His sculptures, paintings, and architectural engineering are often considered the high point of Western civilization.

But what influences and circumstances actually shaped Michelangelo Bonerotti, one of the greatest artists of all time.

Art historian William Wallace joins us today on Travel with Rick Steeves to explore this question

and to help us understand the importance of the Italian Renaissance.

And to experience the essence of ancient Greece from its historical sites to its

easy-going small towns we're exploring the mainland the Peloponnesian Peninsula

today with the help of two expert guides. Anastasia Gaetano and Colin Clement

joined us in a moment to recommend how to best soak up the sites and the mythology just a

short drive south from Athens. And we're celebrating a little history of our own.

Next week marks the fifth anniversary of the premiere broadcast of Travel with Rick Steeves.

This week you're listening to Program Number 200 in our series.

Thanks for being our travel partner.

It's Travel with Rick Steves.

What is it about Michelangelo the man that made him into such an incredible artist?

Hi, I'm Rick Steeves. We'll explore the influences in his life in just a bit with a man who

understands what inspired Michelangelo to create some of the greatest works of art of all time.

Let's start out today's travel with Rick Steve's by exploring the ancient sites and small-town charm of modern Greece, the easy way.

From Corinth to ancient Olympia with untrammed of modern Greece, the easy way.

From Corinth to ancient Olympia with untrampled beaches and quiet rustic villages drenched

in history at the end of the road.

The Peloponnesian Peninsula has everything the traveler to Greece is looking for and it's just a few hours

drive from Athens.

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