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? »
Today I have a surprise for you, a guest bloger. You all know Manolis, you all read his fiery comments and you all experienced his sharp criticism. Today, we decided that he should set up the Ancient History Competition in the form of a riddle. Try to guess the answer! Her husband was a Byzantine emperor. Her second husband was a Byzantine emperor. Her lover was a Byzantine emperor. Her first son was a Byzantine emperor. Her second son was a Byzantine emperor. Her daughter married a saint. Who w... »
It is time for our next competition. This is an easy one, so I will not give out any clues. What type of building is the one below, when was it built and in which city can you see it? »
During my Ancient History Competition, the right answer did not come from the archaeology headquarters. Instead, an outsider claimed the coveted and yet non-existent prize. Scott Hurst, a photographer from Texas, recognized accurately the Rampin Rider from the Acropolis museum. Without any previous archaeological knowledge he used the google search engine in order to find statues in museums. He employed various terms until he realized that the statue resembled closely the sixth century kouroi. A... »
I hope that today I will make no mistakes and that you will thoroughly enjoy the contest. I want to know the name of the statue(s), its date, the museum that hosts it and any other information you wish to divulge. »
The previous competition I set up was very successful. So, I thought of turning it into an institution. I will try to announce a new competition every week. If it goes well, I will be giving away real gifts. Well, nothing expensive given my financial state… So, here it goes. Which ancient theater is the one depicted in the picture? »
Ancient historians occasionally become concerned about their image. Stress levels rise every time a scholar needs to pick the perfect outfit for a job interview or the occasional lecture. Some of us are even concerned about our every day clothes. I often catch myself thinking, what do I wear today for my Staff and Student Committee meeting? O vanitas vanitatum! When in such a dilemma, I look for advice. Or, alternatively, I follow the fashion sense of my role models. These are not Givanchy, Vale... »
This week I took notice of a THES blog written by the Insecure Scholar. He lamented the fact that he is receiving invitations to teach at universities as a guest lecturer but none of these institutions is willing to give him a permanent job. At a moment of frustration I answered that he may be the best scholar in the world but this does not mean that universities are willing to pay money for his scholarly skills. Unfortunately, I have not expanded on this idea and this may have caused uncertaint... »
Today I thought I should challenge you. I would like you to answer the following question. In which Greek city can you see the Pegasus statue featured on my blog? Whoever answers correctly gets to meet me in person! Or rather, I get to meet him/her in person, in order to pay my respects. »
For the past few years I have been publishing through traditional means (articles or books). It is now time to explore the new mediums internet provides. I hope that bloging will not just be an exercise in narcisism but an attempt to reach a wider audience. Constantina Katsari »