History is an account, mostly false, of events, mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers, mostly knaves, and soldiers, mostly fools. (Ambrose Bierce, 1842-1814. Definition of history; The Cynics Word Book. 1906) »
Manolis thought that the previous competition was way too easy. So, he decided to ask you something a bit more difficult. This is for specialists of the Hellenistic period who also know modern Athens. It is a poem of the Hellenistic period. It is also the name of a modern-day suburb of Athens. Which poem is it? »
The Winter Semester is upon us! Tomorrow I start teaching and I feel that I am not as prepared as I should be. I have been dealing with the administration and rewriting of modules for the past three weeks but everything seems to be half finished. A sense of inadequacy and fear lurks somewhere in the deeper folds of my soul, as the students are arriving for their lessons. Even before teaching starts, I am already overworked, tired and anxious about the outcome. And I am probably not the only one.... »
Last Sunday I went for tango in Market Harborough. There, I have been introduced to a young dancer with excellent leading skills. Curious about his style, I asked him where he took tango lessons. He mentioned that he started in Paris and then he continued in Canada and the UK. Then it was my turn to reveal the whereabouts of my teachers: Ireland, UK, Italy, Germany and Greece. The next question took me by surprise. He asked me: Are you a Researcher? How could he have guessed? Was it my scholarly... »
All the eminent ancient historians who read this blog have not been able to solve the previous quiz. How is that possible? In any case I will withhold the answer until a knight in shiny armour comes forward to rescue the reputation of our professionals. This week Manolis decided to ask you something easy. here it goes: “We have set up equality between slaves and free men” Pseudo-Xenophon (“Old Oligarch”), 1.12 Can you remember the name of a slave who became an Athenian ci... »
Before I even start writing today’s post, I should state that I am NOT a crypto-activist. My love for the ancient world, though, prompts me to bring to your attention some monuments, which are in need of protection. One of these is the ancient Diolkos, the pathway (6-8 km) from the Saronicos to the Corinthian Gulf, which allowed boats to be transported overland. It facilitated the transportation of goods and people, whether these were destined for commerce or for military campaigns. It remained ... »
I am sorry I have not posted the competition yesterday but moving back to the UK and suffering from the snow took its toll. Manolis, who is a Peloponnesian History buff, send us another one of his quizzes. “I feel that we will leave this war (i.e.the Peloponnesian War) as a legacy to our children” King Archidamus in 432 BC (Thucydides, 1.81.6) Did they leave the war to their children? I believe they did. Prove it by naming pairs of fathers and sons, who are both active in Thucydi... »
How many countries do you know that dedicate themselves to destroying their own heritage? How many countries do you know that, at the same time, profit from their classical tradition? Greece must be one of them. The Greek government and the Greek people are proud for the development of two industries: shipping and tourism. Of these, tourism relies heavily on the existence, upkeep and advertisement of its ancient monuments. The ministry of tourism focuses its campaigns on the “fact” that Greece i... »
Ancient Historians are struggling to get their first post after they finish the PhD. The qualified candidates are too many, while the available jobs are always scant. In a previous article I insisted that the one prerequisite for getting a placement in a university is that the applicant should be a “good fit”. Even if this is essentially true for all cases, we should not forget that the competition is stiff and that the prospective candidates should meet also a set of other requirements. 1) ... »
Manolis strikes again! Today Manolis decided to send me an ancient history riddle. Try sinking your teeth into it! This person’s namesake became king through the machinations of a very influential Spartan. He himself lost his right to the throne through the machinations of another very influential Spartan. But was he a Spartan more than he was an Athenian? Who was he? »