The History of Ancient Greece
The History of Ancient Greece Podcast is a deep-dive into one of the most influential and fundamental civilizations in world history. Hosted by philhellene Ryan Stitt, it spans over two millennia from the Bronze Age to the Roman conquest. The podcast covers military and political history, as well as society, culture, art, architecture, philosophy, literature, religion, and science. It situates the Greeks within a multicultural Mediterranean context, highlighting influences and interactions with other peoples.
Episodes
112 Ah War, Here We Go Again
In this episode, we discuss the first three years of the Korinthian War from 395-393 BC, including the Persian-backed formation of the Quadruple Alliance of Thebes, Korinth, Argos, and Athens against Spartan expansionism; the Theban victory at the Battle of Haliartos, resulting in the death of Lysandros; the recall of Agesilaos from Asia Minor; the battles of Nemea and Koroneia, in which the Spart
111 The Spartan Hegemony
In this episode, we discuss Spartan imperial policy at home and abroad in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War from 404-396 BC, including the overreaching imperial ambitions of Lysandros and his political downfall; Sparta's retribution and influence operations in the Peloponnesos and northern Greece; the ascension of Agesilaos II to the throne; Sparta's domestic tensions and Kinadon's foiled soc
110 Xenophon and "The Ten Thousand"
In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the Athenian military leader, philosopher, and historian—Xenophon (ca. 428-354 BC)—who was one of Sokrates' more famous pupils; and the post-Peloponnesian war Panhellenic campaign into the heart of the Persian Empire that he made famous through his Anabasis, including the Battle of Kounaxa and the "March of the Ten Thous
109 Sokrates
In this episode, we discuss the life and death of Sokrates (ca. 470-399 BC), who is widely considered to be the father of Western philosophy, with in-depth overviews of Aristophanes' Clouds and Plato's dialogue Euthyphro, Apologia, Krito, and Phaido Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2022/03/109-sokrates.html
108 The Thirty Tyrants
In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War at Athens, including the reign of the Thirty Tyrants, led by Kritias; the Athenian civil war, the restoration of the democracy; and a reflection on the consequences of the Peloponnesian War Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2021/10/108-thirty-tyrants.html
107 Sparta Triumphant
In this episode, we discuss the final two years of the Peloponnesian War (405 and 404 BC), including the comedic play "The Frogs" by Aristophanes; Lysandros' elevation to Persian satrap, his rebuilding of the Peloponnesian fleet, his tactical moves in the Hellespont, and his crushing victory over the Athenians at Aigospotamoi; the besiegement and blockade of Athens and the Peiraieus; and the Athen
106 Frustrations and Poor Decisions (Part II)
In this episode, we discuss the years 409 to 406 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the Athenians' achieving control in the Hellespont and Bosporos, Alkibiades' triumphant return to Athens, the ascension of Lysandros and his bromance with Kyros, the Athenian defeat at Notion and the disgrace of Alkibiades, Kallikratidas' victory over Konon at Mytilene, and the subsequent Battle of Arginousai w
***Special Guest Episode on Classics and White Supremacy w/Curtis Dozier***
In today's special guest episode, I am joined by Dr Curtis Dozier, Assistant Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at Vassar College. He is the producer and host of The Mirror of Antiquity, a podcast featuring classical scholars discussing the intersections of their research, the contemporary world, and their own lives. More importantly to our discussion, He is also the director of Pharos: Doing Ju
***Special Guest Episode on Race, Antiquity, and Its Legacy w/Denise McCoskey***
In today's special guest episode, I am joined by Dr Denise Eileen McCoskey, Professor of Classics and affiliate of Black World Studies at Miami (OH) University. She has written extensively on the politics of race and gender in antiquity and is currently at work on a project examining the role of eugenics in early twentieth-century classical scholarship. In 2012, she published her book Race: Antiqu
105 Carthage Enters the War
In this episode, we discuss the Second Greco-Punic War (410-406 BC), as hostilities in Sicily draw in Carthage and the Syracusan fleet away from the eastern Aegean and the Hellespont, including Hannibal Mago's first invasion of Sicily and the destruction of Selinus and Himera, the rebellion of Hermocrates, the rise of Dionysius as tyrant of Syracuse, Hannibal Mago's second invasion of Sicily and h
104 The Democratic Empire Strikes Back
In this episode, we discuss the years 411 and 410 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the shifting of the naval war to the Hellespont, the vigor that the Athenian democracy at Samos showed in carrying on the war effort against Sparta and Pharnabazos with victories at Kynossema and Kyzikos, the re-establishment of the radical democracy at Athens, and the transition from the historical account of
***Special Guest Episode on Greek Naval Warfare w/Marc DeSantis***
In this special guest episode, Marc DeSantis and I discuss his most recent book, "A Naval History of the Peloponnesian War: Ships, Men and Money in the War at Sea, 431-404 BC". In particular, we talk about the ship designs, naval combat, the financial burden of navies, and the overall war strategies of both sides. Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/07/special-guest-episod
103 An Oligarchic Coup
In this episode, we discuss the years 411 and 410 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the third and final treaty between the Spartans and Tissaphernes; the comedic plays "Lysistrata" and "Thesmophoriazusai" by Aristophanes; how the Athenians succumbed to civil war for the first time in nearly a century and saw an overthrow of their democracy by what is known as the 400; the vicissitudes of th
102 Livin' on a (Persian) Prayer
In this episode, we discuss the years 413 and 412 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including Athens' response at home to the Sicilian Disaster, the Spartan and Theban devastation of Attic agriculture and commerce from Dekeleia, the dissolution of the "friendship" between Athens and Persia, Sparta's building up of a navy and encouraging of revolts of Athens' subject-allies, the shifting of the war to t
***Special Guest Episode on 'Ovid and the Art of Love' w/Esme von Hoffman***
In today's special guest episode, I am joined by director and screenwriter Esme von Hoffman (Festival of Cinema NYC 2019 Winner for Best Director) for her film, Ovid and the Art of Love. Esme and I discuss her background with Classics and Roman history, what drew her to make a film about the life of Ovid, her artistic vision in adapting the film to a modern audience, and some of the decisions th
***Special Guest Episode on Greek Land Warfare w/Owen Rees***
In this special guest episode, Dr. Owen Rees and I discuss Ancient Greek land warfare in general with lengthy discussions on the definition of a hoplite, its socio-political importance, and the problems surrounding its chronology and historiographic tradition; the problems with the traditional reconstructive models of ancient Greek battles; the important role of cavalry and light infantry, particu
101 Disaster in Sicily
In this episode, we discuss the year 413 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the rise of Archelaos to the Makedonian throne, the Spartan establishment of Dekeleia, the defeats by the Athenian army and navy at Syracuse, and the retreat and ultimate surrender of the Athenians, which brought the Sicilian Expedition to an end Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/03/101-disas
100 A Sicilian Stalemate
In this episode, we discuss the years 415 and 414 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the Athenian attempt at blockading Syracuse, the death of Lamachos, the tactical blunders of Nikias, the arrival of Gylippos, and the "Birds" of Aristophanes Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/02/100-sicilian-stalemate.html Intro by Neil Eckart of the War and Conquest Podcast Websi
099 Frustrations and Poor Decisions
In this episode, we discuss the years 417 to 415 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the ostracism of Hyperbolos, the rivalry of Nikias and Alkibiades, the siege of Melos, the lead-up and first year of the Sicilian Expedition, and the prosecutions for the Hermai and Eleusinian Mysteries scandals Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/01/099-frustrations-and-poor-decisions.
098 The Peace Unravels
In this episode, we discuss the years 421 to 418 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the breakdowns of the Peace of Nikias; the rise of Alkibiades to prominence at Athens; the differences that arose between Sparta and some of their dissident allies; the diplomatic maneuverings that resulted in the quadruple alliance between Athens, Argos, Mantineia, and Eleia; and the decisive Spartan victory a
***Special Guest Episode on Mesopotamian Medicine w/Moudhy Al-Rashid***
In this special guest episode, Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid and I discuss ancient Mesopotamian medicine, in general, and her current research on the use of metaphor in descriptions of mental distress in cuneiform medical texts Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/11/special-guest-episode-on-mesopotamian.html Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid Post-Doc at Wolfson College, University of Oxford Twi
***Special Guest Episode on Classical Monsters and Popular Culture w/Liz Gloyn***
In this special guest episode, Dr. Liz Gloyn and I discuss her forthcoming book, Tracking Classical Monsters in Popular Culture (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019). This work is the first in-depth study on classical reception and monsters in Anglo-American popular culture from the 1950s to the present day. Throughout the book, Dr. Gloyn reveals the trends behind how we have used the monsters, and deve
097 The Road to Peace
In this episode, we discuss the years 423-421 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the death of Artaxerxes and the succession struggle that ends with Darius II on the Persian throne; the continuation of Brasidas' Thracian and Macedonian campaign; the 'Wasps' and 'Peace' by Aristophanes; and the deaths of Brasidas and Kleon during the second battle of Amphipolis, culminating in the "Peace of Niki
096 Athens on the Offensive
In this episode, we discuss the years 423 to 421 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the death of the Persian king Artaxerxes and the succession struggle that ends with Dareios II on the throne; the continuation of Brasidas' Thrakian and Makedonian campaign; the Wasps and Peace by Aristophanes; and the deaths of Brasidas and Kleon during the second battle of Amphipolis, culminating in the "Peac
095 The Greek World Turned Upside Down
In this episode, we discuss the years 426 and 425 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the current nature of Athenian politics as dominated by Kleon the anti-aristocratic demagogue, his feud with Aristophanes as seen in the comedic plays "The Acharnians" and "The Knights", the Battles of Pylos and Sphakteria that turned the Greek world upside down, and the brutal conclusion to the Korkyraean civ
***Special Guest Episode on Being a Modern Homeric Bard w/Joe Goodkin***
In this special guest episode, I am joined by Joe Goodkin, a Chicago-based singer/songwriter, who tours the country performing his one-man folk-opera interpretation of Homer's Odyssey. We discuss what it's like to be a modern bard and how that has shaped his understanding of the Homeric poems and ancient audiences, as well as what it means to be "non-traditional" classicists, and what we can do an
***Special Guest Episode on Translating Thucydides' Speeches w/Johanna Hanink***
In this special guest episode, Dr Johanna Hanink and I discuss her most recent book, How to Think about War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign Policy (Princeton University Press, 2019), what it was like to translate Thucydides, and the deeper meaning behind many of his speeches Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/06/special-guest-episode-on-translating.html Dr Johanna Hanink Asso
094 New Leaders and New Strategies
In this episode, we discuss the years 427 and 426 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the destruction of Plataia, civil wars in both Megara and Korkyra, and Athenian campaigns in Sicily, central Greece, and northwestern Greece Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/05/094-new-leaders-and-new-strategies.html Intro by Trevor Culley of the History of Persia Podcast Website: ht
093 Revolt in the Empire
In this episode, we discuss the years 428 and 427 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the introduction of Kleon and Nikias, the revolt of Mytilene (Lesbos) from the Athenian empire, and a "prison-style breakout" from Plataia Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/05/093-revolt-in-empire.html Intro by Rachel and Aisling of the Good Book Podcast Website: http://goodbookpod.co
092 The End of an Era (Part II)
In this episode, we discuss the years 430-429 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including a failed Spartan invasion of Zakynthos and Akarnania, Phormio's naval victories at Rhion and Naupaktos, an Athenian debacle at Spartolos, the end of the siege of Potidaia, the deaths of Perikles and Phormio, and a Thrakian invasion of Makedonia Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/05/092-end-o
091 Attrition and Plague
In this episode, we discuss the first year and a half of the war (431-430 BC), as both Sparta and Athens initiated their war strategies, including a Theban sneak attack on Plataia that began the war, Peloponnesian land raids on Attika, Athenian naval raids on the Peloponnesos and northwestern Greece, Athenian alliances with Odrysian Thrake, a famous funeral oration by Perikles, and a deadly plague
090 The Road to War
In this episode, we discuss the two major events over 433/2 BC that led Perikles to claim that he could see war "coming out of the Peloponnesos" (the Potidaia revolt and the Megarian embargo); the speeches given by the Korinthians, Spartans, and Athenians on the eve of the Peloponnesian War; and both sides' financial and military resources, war aims, and tactical strategies Show Notes: http://w
***Special Guest Episode on Ten Caesars w/Barry Strauss***
In this special guest episode, Dr Barry Strauss and I discuss the content and the methodology behind his new book, the Ten Caesars, his podcast Antiquitas, the importance of public history and writing for non-scholars, and leadership lessons from the ancient world. Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/04/special-guest-episode-on-ten-caesars.html Dr Barry Strauss Professor of
***Special Guest Episode at MFA Boston w/Phoebe Segal***
In this special guest episode, I am joined by Dr. Phoebe Segal, Mary Bryce Comstock Curator, Greek and Roman Art, at Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, MA). She gave me a one-on-one tour of their new "Daily Life in Ancient Greece" exhibit (in Gallery 212A-B) and allowed me to record our conversation while doing it. Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/03/special-guest-episode-at-
089 The Breakdown of Peace
In this episode, we discuss the mid-5th century BC history of two areas that were important economically and politically to Athens—the west (including the Sikel Revolt, Syracuse's defeat of Akragas, the establishment of the panhellenic colony of Thourii, and the new Athenian alliances with Segesta, Leontini, and Rhegion) and the northeast (including the founding of Brea and Amphipolis on the Strym
088 Thoukydides and Periklean Politics
In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the "Father of Scientific History," Thoukydides (ca. 460-395 BC); the nature of Athenian politics and political organizations in the time of Perikles; and the domestic political scene in Athens in the late 440s and early 430s BC, including Perikles' ideological clash with the conservative Thoukydides (not the historian)
087 Rhetoric and the Sophists
In this episode, we describe the development of rhetoric in the ancient Greek world as an art that could be studied and employed in the law courts and politics, and its importance especially in Classical Athens; the roles and various opinions of the Sophists, who were lecturers that traveled from city to city, teaching not only rhetoric but also all of the other subjects that were not being covere
***Special Guest Episode on Drinking and 'Sportsing' w/Amy Pistone***
In this special guest episode, Dr Amy Pistone and I have a lively discussion about ancient Greek drinking culture with a side of sports, aka how college students can relate to the ancient Greeks. Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/01/special-guest-episode-on-drinking-and.html Dr. Amy Pistone Visiting Professor of Classics at Notre Dame University Website: https:
086 Early Astronomy
In this episode, part four of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the earliest astronomical observations and calculations in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and their influence on ancient Greek astronomy; the various planets and star constellations found in Greek literature, as well as the origins of the Zodiac; the earliest Greek astrono
085 Mathematics and Early Pythagoreans
In this episode, part three of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the lives, influences, and various theories and discoveries made by Greece's earliest mathematicians, including Thales, Pythagoras, Hippasus and the early Pythagoreans, Oenopides, Hippocrates, Antiphon, Bryson, Democritus, and Theodoros Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryo
084 Pluralists and Other Physiologoi
In this episode, part two of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the lives, influences, and various theories put forth by the so-called Pluralist School (Anaxagoras, Empedokles, and Archelaos), as well as various other Pre-Socratic physiologoi (aka natural philosophers) not associated with a particular school, such as Hippon and Diogene
083 Eleatics and Atomists
In this episode, part one of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the lives, influences, and various theories put forth by the Eleatic School (Parmenides, Zeno, and Melissos) and the so-called Atomists (Leukippos and Demokritos) Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/11/083-eleatics-and-atomists.html Intro by Josh Ha
082 The Leader of the Muses
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Apollo, the god of music, poetry, prophecy, truth, healing, medicine, plague, light, and knowledge, who served as a kind of symbol for young Greek boys to emulate Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/10/082-leader-of-muses.html Intro by M.C. Williams of Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast Website: http://
***Special Guest Episode on Classics and Race/Ethnicity w/Rebecca Futo Kennedy***
In this special guest episode, Dr Rebecca Futo Kennedy and I have a lively discussion about race, ethnicity, immigration, and multiculturalism in the ancient Mediterranean in the first hour. Along the way we point out many of the misconceptions that there are on these topics, and in the second hour we discuss how these misconceptions were shaped by early modern European and American political thou
***Special Guest Episode on Classics and Misogyny w/Donna Zuckerberg***
In this special guest episode, Dr Donna Zuckerberg and I talk about her role as Editor-in-Chief of Eidolon, which is an online journal for scholarly writing about Classics that isn't formal scholarship. This leads us into a discussion about the importance of public-facing history. More importantly, though, we discuss her new book titled "Not All Dead White Men: Classics and Misogyny in the Digital
081 Orphism, Omens, and Oracles
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Orpheus and his Mysteries; the Orphic Hymns and the Orphic Theogony; the Orphic Hymn to Melinoe and her connection to the Mysteries, Hekate, and Hermes Psychopompos; the roles of omens, divination, and itinerant seers (including the mythic figures of Teiresias, Mopsos, and Kalchas, as well as historical figures like Lampon);
***Special Guest Episode on Roman Slavery and Gladiators w/Fiona Radford***
In this special guest episode, Fiona and I discuss slavery in the ancient Roman Republic and Empire and compare/contrast it with ancient Greece (plus lots on gladiators and Spartacus!) Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/09/special-guest-episode-on-roman-slavery.html Fiona Radford Co-Host of the Partial Historians Podcast Website: https://partialhistorians.com Facebook: htt
080 Hekate and Magic
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Hekate, the goddess associated with magic, sorcery, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, crossroads, entrance-ways, ghosts, and necromancy; including her connections and/or syncretizations with Iphigenia, Artemis, Selene, the Erinyes (also known as the Furies), the Keres, the Semnai Theai, Empousa, Lamia, Kir
079 Old Age, Death, and Burial
In this episode, we discuss what life was like for the elderly in ancient Greece, the liminal stage between life and death, the rituals and importance of the funeral and burial, the archaeology of the Kerameikos in Athens and its significance in our understanding of Greek funerary practices, the importance of the demosion sema and epitaphios logos in Athenian democracy, and the evolution of Greek
078 Healing, Medicine, and Disease
In this episode, we discuss healing and medicine in the ancient Greek world by looking at Asklepios, his healing sanctuaries known as Asklepieia, and the earliest physicians, including Hippokrates of Kos, the Hippokratic School of Medicine, and the Hippokratic Corpus; and bacterial/viral diseases, mental diseases, and disabilities Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/08/078-he
077 From Childbirth to Adolescence
In this episode, we discuss what it was was like in ancient Athens for a young girl or boy from birth to adolescence, by looking at childbirth, childhood, the various rites of passages that they must surpass on the way to becoming teenagers, the paideia education system (both Old and New) and finally the training young boys undertook in order to be accepted as a hoplite citizen warrior Show Notes:
076 The Goddess of the Young
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Artemis, the virgin goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, the moon, and the protector of the young Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/06/076-goddess-of-young.html Intro by Tanner Campbell of the Legends, Myths, and Whiskey Podcast Website: https://legendsmythsandwhiskey.com Twitter: https://twitter.co
***Special Guest Episode on Roman Women and Religion w/Peta Greenfield***
In this special guest episode, Peta and I discuss a few aspects in regards to the role of women in the religious sphere of Rome and compare/contrast it with ancient Greece Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/10/special-guest-episode-on-roman-women.html Peta Greenfield Co-Host of the Partial Historians Podcast Website: https://partialhistorians.com Facebook: https://www.face
075 Pregnancy, Abortion, and Divorce
In this episode, we discuss the medical and philosophical writings on women's bodies, particularly the Hippokratic Corpus and Aristotle, relating to the topics of menstruation, pregnancy, and the "wandering womb"; the various methods and techniques for conception, contraception, abortion, and exposure; the legal procedure for divorces (usually due to childlessness and adultery); and the ways in wh
074 Marriage and Domesticity
In this episode, we discuss the legal status of women in Ancient Greece (including the dowry and the epikleros), the betrothal and marriage rituals, and the ideal of separation and seclusion for women (the evidence for and against it) Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/04/074-marriage-and-domesticity.htm
073 The Oikos and Private Life
In this episode, we discuss the basic designs of ancient Greek homes and what type of furniture, decoration, lighting, and so forth might be found in them; the physical and idealistic seperation between the gynakeion (women's quarters) and the andron (men's quarters); the pitfalls to ancient Athens as an urban city (such as the street-side defecation), as well as the benefits (such as the gymnasia
072 The Wrathful Queen
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Hera, the queen of the heavens and wife of Zeus, and the guardian of women, marriage, childbirth, and the family unit Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/03/072-wrathful-queen.html Intro by Liv Albert of Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! Website: https://www.mythsbaby.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.co
***Special Guest Episode on Roman Sexuality w/Aven McMaster***
In this special guest episode, Aven and I discuss love, sex, and prostitution from the Roman perspective and compare/contrast it with ancient Greece Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/03/special-guest-episode-on-roman.html Aven McMaster Assistant Professor of Ancient Studies at Thorneloe University at Laurentian Co-Host of the Endless Knot Podcast Website: http://www.allit
071 Love, Sex, and Prostitution
In this episode, we discuss Greek love and sexuality by examining the formal social institution known as pederasty; the various theories of love as described by Plato (through various speakers) in his treatise, the Symposion; the various methods in which Athenian males (and non-citizen women) were able to have sex; the depiction of nudity and genitalia in art and masturbation; the various types of
070 The Goddess of Seduction
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, love, sexual pleasure, and procreation Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/02/070-goddess-of-seduction.html
069 Slaves and Foreigners
In this episode, we discuss the notion of the barbaroi in Greek culture; the origins and philosophical theories for slavery; and the legal status and type of roles (and importance) that slaves and metics (foreign residents) had in the Athenian economy Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/02/069-slaves-and-foreigners.html
068 Travel, Trade, and Work
In this episode, we discuss the various ways in which the ancient Greeks traveled, whether it was via land or sea; the physical layout of the port of Piraeus and the commercial activity that took place there; the mining district of Thorikos and how silver was mined for coinage and how coins were struck; farming techniques and how produce/goods were sold in the agora; the various types of manufactu
067 Hephaistos and Hermes
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Hephaistos (the god of fire, metallurgy, and craftsmen) and Hermes (the messenger god of cunning and deceit and the protector of thieves, travelers, merchants, athletes, and boundaries) Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/01/067-hephaistos-and-hermes.html Intro by Abel Kay of The Tale of Rome Podcast
066 The Athenian Agora
In this episode, we discuss the construction, history, and significance of the Athenian Agora (the civic, religious, legal, and commercial nerve center for Athenian democracy), including a walking tour of what a visitor then and now would see Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/12/066-athenian-agora.html
065 The Athenian Akropolis
In this episode, we discuss the construction, the history, and the significance of the buildings on the Athenian Akropolis (including the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and a few others); together, these buildings mark the high point of the glorification of Athens, a confident assertion of its cultural leadership of Greece, a bold endorsement of its self-imag
064 The Protectress of Athens
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, craftsmanship, and strategic warfare who served as a kind of symbol for the city of Athens and civilization in general Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/12/064-protectress-of-athens.html
063 The Lord of the Sea
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Poseidon, the violent and unpredictable god who ruled over the sea Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/11/063-lord-of-sea.html
062 Agricultural Festivals
In this episode, we discuss the Attic calendar year with a focus on various agricultural festivals and ceremonies; starting in the fall at the time of sowing we work our way around the year, month-by-month, until it is time to sow once again; particular attention is given to the Thesmophoria and the Eleusinian Mysteries, including a walking tour of what a visitor then and now would see at the site
061 The "Two Goddesses"
In this episode, we discuss the primordial goddess Gaia (the personification of Mother Earth) and her relationship with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture; the myths and iconography of the "two goddesses," Demeter and her daughter Persephone / Kore (including the daughter's abduction by Hades); Persephone's dual role as Queen of the Underworld and an agriculture goddess, like her mother; and the
060 Hades and the Underworld
In this episode, we discuss the mysterious, shadowy figure of Hades (Lord of the Underworld); the Greek perception of the afterlife and those who dwell in it; necromancy (the summoning of the dead to answer questions); where and how one can make a katabasis (decent) into the Underworld; and Homer's description of the abode of Hades in Book Eleven of the Odyssey and then comparing and contrasting
059 Olympian Zeus
In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Zeus, the mighty patriarch who ruled over Mount Olympos; included are his Indo-European origins as the supreme sky god; his role as the god who maintains order and justice by presiding over normative civic, social, and family relationships; his connection with Themis (Divine Law), Nemesis (Revenge), and the three Moirai (the
058 Classical Temples
In this episode, we discuss the innovations during the 5th century BC in the realm of temple building (outside of Attika, that is); included are the Temple of Aphaia at Aigina, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Hera II at Poseidonia (Paestum), the Temple of Victory at Himera, the Temple of Apollo at Syracuse, the Valley of the Temples at Akragas (Agrigento), the Temple of Hera at Selino
057 Classical Paintings
In this episode, we discuss the innovations during the 5th century BC in the realm of painting on pottery, walls, and wooden panels; included are some of the most famous vase paintings of the Kleoprades Painter, the Berlin Painter, Onesimos, the Brygos Painter, the Pistoxenos Painter, Sotades, the Niobid Painter, the Achilles Painter, the Penthesilea Painter, the Pisticci Painter, and the Meidias
056 Classical Sculptures
In this episode, we discuss the innovations during the 5th century BC in the realm of free-standing statuary in the round, stelai, and architectural relief; included are the Kritios Boy and the Angelitos' Athena from the "Persian debris", the Tyrannicides by Antenor, the Charioteer of Delphi, the Artemision Zeus/Poseidon, the Riace Warriors, the Statue of Zeus Carrying Ganymedes, the Mourning Athe
055 The Dionysian Mysteries
In this episode, we discuss the Phrygian goddess Kybele; her cult's transportation from Asia Minor to Greece in the 6th century BC; her assimilation with various aspects of the cults of Gaia, Rhea, and Demeter as the Great Mother and as a civic protector (particularly in Athens); her cultic rites and influence on Dionysos (Bakkhos), particularly music, wine, and an ecstatic following; the myths of
054 Old Comedy and Aristophanes
In this episode, we discuss the Lenaia, the intricacies of Old Comedy, and what is known about the lives and works of the earliest comedic poets, who set the stage for Aristophanes and his eleven surviving works that effectively define the genre today Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/09/054-old-comedy-and-aristophanes.html
053 Euripides at War
In this episode, we discuss the historical context and major themes of Euripides' surviving plays that he produced against the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War, which include Children of Herakles, Andromache, Hekabe, Suppliants, Elektra, Madness of Herakles, Trojan Women, Iphigenia in Tauris, Ion, Helene, Phoenician Women, Orestes, and Iphigenia at Aulis (excluding Bakkhai) Show Notes: http://ww
052 Early Euripides
In this episode, we discuss the life, theatrical innovations, and tragic works of the third great Athenian playwright, Euripides; and the historicity and some of the major themes of his earliest surviving plays, which include Cyclops, Rhesus, Alcestis, Medea, and Hippolytus Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/08/052-early-euripides.html Intro by Sam Hume of The History of W
051 Sophokles
In this episode, we discuss the life, theatrical innovations, and tragic works of the second great Athenian playwright, Sophokles; and the historical context and major themes of his seven surviving plays, which include Antigone, Ajax, Oidipous Tyrannos, Women of Trachis, Philoktetes, Elektra, and Oidipous at Kolonos Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/08/051-sophocles.html
050 Early Tragedy and Aischylos
In this episode, we discuss what is known about the lives and works of the earliest tragic poets who set the stage for the first great Athenian playwright, Aischylos, to make all sorts of theatrical innovations at the onset of the Classical Period; and the historical context and major themes of his seven surviving plays, which include Persians, Prometheus Bound, Seven Against Thebes, Suppliants, a
