When you think of Sparta, an image will most likely form of hoplites formed in line or on march. Men in gleaming armour, surly eyes and possibly the odd six pack. Spartan society attracted a lot of interest both in the time of the ancient Greeks and later, its mystique cultivated by a lack of …
Today, federal states are a popular form of government throughout the world. Some examples include the European Union or countries like Belgium, Canada, German and the United States. Within a federal state, different governments (federal and regional/local) interact with one another to ensure an optimal working of the federation. However, it is not always easy …
The academic year has started again, so it is time for another guest post. This time Derek from the Hellenistic Age Podcast delves deeper into the connections of the ancient city of Babylon with the Seleucid Dynasty. How did the Seleucid rulers navigate the complexities of Babylonian traditions and local customs? What lessons can we …
Hellenistic sculptures is perhaps the most famous of the sculptures of the Hellenistic period. Now found at the Louvre, it has been speaking to visitor’s imagination for several centuries now. But where does it come from? The drama of Nike Where to begin? It has been on prominent display in the Louvre since 1884 and …
Today’s article by guest blogger Alexis Prescott is all about one of the most interesting of the Greek gods: Dionysos. There is no doubt that he was a popular and well-loved deity from the Greek pantheon. Not least due to the Athenian festival held in his honour – the City Dionysia – in which the …
Today we continue with a new part of our series on Hellenistic cities: Pergamon. This was an ancient city located in modern-day Turkey, which played a significant role in the political and cultural landscape of the Hellenistic period. The city’s strategic location, powerful rulers, and impressive monuments made it a major player in the Hellenistic …
Have you ever wondered how we still have poems or histories or stories written thousands of years ago? Were there publishers that long ago? Were there bookstores? How did these works survive? In an earlier blog post, we read a poem by Anyte, a Hellenistic poet writing 2,300 years ago. How is it we have …
As we near the end of the year, we continue our deep dive on different aspects of Alexander the Great’s life. Today’s guest post by Joshua Zapf looks at the troubles Alexander faced during his campaigns in Central Asia, a topic often overlooked public history. Alexander the Great’s military campaign is generally known for its …
After our very brief visit to the ruins of Sparta in my last post, it is time to see some more of the region! the author of this contribution, Dr. Carla Ionescu, an expert on all things Artemis, takes us into the Spartan wilderness to find the very elusive temple of Artemis Orthia, a local …
In the first part of this series, we have already been introduced to the northern part of the Peloponnese, the peninsula in the south of mainland Greece. Today we continue our journey along the mountains of Arcadia to the wild nature of the Mani region. Starting we do so in a region that is often …
