Writing fiction based in the ancient world requires creative use of somewhat obscure evidence to bring it to life, along with a dose of imagination. That’s especially true with fictional food from the past. A new exhibit at the Penn Museum explores how archaeology brings ancient foods back to life. It’s a fun topic to delve into.
I’m talking about Deep Point of View to the California Writers’ Club in Sacramento Friday June 2, 9-11 am. Anyone can attend–whether in person or on Zoom. There should be a recording on their website afterwards. Teaching workshops like this is a fun part of settling in to my writer life in California. I tell you all about it in this week’s post.
I hope you’re up for another travel post about Washington, DC. I wandered through the White House and I saw some cute critters. Come along and enjoy.
I traveled last week to Baltimore and DC, seeing a number of our core American “famous locations,” including one starring George Washington. I found a timely reminder as well as an enjoyable experience. So this week I’m leaping forward in history from my usual Bronze Age posts.
The Ishtar Gate of Babylon is one of the more iconic archaeological features of the ancient Near East. Built in the 6th century BCE, it has taken on a variety of meanings over the centuries. And it depicts a gorgeous procession of lions, bulls, and dragons. Check out how one monument provides so many different views.
Significant differences between the DNA of the men and women excavated on the Orkney Islands reveals a possible answer to why Bronze Age life came when and how it did to these islands off Scotland. The tales bones tell!
Some of the most beautiful ancient artifacts are cosmetic containers and utensils. The “swimming-girl spoons” from Egypt have always appealed to me for their grace, so I was delighted to find out what their mythic significance might have been and their ongoing legacy. I wish my dressing table had anything this lovely!
Feeling like some yummy lamb recipes? I created these with ingredients available to my Bronze Age characters.
I’m struck by how often in my research–like when I read about this 5,000-year-old tavern in Mesopotamia–I discover signs that ancient people share a lot in common with us today. Moreover, this seemingly ordinary tavern’s excavation wreaked havoc on the prevailing theory of social structure in this ancient city. So much came from 19″ below the ground!
Novels that retell myths, especially with a focus on women, are cropping up all over these days. In this post, I look at one of the top 10 lists for this sub-genre. I’d love to hear what you think, also.
