pickDefinitely enjoyed this book. The author did a good job with examining the history, politics, and culture of ancient Athens. The book also examines Sparta to a lesser degree, as well as the relation between Athens and other city-states. Overall, it can serve as a good starting point for anyone interested in learning about Athens.
In what is a supreme act of avoidance from writing grants (which probably won‘t get funded anyway in this climate), I decided to take a world literature course from Harvard extension. They offer a bunch of free online courses although I may pay the certificate fee just to support them. Gilgamesh is the first text they are discussing and I hadn‘t ever read it so finally getting to it
"Another innovation of Cleisthenes was ostracism. The ecclesia voted once a year, if there was demand, on the exile for ten years of a leading politician. Citizens could propose anyone they wished. There was no question of punishment for criminality, rather a desire, in Plutarch's phrase, to 'humble and cut back oppressive prestige and power.'"
-Anthony Everitt, "The Rise of Athens"
pickThis was very interesting. I‘ve read much about the Roman Empire and watched a lot of documentaries about the emperors themselves, but never did I come across a study of the life of „normal“ Roman people. This book shows the ordinary life with the help of 24 different persons. Especially the the person last chapter „The parasite returns from dinner“ was new to me. I never knew that there have been spongers who attended dinners to entertain. 🧽🧽🧽
You can recreate the recipes of Ancient Roman bread, as long as you‘re not interrupted by pyroclastic flows from a nearby volcano. 🤣🌋🤣🌋
… cheerful knowledge that the copyright expired centuries ago… 🤣🤣🤣
Next up for reading.
pickThis I definitely a nice introduction to Ancient Egypt, written from an interesting point of view - the one of the population. With general information in boxes and additional pictures it gives the reader a first insight into the culture. This is not a book for a pro though.
pickWho‘s in charge now?
