constantinakatsari | Love of History

What do Vladimir Putin and Constantine the Great have in common?

constantinakatsari September 29, 2019

On the surface, there is no connection between today’s autocrat of Russia and the emperor of ancient Rome. A little bit of digging, though, reveals direct links between the two political figures; links that should not be ignored. As we are about to see, the study of classical traditions in New Russia and a comparison between the two figures is essential for the interpretation of modern politics. As you probably know, Vladimir Putin has been acting president, president and prime minister of Russi... »

Entrepreneurial Skills for Students in the Humanities

constantinakatsari June 2, 2016

When you move across academic circles, you notice a general discontent about the state of Higher Education. The complaints are shot from all quarters. The professors are lamenting the good old age when they had time for research. The lecturers are complaining about the burden of becoming jacks of all trades. The administrators feel like they are second class citizens in a university that still nurtures medieval hierarchies. And they all complain about the students who exhibit a newly acquired cu... »

Grexit and Brexit: The unholy connection

constantinakatsari May 11, 2016

Many of my British friends have been asking me lately “What is going on with Greece? The country is no longer in the news? Are things better?” At which point, I just want to scream! But, of course, I do not! I have been trained as an academic; hence, screaming should not be part of any sensible conversation. Yes, what is happening to Greece is preeminently sensible, and logical, and expected. The country is just completing Phase 1. Successfully! The New Left Government followed European rules al... »

Reflections of a former academic

constantinakatsari September 13, 2015

This week it is two years since I left academia. So, I thought it is the right time to reflect on the past year and the lessons I have learned. As you probably know, I left my full time academic post in September 2013 in order to pursuit a life of freedom. This may sound improbable, since universities supposedly guard intellectual freedom. Unfortunately, my experience in European institutions taught me that you can exercise this freedom only within the tight limits of the brand under which you o... »

Greek Austerity or Greek Default?

constantinakatsari June 28, 2015

Greece, a country with the longest democratic tradition in the world, announced a referendum. The Greek people are called to decide, whether they accept a new austerity program or not. The decision is a difficult one, not least because most of the population does not hold a PhD in economics. Well I do! And I can assure you that I also find the longwinded documents perplexing. Let me see what evidence I have in my hands. The new austerity measures follow the same recipe that created the Greek cri... »

A comparison of the economic crisis of Greece in the 3rd century AD and today

constantinakatsari April 26, 2015

When I published my monograph on the Roman Monetary System in 2012 I was accused that I did not tackle adequately the third century crisis. This was the most long lasting crisis in the Roman Empire that eventually led to an entirely new political, economic and social system in Late Antiquity. When I published my monograph on the Roman Monetary System in 2012 I was accused that I did not tackle adequately the third century crisis. This was the most long lasting crisis in the Roman Empire t... »

Ancient Artifacts from the Erotic Museum in Paris

constantinakatsari February 9, 2015

If anyone is offended or under the legal age, should look away now! A few years ago I visited the Erotic Museum in Paris. The museum is a dark place hidden away from the eyes of mainstream tourists. I found out about it from another numismatist. For those of you who are wondering, I was looking for inspiration for my research, since back then I was determined to embark into a long and fruitful trip into the study of ancient sexualities! I lost my interest very soon, since my love remains firmly ... »

Greek pride and national sovereignty

constantinakatsari January 31, 2015

This is the first time in many years that I am proud to be Greek. Last week, my people voted for an anti-austerity party that promised to restructure the welfare state in Greece. Syriza seemingly belongs to the radical left wing. In fact it is conglomeration of left and centre political parties that have one common denominator: they despise the Troika and its economic measures that impoverished the people. Yesterday, the minister of finance, Varoufakis, made it clear that the new government will... »

The boldest reformers in the Roman Empire: Diocletian and Constantine

constantinakatsari January 29, 2015

By the end of the third century AD the Roman Empire has been through 100 years of civil wars, plagues barbaric attacks and Persian invasions that run down the economy and weakened the State. Although the inhabitants of the Empire lived for years now in conditions of physical danger and economic instability, they never tried to question the decisions of the emperors and they never tried to rebel against the central authorities. The need for reforms, though, at least in the administrative... »

Happy and Healthy 2015

constantinakatsari January 3, 2015

I am so happy this year that I cannot help but want to wish the same for Love of History followers. Let us face it, some of you have been following this blog unfailingly for the past 5 years. As I am getting ready to take it to the next level, I would like to thank you for your support and eager readership. Without the encouraging comments and interesting discussions I would not have been able to keep at it for so long. So, enjoy the new articles and posts I will be uploading from time to time a... »

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