Greek Tragedy in Prisons, Lead Coffin & Richard III, Engrave Phallus & Reconstructed King Tut Tomb

Teaching Greek Tragedy in Prisons

Dr. Nancy Robinowitz discusses at length her experience with the American prison system and the inmate's appeal to different tragedies. She discusses the distinct differences between the women likes and dislikes versus those to the men's. It is a very interesting find which calls as testimony Greek Tragedy playwrights' ability to call forth human emotion and identity that even "criminals" can detest or attest to. Which are plays do you think are their favorites? Learn more here.

Lead Coffin found new Richard III
The discovery of two bodies were found near Richard III (who was discovered earlier this year) and one the bodies is thought to be female. However, there is still mystery surrounding who were these figures within history and why were they buried so close to Richard III. Also, the discovery of the lead coffin leads one to believe that its noble patron must near by. However, all these answers will have to wait until tests reveal the answers. The rest of story can be found here.

Engraved Phallus may help determine Aosta's Foundation Date

Two phalluses (phalli) were discovered on a stone wall in Aosta along with the symbol of a spade and Capricorn. These symbols lead archaeologist to believe that the city was found during the winter solstice period  by Augustus Caesar roughly around 25 B.C.E The entire article may be found here.

King Tut's Tomb Reconstructed for Tourists

The original site of King Tutankhamen's tomb is bombarded with visiting tourist every year. So, conservationist have decided to build near the ancient tomb a reconstruction of the tomb with all its glory. It is a smart move to allow more tourists visit for longer periods without running a risk of destruction. Read on it here.

The Lovers' Coin: Antony and Cleopatra

The Lovers' Coin: A Rare Discovery of a Mark Antony and Cleopatra Bronze Coin

Antony and Cleopatra by Lawerence Alma- Tadema; Courtesy of WikiCommons

The story of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is a love story of seduction, exotic locations, love-triangles, family, politics, war, and suicide. More importantly, their love affair was connected to the rise and fall of the Roman and Egyptian empire. It is easy to see how their love affair is intriguing tale for centuries worth of audiences from Plutarch's portrayal to Elizabeth Taylor's role to HBO's Rome Series. While there are countless of images produce of their romantic and tragic life; there something extraordinary in contemporary pieces that show both couples.

A recent archaeological discover in Tel Bethsaida (Northern coast of the Sea of Galilee) yielded a coin with the images of these notorious lovers. 

The Cleopatra and Antony side of the coin. Hanan Shafir. Courtesy of the Bethsaida Excavations Project

 

This coin found in Tel Bethsaida was actually minted in the port of Akko (known today as Acre). The coin is made of bronze, is approximately the size of a quarter (21-23 millimeters in diameter). It was minted in the last half of 35BCE and/or the first half of 34BCE. [1]

  

An side image of the Cleopatra side with a parallel image of the Greek letters outlined.

Cleopatra's side of the coin, it is somewhat unclear in the photo above, but one can see the Greek word: ΠΤΟΛΕΜΙδΣ .[2] This is the genitive form of the noun Ptolemais which means: "of the people of Ptolemais.[3]" Ptolemais is the name for ancient Akko, which was founded by Ptomlemy II Philadelphus in the 3rd century BCE.

"The cities of the ancient Middle East had a habit of minting coins bearing the portraits of whoever was in power," says Dr. Ariel, head of Israel Antiquities Authority Coin Department.[4] In 35 BCE, Antony's recent victory over the Parthians(Northeast Iran and Armenia), and his bestowing Armenia to Cleopatra's sons and Cyprus to her daughter may indicate why the ancient Middle East considered him powerful.[5]

Dating the coin was an interesting journey. Dr. Arav of the Bethsaida Excavations Project said the dating system was difficult to find. He continued to explain to me through our email conversations: On the Cleopatra side of the coin, there is a small I (iota) and E (epsilon). The Greek alphabet goes as follows : A=1, B=2, Γ=3, Δ=4, and so on. Thus, I and E in their numbering system are 10 and 5 respectively. Therefore, the I and E means 15.

However, what does the 15 mean? Dr. Arav explained that book research was essential in the following discovery: The people of Ptolemais valued greatly the event of Julius Caesar visiting the area to rid their waters of pirates. This event happened in 49BCE, the people of Ptolemais therefore used their dating system in reference to 49BCE. Thus, 49BCE being the starting date, 15 years later would be 35-34 BCE.

Dr. Ariel said, "Coins with the portraits of Antony and Cleopatra are extremely rare. Only six have been found anywhere in the world.[6]" However according to the ancient numismatic reference site Wildwinds.com, there have been more than six discoveries of Antony and Cleopatra coins.[7] Though, it would stand that only six of the eight coins are in good condition. This coin would make the seventh. However, it has to be asked if the ancient Middle East considered Antony and Cleopatra powerful in 35 BCE (and perhaps other years as well); why are there not more of these "lovers' coin?"

The Battle of Actium 2, September 31BC by Lorenzo A. Castro

Courtesy of Wikicommons

However, it is not difficult to hypothesize that Augustus Caesar may have had them collected and destroyed after his victory at Actium. Augustus after all did destroy Antony's portraits after his death, but for some reason allowed Cleopatra's statues to remain in Caesar's Temple to Venus Genetrix.[8] Perhaps, Augustus admired Cleopatra that as a foreigner her ambition, cunning, and wit were understandable However, his unforgiving attitude towards Antony may have had to do with his sister Octavia. Antony's affair with Cleopatra was at the expense of Augustus's sister and Antony's wife Octavia and their children. Cleopatra as a foreigner was understood to be less than a respectable being, but as a Roman male citizen Antony's actions were inexcusable.



Silver denarius of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony , 30's BCE. Courtesy of the British Museum

It is these rare coins which provide a look into Antony's and Cleopatra's policy of their portrayal, features, and idealized form. It is uncertain whether they wish to emulate a certain presence, as is suggested by the British Museum," Antony was said to remind people of the Greek hero Herakles in paintings and sculptures, with '... a very good and noble appearance; his beard was not unsightly, his forehead broad, and his nose aquiline' (Plutarch, Life of Antony, 4). However, here his portrait seems to have picked up Ptolemaic features, specifically the strong projecting chin of Ptolemy I, the founder of Cleopatra's dynasty, and the hooked noses of Cleopatra and her father Ptolemy XII.[9]"

Thus, this infamous couple continues to engage, fill, and plague our minds. Though, they are long dead and their story known by most; they continue to be the topic of much discussion, debate, and obsession.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Main Sources & Contributors:

Private Correspondence with Dr. Arav

The ancient coin of Cleopatra: There could have been pyramids in Paris

By Miriam Feinberg Vamosh | Aug. 4, 2013 |http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-1.539712

 1. Israel Antiquities Authority Coin Department

2. The Bethsaida Excavations Project

Secondary Sources & Contributors:

British Museum: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/online_tours/egypt/cleopatra_history_to_myth/denarius_of_cleopatra__antony.aspx

 

Liddell and Scott, Greek-English Lexicon,Oxford University Press, 1996

 

The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Augustus/edited by Karl Galinsky.Cambridge University Press, 2005

 Plutarch, Life of Antony, Cambridge University Press, 1988.

---

[1] Vamosh, "The ancient coin of Cleopatra: There could have been pyramids in Paris" |http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-1.539712

 

[2] My own translation and identification of text in red.

[3] Liddell & Scott, Greek- English Lexicon, Oxford University Press, 1996

[4] Vamosh

[5] Plutarch Life of Antony, Cambridge University Press, 1988. Chapter 54

[6] Vamosh

[7] http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s1515.html

[8] The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Augustus/edited by Karl Galinsky.Cambridge University Press, 2005

 

[9] British Museum: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/online_tours/egypt/cleopatra_history_to_myth/denarius_of_cleopatra__antony.aspx

 

The Top Ten Scandalous Women of Ancient Rome: Part II

The list of infamous, scandalous and plotting women continues to countdown... You can also subscribe to Transparent Language Company's Latin Blog.

 

NUMBER 7

 

Julia the Elder by Pavel Svedomsky.
 Wikicommons.

Name: Julia the Elder  (39 BC – AD 14)

Vices: Promiscuity, Excessive Affairs, Treason,

Weakness:  Food, Men, Speaking Her Mind, Drinking Parties, Small Islands

Prime Examples:  Julia the Elder was the daughter of Emperor Augustus. According to Dio and Seneca, although married to Tiberius (who would be emperor after Augustus) she reveled in drinking parties, many love affairs, and even prostitution. This promiscuity was especially scandalous due to her father's Leges Juliae (Julian Laws) that promoted family units, children, and marital loyalty.  The fact that his own daughter was breaking these laws was unforgiveable. Pliny states she had affairs and plotted in public; "adulterium filiae et consilia parricidae" "adultery of the daughter and the plan of patricide." You can read more on her life here.

Ergo  Julia earns number 7 for her crimes against and humiliation of her husband, father, and empire. All her deeds must have been true, because she was exiled for them, banished from her family, and eventually starved to death. However, her loveless marriages may have caused this outcry for love and attention. It is difficult not to pity the woman, even though scandalous.

 NUMBER 6

 

Messalina holding her son Britannicus, Louvre.
Wikicommons

Name: Valeria Messalina (c. 17/20 – 48) a.k.a Messalina
Vices: Lust, Promiscuity, Treason, Bigamy, Seduction, Persuasiveness
Weakness: Selfishness, Pride, Competitiveness, Handsome Face,
Prime Examples: Messalina was the wife of Emperor Claudius. Although she was the most powerful woman in Rome, she sought to overthrow her husband and rule with her lover. Messalina is infamously known for her clandestine affairs, but most notable for her all-night sex competition against a prostitute. According to Pliny, Messalina won the 24 hour competition with 25 partners. She also humiliated Claudius by marrying her last lover: the intelligent and handsome Gaius Silius. Gaius and Messalina had planned to overthrow Claudius and rule together, but their plan was exposed. You can read more on her life here.
Ergo: Messalina earns number 6 due to her similar nature to Julia the Elder, but the fact that she was plotting against her husband. As punishment her name was removed from all monuments, honors and  was sentenced to death. She betrayed not only her husband, her children, but also Roman women.

 NUMBER 5
 

Woman on the Great Cameo of France who may be Livilla.
Wikicommons

Name: Claudia Livia Julia  (c. 13 BC – 31 AD) a.k.a: Livilla
Vices: Murder, Plotting Treason, Affairs, Rudeness
Weakness: Love for Sejanus, Power, Children, Locked Doors
Prime Examples:   Livilla was the daughter of Antonia and sister to Claudius. She was reported to be a beautiful, but sharp woman. She once laughed hysterically at the prophecy of Claudius being destined to be emperor. She took on one lover, a praetorian prefect: Sejanus. With her lover Sejanus, they murdered and poisoned her husband Drusus. Once Drusus was gone, she and Sejanus attempted to marry, but Emperor Tiberius would not comply. Tiberius eventually suggested that Sejanus could marry Livilla's daughter Livia Julia. Eventually, Sejanus' ex-wife told the emperor of  Livilla's and Sejanus' plan to overthrow Tiberius and rule Rome. You can read more on her life here.Ergo: Livilla places number 5 on our list due to her murder of her husband for her lover. She places fifth for murder, treason, and want of power. Livilla, although selfish and vain, was upset at the pretense of Sejanus marrying her daughter even as a formality. Livilla's death was a treacherous as her life; she was held captive in a room while her mother stood outside it and allowed her to starve to death.

NUMBER 4

 

Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Painting by Jean-Léon Gerome.
 Wikicommons.

Name: Cleopatra VII Philopator (69BC-30BC) a.k.a Cleopatra
Vices: Murder, Wit, Seducing Married Men
Weakness: Desire to Rule Egypt, Love for Marc Antony & her Children, Pride, Sea Battles
Prime Examples: Cleopatra was exiled from her reign, power and home in 48 BCE. She supposedly met Caesar (already married) , seduced him and bore his son. Caesar renstated her as queen of Egypt and she murdered her brother (in the siege of Alexandria) and order her sister's death as well. When Caesar died unexpectedly, Cleopatra did not give up on her power or prospects for her children. She seduced, married, and started a family with Marc Antony (who was already married). After the defeat at Actium, Antony committed suicide at the news of Cleopatra's death. Cleopatra later would attempt to seduce Augustus in hopes of securing another powerful married Roman man.  You can read more on her life here.
Ergo: Cleopatra places number 4 due to her willingness to kill her siblings for power, seduce married men, excessive shows of luxury to intimidate, and her suicide to preserve her pride. She was an infamous woman of her time and is still to this day synonymous with "seducing for power."