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Book Club

Book Club | July 2020: Quintus Smyrnaeus Fall of Troy 5–9

So when all other contests [aethloi] had an end, the goddess Thetis laid down in the midst great-hearted Achilles’ arms immortally wrought; and all around flashed out the cunning work with which mighty Hephaistos overchased the shield fashioned for the the dauntless-spirited descendant of Aiakos. ….. Then among the Argives Thetis dark-veiled in her deep sorrow for Achilles spoke these words [mūthos]: “Now all the contest [agōn] prizes [aethla] have… Read more

Topic for Discussion

Marriage | Part 2: Wedding

A wedding ceremony is a celebratory marker for the bride and groom as well as for their two families. Further, this joyful event, rich with rituals, extends to the community that the bride and groom are part of. In ancient Greece, weddings were celebrated with many customs and rituals attached. The roles were assigned and expected to be performed according to traditions. Kirk Ormand in his book titled Exchange and… Read more

Topic for Discussion

Marriage | Part 1: Music

In this post we are going to examine some aspects of marriage, and its music which come traditionally with singing and dancing. In today’s marriages music, singing and dancing play an essential role in rituals and traditions. Music is played at the beginning of the ceremony, carefully chosen songs are sung during the ceremony, and people dance and sing during the feast. Were rituals and traditions related to music in… Read more

Visiting Scholars

Open House | “Poeti Vaganti” in Delphi and Delos, with Angela Cinalli

We were excited to welcome Angela Cinalli of “La Sapienza” University of Rome, for an Open House, entitled “Itinerant professionals of literature and music in the epigraphic sources of the Hellenistic period. ‘Poeti Vaganti’ in Delphi and Delos.” The event took place on Friday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m. EDT, and was recorded. In preparation for the event, you might like to read the primary sources in this PDF handout:… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | June 2020: Quintus Smyrnaeus Fall of Troy 1–4

… peerless amid all the Amazons unto Troy-town Penthesileia came. To right, to left, from all sides hurrying thronged the Trojans, greatly marvelling, when they saw the tireless War-god’s child, the mailed maid, like to the blessed gods; for in her face glowed beauty glorious and terrible. Her smile was ravishing: beneath her brows, her love-enkindling eyes shone like to stars, and with the crimson rose of shamefastness bright were… Read more