Archives / 2011 / November

Preservation program in Athens

constantinakatsari November 25, 2011

“I would like to inform you about a program in Athens, Greece, this coming January. This 12 day visit of Athens will be a thoughtful exploration of the preservation and conservation issues facing the city. The program involves a series of lectures and tours lead by Athenian architects, historians, conservators and planners who have been dealing with the problem of preserving monuments and cultural heritage in the midst of a growing modern city. Subjects covered will include: history and ev... »

Go Greek for a Week. Classical Ideals as Propaganda.

constantinakatsari November 16, 2011

At last, I managed to watch the Channel 4 program “Go Greek for a Week”. I have followed the discussions about its truthfulness, accuracy, attempts to discriminate against another nation e.t.c. with great interest. In this post, though, I do not intend to focus on the half truths, distortions and derogatory comments. Instead, I would like to bring your attention to the fine classical details that the producers included in the program. Have you noticed the repeated appearances of the Acropolis an... »

Breaking News: Geza Alfoldi died on the Acropolis

constantinakatsari November 14, 2011

Geza Alfoldi, professor at the University of Heidelberg, died on the Acropolis, probably from heart attack. He was in Greece in order to receive an honorary doctorate from Ionion University. It looks like Death took him before the honour was bestowed upon him. I was very sorry to hear the news but I cannot think of a more glorious death for such a diligent scholar of the Greek and Roman world. »

Live in Rome for free!

constantinakatsari November 14, 2011

“Residential Awards for Research in the Archaeology, History, Art History, Society and Culture of Italy from Prehistory to the Modern Period 2012–13 The British School at Rome is a leading humanities research institute with outstanding facilities and an international reputation for research and interdisciplinarity in Italy and across the Commonwealth. Our highly competitive and prestigious awards have provided many leading scholars with a critical base for their subsequent careers. Applica... »

Ancient practices affect modern sex workers

constantinakatsari November 12, 2011

Rogueclassicist brought to my attention the following advertisement for platform shoes. I checked out the shoes and they look like ancient kothornoi… With fluorescent lights. They are a shiny example of the influence of ancient history in modern sex industry. I think that the minister of education will be very happy to see that classics has an impact on the wider economy! I seriously doubt, though, that prostitutes in ancient Athens would have managed to leave traces on the road with their... »

Illicit trade of antiquities in Libya

constantinakatsari November 12, 2011

“London (CNN) — The looting of a large collection of priceless coins, statues and jewelry from a bank vault during Libya’s recent civil war has highlighted the risk of looting during times of conflict. Interpol is hunting for the hoard of Roman and Hellenistic objects — dubbed the “Benghazi Treasure” –stolen from the city’s Commercial Bank in May 2011. But the theft is not an isolated incident. According to UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General... »

Greek crisis and Classical Studies

constantinakatsari November 10, 2011

How does the Greek crisis affect Classics in the UK? Classical Studies in the UK are directly affected by the Greek crisis, not least because our research is about this part of the world. We regularly travel to Greece, we use its research facilities, we accept grants from its Foundations, we collaborate with Greek colleagues. On the whole, the fate of this country affects the fate of the discipline abroad. First of all, we should take into consideration the finances of the Greek students in the ... »

Today in Ancient History

constantinakatsari November 8, 2011

In 109 A.D. The emperor Trajan staged a naval battle. In 304 A.D. The martyrdom of Athenodorus. »

Ancient History Competition 53

constantinakatsari November 8, 2011

Which 4th cent. BC tyrant had the same name as a philosopher of the same era? »