New Money in the Ancient World
It turns out the “invention” of money in the ancient Near East came about during a time of crisis and shrinking economy. It starts with handy “portable wealth.”
Home » Community Potpourri »
Community Potpourri
A New Kind of Iliad
There have been some successful onstage versions of the Iliad lately. This one definitely caught my attention–aerial display, music, a new interpretation.
Goddesses and Mythic Transmission
An article about a book called Goddesses of Myth and Cultural Memory has me thinking more about the blending and borrowing across the ancient Mediterranean, European, and Near Eastern world.
Schliemann, the Discoverer & Destroyer of Troy
In the annals of archaeology one man stands out as a particularly egregious villain. Like various contemporary “visionary” businessmen today, Heinrich Schliemann used his abundant cash to do whatever he wanted and ignored the scientific, expert advice of his day. That didn’t work out well for the archaeological remains of Troy.
Magical stones and Sumerian Lyricism
During a trip down a research rabbit hole, I first found an article about Mesopotamian magic stones and then a translation of Sumerian poetry that feels tragically appropriate for this contemporary moment when so many must abandon their homes and flee for their lives.
Beyond Letters: Royal Visits between Great Kings?
Did the Great Kings (and Queens) of the Bronze Age get together for royal visits? Or did they depend solely on diplomatic letters? In terms of my fiction, did Tesha ever sit down for a feast with Pharaoh? The evidence is tantalizingly fragmentary.
Exploring Tutankhamun’s Dagger from the Sky: Ancient texts & scientific analysis
Among his myriad tomb treasures, Tutankhamun’s dagger made of iron has long intrigued archaeologists and the public. The mysterious knife has an elaborate gold hilt and sheath. Clearly a treasure worthy of a king. But how did someone forge an iron weapon during the Bronze Age? Who did the work, and how did it get into Tutankhamun’s grave?
Troy, the Archaeological Site
When I visited the site in Turkey that archaeologists generally agree is Homer’s Troy, I felt a sizzle of excitement to be surrounded by the remains of a place so dear to my heart. But, I’ll confess, imaging Troy in its grandeur isn’t easy when you visit. It’s a complicated joy that can benefit from knowing the history of the site, which makes me welcome this enjoyable introduction in the Smithsonian’s recent article “In Search of Troy.”
Interview with Simon Rose: The Stone of the Seer
I bring you a delightful change of pace: a guest interview with Simon Rose, author of The Stone of the Seer, a YA historical fantasy adventure set in the English Civil War.
Magical Medicines of Mesopotamia & Greece
For a writer, assembling the precise details regarding the magical medicines of a Hittite healing priestess can be a challenge. There’s an abundance of mentions in ancient texts, but too often we don’t know what the words actually refer to. Here’s a clever detective story of how scholars identified one of these “lost” plants used in medico-magical rites.