A marble bust identified as that of Antiochus V Eupator. Put on the throne of the Seleucid Empire at only 10 years old, his reign would be brief (164-162 BC), and most known depictions unsuccessfully tried their best to “age” the boy-king. 📸 Istanbul Airport Museum, originally Hatay (9/2023)

A marble bust identified as that of Antiochus V Eupator. Put on the throne of the Seleucid Empire at only 10 years old, his reign would be brief (164-162 BC), and most known depictions unsuccessfully tried their best to “age” the boy-king. 📸 Istanbul Airport Museum, originally Hatay (9/2023)

Now reading: “Roman Arabia” by G.W. Bowersock A concise account of western Arabia, running from the earliest days of the Nabatean Kingdom through its provincialization in the Roman Empire. With my trip to Jordan and Petra earlier this year, an episode dedicated to the Nabateans is assured.

Now reading: “Roman Arabia” by G.W. Bowersock A concise account of western Arabia, running from the earliest days of the Nabatean Kingdom through its provincialization in the Roman Empire. With my trip to Jordan and Petra earlier this year, an episode dedicated to the Nabateans is assured.

Now reading: “Ancient Antioch: From the Seleucid Era to the Islamic Conquest” - Andrea U. De Giorgi A history of the most famous Seleucid foundation, going from one of many capitals to a premier city rivaled only by Rome and Alexandria. Thank you to listener Scott for donating!

Hope you've enjoyed our latest episode! Next time we return to Syria, as the reign of the boy-king Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias is troubled by usurpers, Maccabees, and arrogant Romans. Yet the biggest threat was his uncle Demetrius, who escapes Italy to reclaim the throne. Stay tuned!

Hope you've enjoyed our latest episode! Next time we return to Syria, as the reign of the boy-king Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias is troubled by usurpers, Maccabees, and arrogant Romans. Yet the biggest threat was his uncle Demetrius, who escapes Italy to reclaim the throne. Stay tuned!

In antiquity, there was a popular Greek expression known as “tria kappa kakista” essentially “the three bad k’s”: this refers to Cilicia, Cappadocia, and Crete. These regions were notorious for producing brigands, mercenaries, pirates, and other “lowly“ professions. (Suda, s.v. tria kappa kakista)

A silver denarius, issued by Octavian (now the Emperor Augustus) in 28 BC. The reverse of this coin shows a Nile Crocodile with the phrase “AEGYPTO CAPTA” (“Egypt is Captured”), celebrating his victory over Cleopatra VII and annexation of Egypt 📸 Art Institute of Chicago (9/2025)

New episode! 110: Ptolemaic Egypt - Two's Company, Three's a Crowd The tripartite division of power between Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II proves shaky, and the Romans are called to handle one of the most dysfunctional families in antiquity. tinyurl.com/yc5am3ky

New episode! 110: Ptolemaic Egypt - Two's Company, Three's a Crowd The tripartite division of power between Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II proves shaky, and the Romans are called to handle one of the most dysfunctional families in antiquity. tinyurl.com/yc5am3ky

Now reading: “War in the Hellenistic World” by Angelos Chaniotis Rather than tactics or strategy, this work delves into the ideology, motivations, and consequences of warfare throughout the Hellenistic Age, an era that saw a great number of macro- and micro-level conflicts.

Now reading: “War in the Hellenistic World” by Angelos Chaniotis Rather than tactics or strategy, this work delves into the ideology, motivations, and consequences of warfare throughout the Hellenistic Age, an era that saw a great number of macro- and micro-level conflicts.

“Should any mortal fate befall me before I can leave behind heirs to the throne, I bequeath the kingdom that belongs to me to the Romans, for whom I have from the beginning preserved our friendship and alliance with sincerity. " -Ptolemy VIII Physcon, March 155 B.C. (SEG 9.7)

“Should any mortal fate befall me before I can leave behind heirs to the throne, I bequeath the kingdom that belongs to me to the Romans, for whom I have from the beginning preserved our friendship and alliance with sincerity. " -Ptolemy VIII Physcon, March 155 B.C. (SEG 9.7)

Exciting news: a new copy of the Canopus Decree of 238 BC, written during the reign of Ptolemy III and Berenice II, has been found intact and providing us with a Hieroglyphic version for the first time. Looking forward to any new insights gleaned from it. arkeonews.net/archaeologis...

Now reading: “Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires: Integration, Communication, and Resistance” - ed. C. Fischer-Bovet and S. von Reden A recent publication offering a cross examination of the two mightiest Hellenistic empires (and the fiercest rivals). Thanks to listeners for donating!

Now reading: “Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires: Integration, Communication, and Resistance” - ed. C. Fischer-Bovet and S. von Reden A recent publication offering a cross examination of the two mightiest Hellenistic empires (and the fiercest rivals). Thanks to listeners for donating!

I hope you've enjoyed the newest episode! Next time, we'll return to Egypt to see how Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II recover from their near-destruction in the Sixth Syrian War: by immediately plotting to oust each other out of power. Did you expect anything less? Stay tuned!

I hope you've enjoyed the newest episode! Next time, we'll return to Egypt to see how Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II recover from their near-destruction in the Sixth Syrian War: by immediately plotting to oust each other out of power. Did you expect anything less? Stay tuned!

A new #Podcast is out #Skystorians! We sit down with @hellenisticpod.bsky.social to discuss the challenges of doing history on poorly recorded times in history, the influence of Hollywood on perceptions of the time period & what historical records we wish were still around!

*New Episode* 109: The Seleucid Empire - A Sinful Root Despite the humiliation at Eleusis, Antiochus organizes an enormous festival at Daphne to peacock his empire's strength, but his death in Iran in 164 would start the dynasty down the path that would lead to its destruction tinyurl.com/3z9b5sts

Something tells me that Ptolemy VIII is going to be a fan-favorite of the show. This guy is a real piece of work.

I hope you've enjoyed our latest episode! Next time, we conclude the reign of Antiochus IV, who holds an enormous celebration in Daphne to dazzle the Greek world, before departing on his ill-fated anabasis into the Upper Satrapies, leaving the empire dancing on a knife's edge. Stay tuned!

I hope you've enjoyed our latest episode! Next time, we conclude the reign of Antiochus IV, who holds an enormous celebration in Daphne to dazzle the Greek world, before departing on his ill-fated anabasis into the Upper Satrapies, leaving the empire dancing on a knife's edge. Stay tuned!

An Egyptian Queen’s Gold Coin Unearthed in Jerusalem Means a Rare Glimpse into Hellenistic Power - Numismatic News www.numismaticnews.net/egyptian-que...

Seleucid troops from the Daphne Procession of Antiochus IV in 166/165 B.C. The painting depicts cataphracts (left), a rider of the Companion cavalry (top right), and a mercenary of the “thureophoroi” (bottom right). Painted by the late great Angus McBride.

108: The Seleucid Empire - The Maccabean Revolt Chaos in Jerusalem leads Antiochus IV to plunder its famed Temple. In response, a rebellion spearheaded by Judas Maccabee ("the Hammer") and the Hasmoneans re-captures the Temple, forming the basis of the Hanukkah story. tinyurl.com/yc8ycaur

108: The Seleucid Empire - The Maccabean Revolt Chaos in Jerusalem leads Antiochus IV to plunder its famed Temple. In response, a rebellion spearheaded by Judas Maccabee ("the Hammer") and the Hasmoneans re-captures the Temple, forming the basis of the Hanukkah story. tinyurl.com/yc8ycaur

Now reading: “The Civil Wars” - Appian Writing in the second century AD, the historian Appian of Alexandria provides us with the only comprehensive account of the late Roman Republic from the reforms of the Gracchi down to the formation of the Second Triumvirate (133-35 BC).

N: Goose Bay Air Base, Newfoundland, Canada E: Amman, Jordan W: Glacier National Park, Montana U.S. S: Miami, Florida U.S. Would it surprise you to hear that my northernmost and easternmost visits happened on the same trip within less than 24 hours?

Now reading: “On the Syrian Goddess” by Lucian of Samosata Written by a Roman satirist of the second century AD, Lucian (allegedly) describes the practices of the cult of Atargartis in Hierapolis (Pammukale), providing a rare eyewitness account of the religious customs of the Greco-Roman Near East.

I hope you've enjoyed our newest episode. Next time, revolt in Judea! Under the leadership of Judas Maccabee and his brothers, a rebellion forms after Antiochus IV attacks the Temple of Jerusalem and sets up the "abomination of desolation" following his return from Egypt. Stay tuned!

107: Jews and Judaism from Alexander the Great to Antiochus III From their homeland in Judea to the many communities of the Diaspora, we cover the history and experiences of the Jews living under Greek rule down to just before the Maccabean Revolt. tinyurl.com/5chp349e

107: Jews and Judaism from Alexander the Great to Antiochus III From their homeland in Judea to the many communities of the Diaspora, we cover the history and experiences of the Jews living under Greek rule down to just before the Maccabean Revolt. tinyurl.com/5chp349e

Now reading: Selected Letters by Cicero A curated volume of the orator’s correspondence with his friend Atticus, Caesar, Brutus and others, giving us exceptional documentation of the final years of the Roman Republic. Thanks to listener Matthew for donating this to the show!

Now reading: “Lives of Eminent Commanders” by Cornelius Nepos A collection of short biographies, primarily of Greek generals, but Nepos also covers non Greeks like Hamilcar and Hannibal Barca. He is one of the earliest biographers we have, but is not as well received as Plutarch.

Where do I start with Cicero? Any preferred translations or editions?

Where do I start with Cicero? Any preferred translations or editions?

Finally managed to get new bookcases at long last! For the first time in 10 years I actually have room to add more space, which I took the liberties of updating with all the books I’ve managed to accumulate (or hoard?) The above wall is soon to be properly decorated with photos from my trips.

In the Greek-speaking communities of the diaspora, the Jews translated the name of God (YHWH) into the titles Theos Megalos (“the Greatest God”) and Theos Hypsistos (“the Highest God”), which have been found on inscriptions from ancient synagogues in places like Alexandria. CIJ II 1432, 1433

On the next episode of the podcast, we'll cover the experience of the Jews under Greek rule, as we explore how the communities of both Judea and the Diaspora responded to the growing influence of Hellenistic culture and political turmoil of the Successor Kingdoms (323-187 B.C) Stay tuned!

Lords of the Dance: it was considered customary for Macedonian kings to perform dances during banquets, equipped in full armor or entirely naked. It is believed to be religious or ceremonial, but such “war dances” were quite common throughout Greece. (Athenaeus, 4.155b, 5.195e-f, 12.550b)

Lords of the Dance: it was considered customary for Macedonian kings to perform dances during banquets, equipped in full armor or entirely naked. It is believed to be religious or ceremonial, but such “war dances” were quite common throughout Greece. (Athenaeus, 4.155b, 5.195e-f, 12.550b)

If you wish to support my endless hunger for Loebs and other books that would be useful for the podcast, please consider checking out the official wish-list for Hellenistic Age reading materials: tinyurl.com/vfw6ask

When you know the beginning and end of the story and just skip the middle parts.

New read: “The Learned Banqueters” by Athenaeus A remarkable work due to the breadth of topics and number of literary references contained within: over 1000 authors and 10,000 quoted lines, many we would otherwise have lost, including several Hellenistic writings. Snatched up in the Loeb sale!

Gaudeat emptor: Our Loeb summer sale is on. Now through 6/30, enjoy 30% off all Loeb Classical Library books with the code LCL30. There's no better time to brush up on your Greek and Latin. 📗📕 ⤵️

*New Episode!* 106: Jewish Literature in the Hellenistic Age We take a look at selected writings: the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Daniel, the dynastic histories of I and II Maccabees, and the extensive corpus of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. tinyurl.com/y9nme4xk

Now reading: “Herod the Great: Jewish King in a Roman World” - Martin Goodman I like this new trend of publishing smaller yet still scholarly biographies of figures who are more obscure to the general public.