns about the daily life and customs of the island’s people who lived there 3,000 years ago.