Have you read it yet? #ancienthistory

Just found out that in Ancient Rome there were the so-called ‘decuriales pullarii’: priests who took care of the sacred chickens which were used for predictions for military campaigns.

#ancientrome #history #romanreligion

As you undoubtedly will know, today is the #IdesofMarch and on this day in history: Julius Caesar met his fate in the Senate, struck down by conspirators. Just weeks before, this silver denarius was minted, proclaiming him Dictator for Life (DICT PERPETVO), a title that likely sealed his downfall.

I’ll be in Athens next month and thought—why not organize an in-person meet-up for fellow ancient history enthusiasts?
If you’re around, join me at Monastiraki Metro entrance on April 5th, 2025, at 20:30 for a casual evening of history, archaeology, and good conversation.

So let’s be friends?! What kind go vibe to you go for?

#history #ancienthistory #ancientgreece #ancient #rome #ancientrome #roman #greek #hellenistichistory #archaeology #archaeological

The Temple of Apollo at the Acropolis of #Rhodes, built between the 3rd and 1st century BC, was a major sanctuary dedicated to #Apollo Pythios. This Doric temple, once a landmark for ships, had six columns on its short sides and eleven on its long sides, each standing 11 meters high.

The Angelitos Athena (480–470 BC) is one of the earliest representations of the goddess in a more relaxed stance while still holding a spear. Dedicated by Angelitos and crafted by Euenor, this statue is from the Athenian Acropolis.

#history #ancientgreece #archaeology

Philip Matyszak’s A Walk Through Ancient Rome is a tour of Rome, blending history with storytelling. From temples to forums and bathhouses, the book brings ancient Rome to life with maps, anecdotes and detailed descriptions. It is a great starting point for teaching!

#historybooks #ancienthistory

Hi, I'm Elke! I'm an ancient historian, classics teacher, and museum enthusiast with a passion for all things Ancient Greece and Rome. Whether I'm traveling to archaeological sites, writing about history, or teaching, I love sharing the ancient world with others.

#ancienthistory

Standing beside the 10-meter columns of the Temple of Zeus at Nemea, you realize just how massive these structures were. The Greeks didn’t just build—they created monuments that dwarfed the people who stood before them, making their presence felt across time.

#history #archaeology

This 1st-century AD bronze of Eros, from the Ambelokipoi Hoard, shows the god of love as a chubby child holding a plectrum, likely paired with a lyre. His ivy wreath links him to Dionysian joy and revelry. A hollow between his wings suggests it was a lamp stand.
#eros #ancienthistory

102 BC, during Rome’s campaign against pirates, a fleet crossed the Isthmus of Corinth—an engineering feat and a show of power. A Latin poem, carved in stone, commemorates the event.
#history #ancientrome #corinth #ancientgreece

In this 4th-century Roman villa, a sculpture of Cupid and Psyche stood. Psyche, a mortal, wins Cupid’s love but breaks his trust by looking at his face. Separated, she endures Venus’ impossible trials. In the end, Jupiter grants her immortality, uniting the lovers forever.

#history #valentinesday

As you may know, I once completed a PhD, which feels like a lifetime ago. I want to get back into research mode and so: once a week we dive into a more obscure topic of ancient history. Today we start with Megalopolis.

#megalopolis #achaeanleague #ancientgreece #hellenistichistory #polybius

The Piraeus Apollo, a rare Archaic bronze statue (530–520 BC or early 5th c. BC), once held a bow and libation bowl. Likely a cult image, it reflects the kouros type and marks a transition toward naturalism in Greek art.

#ancienthistory #apollo #archaeology

Okay, maybe a fact most people know already. But today I learned that the famous Ode by #Horace which starts with the line ‘Nunc bibendum est’ was a celebration of the death of #Cleopatra. Clearly, I need to get back into a closer reading of primary source material. #hellenistichistory #Latin

The Market Gate of Miletus, a 2nd-century AD #Roman façade, once connected the agora to the market. Now in Berlin’s #Pergamonmuseum, it was moved in the early 20th century, its fragments mixed with modern materials. It was restored multiple times, and remains far from its original home in #Miletus.

That feeling when you realise you’ll be in Greece for two whole weeks this year. And don’t have to pay. The only catch? It’s a school trip. But then again, those are the best! #teacher #teacherlife

The Ionic order, emerging in the 6th century BC in Ionia (modern Turkey), is famed for its elegant volutes—spiral scrolls on its capitals. Examples like the Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike in Athens showcase its slender columns and intricate design. #ionicorder #history

A 500 BC marble statue of Athena, carved from Parian marble, shows her in full armor, with her aegis featuring a gorgoneion and snakes. A masterpiece of Archaic Greek art, it reflects Athena’s role as protector and goddess of wisdom and war. Can you spot the colour? #history #ancientgreece #athena

The word “arena” comes from the Latin harena, meaning sand. In Roman amphitheaters like the Colosseum, sand covered the floor to absorb blood during gladiatorial games and hunts.

#ancientrome #colosseum ##romanhistory #ancienthistory #gladiators

These 5th-century BC red-figure pottery fragments from Athens depict #Athena in her iconic armor, complete with her helmet and aegis bearing the head of Medusa. Snakes visible on some fragments symbolize protection and rebirth, reinforcing Athena’s dual role as a warrior and a guardian. #ancient

Is it weird that the Duolingo owl actually scares me?!

This granite statue (1st century BC) from Alexandria likely depicts Cleopatra VII and Caesarion, her son with Julius Caesar. Combining Greek and Egyptian styles, it symbolizes power and unity, with Cleopatra offering her hand.

#history #ancienthistory #egypt

Sportsmen, you too can be like Hercules: this relief (AD 0–50) suggests. Hercules is depicted in a Roman palaestra, flanked by athletes striking classical poses. It was found in the Villa of Sallustius. What do you say: time to hit the gym?
#ancientrome #ancienthistory #hercules

Trying my hand at Latin prose composition for the first time since uni… for a course at uni… talk about a leap back into the deep end of ars rhetorica. But hey, if Cicero could draft speeches with enemies breathing down his neck, surely I can manage some prose after a few years away, right?