Hellenistic people IV: Nabis of Sparta

On the blog, you’ll find a treasure trove of articles exploring various aspects of the Hellenistic era. This is part four in our Hellenistic Peoples Series, a series about some of individuals that shaped the Hellenistic Period, in which we take a closer look at Nabis of Sparta, the ruler of Sparta. Nabis rose to …

That time Greeks invaded Africa: Carthage’s struggle against Agathocles (311 – 306 BC)

In June 310 BC, a fleet under the command of Agathocles, the tyrant of Syracuse, set sail to Africa, in order to attack Carthage. After six days of sailing, once encountering and driving away a carthaginian fleet, Agathocles landed somewhere near Cape Bon (in modern day Tunesia). He ordered his ships to be burned, so …

Federal States: The Rise and Fall of the Arkadian Koinon

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 Sogdian Revolt against Alexander the Great

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 …

Travels in Greece II: the Southeast of the Peloponnese

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 …

The Greek Rajas of Ancient India

Very few people know that approximately 40 years after the death of the famous Cleopatra, a date generally considered to be the end of the Hellenistic period, a Greek king named Strato III still reigned over a small territory in eastern Punjab. He was the last of dozens of rajahs in ancient India descended from …

The Dark Side of Alexander The Great  

When Alexander died in 323 in Babylon, his myth immediately spread throughout the known world. For centuries, the Macedonian king has fascinated rulers, leaders and-the everyday man. The rapidity of his conquests and his young age made him legendary. Many were inspired by him, and even today his personality continues to enchant. Ancient sources tell …

Anyte: A Hellenistic Poet

During the Hellenistic period, which starts at the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, Greek poetry flourished in new directions. It reflected on the natural, physical landscape in ways Greek poetry had not before. The rise of pastoral poetry – poems about the idealized shepherd reflecting on nature – can be attributed to …

Hellenic vs. Hellenistic: a very big difference!

A few weeks ago, I came across this BBC article which was talking about how the art and architecture of the ancient Greeks is currently influencing many modern designs: from our interior to the jewelry we are wearing. More and more people are turning to the Greeks for help decorating their homes. While I fully …

Travels in Greece I : the nothern Peloponnese

I think that it must not come as a surprise, but I love Greece. I love the history of the country as well as the food, people and language. Having lived there for a few years, I have been able to travel extensively through several regions and visit the archaeological sites and musea. In this …