Trojan War
Ancient Greece
The First Beauty Pageant in the Ancient Greek World
The Judgement of Paris, which was likely the world's first beauty pageant, set off one of the most important narratives in ancient Greek mythology.
While beauty contests such as Miss Universe and Miss America may seem like thoroughly modern inventions,...
Ancient Greece
Was Helen Really to Blame for the Trojan War – or Just a Scapegoat?
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The outcome of Helen's relationship with Paris hardly needs to be repeated: the ten-year Trojan war and the destruction of the city.
Ancient Greece
Common Greek Myths Found Throughout Art History
Those who are well-versed in Greek mythology likely recognize many scenes from myths in famous artworks. In fact, apart from religious scenes, images from Greek mythology are one of the most common themes in European art.
Greek mythology is prominent...
Ancient Greece
Ajax: Exploring the Anguish of War in Ancient Greece
Sophocles' tragedy Ajax, about a triumphant Greek hero of the Trojan War who was driven to suicide, powerfully explores the anguish of war
Ancient Greece
The Curse of the House of Atreus One of Worst in Greek Mythology
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The Curse of the House of Atreus is one of the most well known and disturbing family curses in all of Greek mythology.
by Patrick Garner
The ancient Greeks dealt with the normal problems that still vex us today, but they...
Ancient Greece
Stunning Trojan War Mosaic Uncovered in England
Archaeologists in the UK uncovered on Thursday a stunning mosaic from the Roman era depicting the famous battle between two protagonists of the Trojan War: Achilles and Hector.
The artwork, measuring 11 meters (36 feet) by almost 7 meters (22.9...
Ancient Greece
Outer Space: The Setting of Ancient Greek Myths
Our solar system was always a source of fascination for the ancient Greeks, and outer space features prominently across the scientific, philosophical, and mythological output of ancient Greek society.
Ancient Greeks referred to constellations as "katasterismoi," which translates to "placings...
Ancient Greece
What Happened to Achilles After the Iliad?
Achilles, the main character of the Iliad, remains one of the emblematic heroes of Greek mythology and modern literature for his bravery and fierceness in avenging the death of his best friend, Patroclus.
Homer's epic poem, along with Odyssey, has...
Ancient Greece
The Deadliest Femme Fatales in Ancient Greek Mythology
There are many strong and powerful women, or femme fatales, who became known for their ruthlessness and cunning ways in Greek mythology, such as Circe, Clytemnestra, and Medea.
These women were powerful, and often deadly, forces, despite the fact that...
Ancient Greece
Guide to the Classics: Homer’s Iliad
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A central idea in the Iliad - a poetic work by Homer focused on the war for Troy - is the inevitability of death. The poem held a special place in antiquity, and has resonated throughout the millennia since.
By Chris Mackie
Homer’s Iliad is usually thought...