Manolis came up today with a very exciting question. Give it a try! Sophocles, Aristotle, Euclid, Eratosthenes, Theognis, Aeschines. Besides being some of the most famous writers and scientists of antiquity, what did all these people have in common? »
Italian archaeologists who have been digging at Pamukkale in northwestern Turkey announced that they found the grave of St Philip, one of Christ’s apostles. Responsible for the excavations is the Italian archaeologist Francesco d’ Adria. He explained that the tomb was found close to a church in ancient Hierapolis, where Philip died while he was preaching in Roman Asia Minor. The archaeologists have not yet opened the grave. Therefore we should just sit and wait until they present evi... »
Which Byzantine emperor became a widower three times in a span of three and a half years? »
“The Iris Project in partnership with The National Theatre is delighted to be able to offer friends and supporters an opportunity to win tickets to see their new production of Ibsen’s masterpiece, Emperor and Galilean. Now playing until 10th August. Emperor and Galilean is a major play from one of the greatest playwrights of all time… and no one’s ever seen it, until now. The National Theatre stages Ibsen’s magnificent farewell to epic drama. A company of 50 perform Ben Power’s exciting ne... »
Yesterday I witnessed the Greek protests in Constitution (Syntagma) square in the center of Athens. The square took its name from the chants of protesters during the uprising of the 3rd September 1843. Back then, the Greek people forced their Bavarian king, Otto, to abide by a constitution. Back then, my country was a protectorate of England, France and Russia. Today, Greece is a protectorate of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. As in 1843, Greek people today are asking for... »
“Most researchers believe that Egypt was the only closed currency system in the Roman world, e.g. a system in which the fluctuation of currency is restricted due to strict governmental control. In actual fact, there is another well developed closed currency system in the east, the provinces of wider Syria. The local silver coinage, the tetradrachm, was used exclusively in the markets of the Syrian cities. Their complete absence from excavations in neighbouring Asia Minor and Cyprus is prom... »
This byzantine emperor first had the Patriarch of Constantinople whipped, blinded and paraded on a donkey in the streets of the city. Then he just… restored him to his position! Who was this emperor? »
“Anatolian society: a joint conference, July 11-12, 2011 As previously announced, the Lexicon of Greek Personal Names and Monumenta Asia Minoris Antiqua projects are holding a joint conference in Oxford on July 11-12, 2011. Please note that the venue is now Wadham College. The theme on July 11 will be Naming in Anatolia and on July 12 Roman Phrygia. Details of speakers and topics follow below. Anyone interested is most welcome to attend, but we would ask those planning to do so to inform M... »
“THE HAPPINESS INDEX What David Cameron can learn from the Greeks and Romans A play by Sue Blundell Performed by David Acton “Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday?” Faced with this question in a government survey, John turns to a couple of ancient philosophers for advice. So what is happiness anyway? And how do you know when you’ve got it? By the end of the evening you should have a better idea what to say to the P.M. when your survey form pops through the letterbox. FOR ONE NIGHT ONL... »
By now it is twelve days since the protests started in the city of Athens. The message of the protesters was adopted by several other cities (Yiannena, Corfu, Patras, Larissa e.t.c.) while the number of people who wish to join seems to be on the rise. Apart from the usual shouting, chanting, marching and occupying public building, the meetings (surprisingly) include cultural activities. The other day in Thessalonike the protesters decided to dance argentine tango outside the White Tower! Several... »