On my last trip to Greece a few weeks ago, I went to the temple of Aphaia on Aegina. Being there reminded me a little of my visit to the temple of Poseidon at Sounion, where you are also greeted with a stunning view. When I posted some pictures online, someone sent me a very …
Numismatics: Athens during the Hellenistic period
It’s time again for another post in our series on numismatics. This coin won the numismatic face-off we did on our Instagram account last week, so let us have a closer look at this coin from Hellenistic Athens. Athenian Coins Coins from Athens are among the most easily recognizable of the coins that were made …
Epigraphy: A Beginners Guide I
Ancient Greek texts are an important tool to learn more about the ancient Greeks and their history. Most people will know the information given to us via the writings of historians such as Herodotos of Halicarnassos, yet there are also the Greek texts such as decrees or funerary steles which tell us more about life …
Numismatics: Silver turtles from Aegina
Starting this week each week a specific coin will be put into the spotlight. This way you can learn more about the beautiful and diverse coins of the Greek world. I have been doing this on the Instagram account, so check out some of the pictures there or use the #NumismaticThursdays. The Silver Coin …
Hellenistic People II: Philopoemen of Megalopolis
The second figure I want to shine a light upon in the series on notable figures of the Hellenistic Period: Philopoemen of Megalopolis. Together with Aratus of Sikyon, he has to be seen as one of the most famous statesmen of the Achaian League. Ῥωμαίων δέ τις ἐπαινῶν ἔσχατον αὐτὸν Ἑλλήνων προσεῖπεν, ὡς οὐδένα μέγαν …
Hellenistic People I: Polybius of Megalopolis
One of the most prolific historians of the Hellenistic Age was without a doubt Polybius of Megalopolis. His Histories not only provide us with a plethora of information on ‘Rome’s rise to power’, but the wider political reality of the Hellenistic World of the third and second centuries BC. Our series on the ‘great’ Hellenistic figures …
Pubs and Publications: a PhD guide
Are you doing your PhD or planning to start one? There are plenty of blogs out there to help you guide you along the way. One of the most helpful blogs is by far Pubs and Publications. It was started back in 2015 by several history PhD’s at the University of Edinburgh with the sole …
Digital Tools for the Ancient World? Some suggestions
So you like the Ancient World? Good, then you are in the right place. Have you ever wondered how the research is done for the articles, blogs or books that you love reading? Yes? Then look no further! Of course, any good researcher starts with the traditional books and articles on the topic that you …
The Styles of Greek Pottery
Walk into any museum with a section devoted to ancient Greece and you will not go long without spotting a Greek vase. Due to the vast majority of Greek vases that survived from antiquity, they have taught us a lot about life in the ancient world. If you have examined one of these bowls or …
Numismatics
Numismatics is the study and collection of currency, including coins, paper money, and other things related items. These can include some very unusual objects such as cowry shells, cocoa beans and even cows or buck skins as they were used as forms of payment before the usage of these little pieces of paper and metal. …