Ancient Greece

James Romm examines some intriguing new theories about a long-standing historical mystery.

Contemporary culture places a high premium on novelty. Armand D’Angour argues that we should consider the more balanced views about old and new found in classical Greece.

Robin Waterfield looks at the influence of the mother of Alexander the Great in the years following her son’s death.

Michael Scott looks at how a time of crisis in the fourth century BC proved a dynamic moment of change for women in the Greek world.

At the end of the 19th century, with religious belief under increasing attack, the British antiquarian Arthur Evans sought to ‘re-enchant’ the world with his utopian interpretation of Crete’s ancient Minoan civilisation, as Cathy Gere explains.

The popular image of Socrates as a man of immense moral integrity was largely the creation of his pupil Plato. If we examine evidence of his trial, argues Robin Waterfield, a different picture emerges, of a cunning politician opposed to Athenian democracy.

Robert Garland considers the meaning of fame and celebrity to the Greeks and Romans.

Robert Garland asks what murder meant to the apparently bloodthirsty Greeks and Romans.

Jeri DeBrohun looks at the meanings expressed in the style of clothes and personal adornment adopted by men and women in the ancient world.

Paul Cartledge explores the differences between today’s interpretation of the Olympic Games and their significance in the ancient world