Versace’s collection for H&M sold out in minutes last month. I am not certain, though, if the enthusiastic shoppers are aware that Versace’s inspiration came from ancient Greece. In the following shoppers you can clearly see the effect of classical tradition. Again, I cannot but wonder at this sudden turn towards the ancient Greek civilisation this year. In any case, it is quite a positive one for Greek tourism. »
Which Byzantine emperor became a widower three times in a span of three and a half years? »
Today’s quiz should not be too difficult, as I decided to drop one small hint. Manolis insists that the this level of questions is appropriate for the intelligent people who follow the blog. And I agree! I cannot believe all of the questions, so far, have been answered so succesfully. So… Name a Hellenistic king whose father-in-law was a tyrant. »
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 ... »
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... »
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? »
My friends assume that I always wanted to become a historian. Well, I am fairly certain this is not true. I have a vague memory that when I was seven I was infatuated with surgery. At that time, my baby brother was admitted to hospital with hernia. Since then, I was determined to become a baby surgeon. Cutting up little people became the sole purpose of my life. My parents encouraged me to follow this path, hoping that one day I will become a rich and famous doctor. The “doctor” part may have be... »