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-Xenoph... »
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 o... »
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 childr... »
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... »
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 competitio... »
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? »