Classicist verseus Ancient Historian

The age of question of what truly is the difference between these two types of academics.

I guess, it is all dependent on which side of the fence you are on.


An ancient historian may argue that there is no difference and that classicist simply choose to be termed "Classicist" out of tradition. A classicist may argue that their education is more traditional and beyond the mere memorization of facts.

While classics and history majors may attend the same lectures, classes, conferences, and so on; there is something to be said for a "Classics" education. Many view that Classics as being a gateway into other areas of study such as politic science, law, computers, education, and so on. It has been more heavily believe that a Classics education is more well rounded and suitable to an individual that may or may no know their end result- but knows "Dr." or "Supreme Court Justice" is in their future.

However, Classics students may have a sense of elitism that stems from their peers or even professors or advisers. However, it should be considered that most of the populace does not even care that there is a difference nor would they hire one over the other.


As contemporary student within academia, I have been asked several times what the difference is between Classics and Ancient History. I would have to respond that it is the language. I feel that Ancient History majors are not required nor do they have to train extensively in the ancient languages or texts.


As a Classicist one is expected to take the time to translate it themselves and then begin their proper work on philosophy, war tactics, and so on- using the translation they rendered. This is not the case for Ancient Historian who may pick up a well reputed and respected translation and read it in half or a quarter of the time and then begin their work.

I would also argue that Classicist are more concerned with the everyday life and society of ancient civilizations- almost closer to an anthropologist. And, that Classicist have a keener interest in philology. While, a historian may or may not concern themselves with these aspects.

More may be read on the subject at:Examiner: Classicist versus Historian

Through Legos Antiquity Makes Advances

 

Legos were introduced in 1949 as a child's toy. Many adults today can recall playing with these rectangular shapes before they became so mainstream, or before there were idolized and "cool."

 

 

 Today, lego has begun its epic march to take over the world! They have marketed with films such as Star Wars, the Hobbit and LOTR, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, DC Comics to create television shows, miniatures, collectibles, and video games.

 

 

As, a fan of certain films I own several Lego video games due to the clever nature of making an adult or even serious film (LOTR & Pirates of the Caribbean) approachable to a younger generation. They were require problem solving and logical thinking beyond mere chaos- but that is included as well!

 

 

 As can be seen in the following images, Legos have become a new medium in which hobbyist will attempt to rebuild to scale various ancient sites or ideas:

Gladiators

 

Colosseum

 

Colosseum and Arch of Titus

 

Inside the Colosseum

 

Roman Temple

 

Greek Doric Temple

 

Acropolis

 

Plato's Cave

 

Athens: Agora, Acropolis (Parthenon) and the Theater of Dionysus

 

Building of a Pyramid along the Nile 

 

There is much educational usefulness in having students of any age build such replicas. Beyond the mathematical scale knowledge, it takes some knowledge in order to realize what colors, size, or even trees would be populating an area. One would have to research if the placement of a certain type of boat or body of water was realistic or simple extra flourishing.



Legos are assisting the ancient world through these types of builds to excite young people about the history. However, for actual Classicist and Historians, Legos are advancing our understanding of the mysteries of the Ancient World.

 

 The above video showcases how Legos were built to show a demonstration of the use of a very mysterious artifact known as the Antikythera Mechanism.

Antikthera Mechanism Remains

  "The Antikythera Mechanism is argued to be the world's oldest known computer, this ancient Greek invention was used some time circa 100BC to calculate and "predict celestial events and eclipses with unprecedented accuracy." Skipping past the two millennia in which it lay lost on a sea floor somewhere, the Mechanism has now been recreated by an Apple software engineer by the name of Andrew Carol, who has lovingly pieced 1,500, Lego Technic blocks together, creating 110 gears and four gearboxes in total." Courtesy of Engadget  Vlad Sovov.

Founding of Rome: A little Latin for the Brain.

Everyone should know the foundation story of Rome. Let's start the story together in the original Latin.

The foundation story of Romulus and Remus can be found in Plutarch's Life of Romulus, but better known would be Book I of Livy's Ab urbe condita (From the Founding of the City)  (Literally: From the City having been founded). Thus, Livy's Ab urbe condita begin with the founding of Rome and progress to his modern day.

sed debebatur, ut opinor, fatis tantae origo urbis maximique secundum deorum opes imperii principium. (1.4)

But it was destined, as I believe, by the fates the origin of such a great city and the beginning of the greatest power secondary/next after the power of the gods.

BREAKDOWN:
 sed debebatur:
                 Sed= But
                debebatur is from debeo, it is a verb that is 3rd singular (he, she, it) imperfect and          passive meaning "it was destined."

  ut opinor:
                  ut= as, how
                opinor 1st person singular meaning= I believe, suppose or think. (opinor resembles English opinion.)

fatis tantae origo Urbis
              fatis= is from the noun fatum which is neuter (as opposed to masculine or feminine) and the form is neuter plural ablative. Ablative is a case in Latin that serves many functions, but in this scenario- I would argue this is an ablative of origin or means. "By means of the fates this was destined" or " This was destined originating from the fates." For translation though "by the fates."

            origo= is nominative feminine singular. It is from origio meaning origin or beginning. The nominative case is equivalent to the subject in English( The subject is who or what the sentence is about. Romulus kills Remus. Romulus is the subject, kills is the verb, and Remus is the direct object). So, origo is actual the subject of the first half of this sentence along with being the subject of debebatur: "But the origin was destined, as I believe, by the fates."

             tantae Urbis= tantae is an adjective that is from tantus meaning "so great/ such great." Since it is an adjective it agrees with the form and case of the word it goes with: Urbis. Urbis is from urbs, its form here is singular, feminine, genitive (as is tantae) and it means city. The genitive case is mainly used for possession or description. Here it could be either. For example: origo tantae Urbis all go together to mean= "the origin of such a great city or the beginning of a city so great." The genitive will usually have an "of" before it in the English translation.


maximique secundum deorum opes imperii principium:
            *This next part is somewhat tricky
    Although maximique is the first word it is not our nominative (or subject) of this clause. Our clue that we are looking for a new subject is the "que." Que is another way of saying "and" in Latin instead of using "et." When one uses "que" for "and" instead of "et;" there are certain rules that must be remembered for it use:

1. que is always affixed to the end of a word and will usually not stand alone.
2. The que is your indicator that a new part or clause of a sentence has begun.
3. Most importantly, the word that que is affixed to , although it comes before the que, it is part of the que clause.

  For example "maximique" is actual maximi + que. Maximi come from Maximus which somewhat resembles maximum and thus it means greatest. Maximi is an adjective which means it goes with something and it matches the case and form of that word.

 Remember, case and form are usually detected by a words ending**. Maximi ends with an "I." Now, if maximi went with "fatis tantae origo Urbis" does its ending of "I" match anything? It does not! Of course it does not, because it doesn't go with that clause! maximi goes with : "secundum deorum opes imperii principium." Because the "que" attaches it to this clause! Now what does the maximi look like it goes with?

    maximi and imperii  are a match! However there are not our nominative/subject, but they are genitive neuter singular. They come to mean "of the greatest power."

   Our nominative/subject is principium which is a neuter noun that means the beginning. So far, the translations follows: And (que) the beginning (principium) of the greatest power (maximi + imperii). It is important to note that principium is nominative because it is also (along with origo) the subject of debebatur. THUS: "The origin of so great a city and the beginning of the greatest power was destined, as I believe, by the fates."

 Now in English, when we have two subject our verb tenses change. For example: "The origin of the city was destined." This is grammatically correct in English. But,  "The origin of the city and the beginning of greatest city WERE destined. This is grammatically correct in English.

However, the Latin verb debebatur is 3rd singular not 3rd plural (3rd singular= he, she, it is/was  VS.  3rd plural= they are/were). The reason why Latin takes a 3rd singular verb instead of a 3rd plural verb is for emphasis.

The Latin translation would be literally: "But the origin of so great a city was destined, as I believe, by the fates AND the beginning of the greatest power was destined." We take the verb debebatur twice, but the Romans did not need to write it twice since it is the only verb in the sentence and thus understood to be taken with both origo and principium.

Now, we have yet to deal with:  secundum deorum opes .
    Secundum is another adjective that is neuter nominative agreeing with principium. However this adjective should be taken as a verbal adjective. Thus it is a "beginning of the greatest power that is secundum (second/ next/after)".  The reason this has to be a verbal adjective is because a normal adjective would be translated as the "secondary/next beginning of the greatest power." Contextually, this makes no sense.

    Opes Deorum= opes is plural feminine accusative. Accusative is a form that similar to the direct object in Latin. So, "the beginning of the greatest power that is second to the opes (power)." Deorum is plural masculine genitive meaning gods. THUS. " and the beginning of the greatest power second to the power of the gods."
        
TRANSLATION COMPLETE. ONE SENTENCE DONE.



As one can see Latin is a very complex language that has various nuances that test and train the mind to look for patterns and logical sequences in putting sentences together. There will be a further translation of Livy's description of the birth of Romulus and Remus along with the she-wolf that finds them.






 [**DISCLAIMER: THIS RULE OF MATCHING ADJECTIVE ENDINGS TO NOUNS IS NOT 100% USABLE BUT A MAJORITY OF THE TIME IT CAN HELP]

NFL+Classics

As a Classicist often I have prized myself with never giving into such trivial things as Reality Shows, Sports, or other leisurely or "otium" ideals. However, being in relationship with a historian who is able to see an opportunity to learn not only personally but methodically from the popular iconography and lifestyles of today- I have learned.
 I did not watch a single game of NFL football until I was 21 years old. I matter I prized myself on, since as a proud member of academia my time was better spent reading, researching, or realizing bigger and better goals.
 However, it was one Edward Serrano that pointed out to be that NFL teams, coaches, and quarterbacks are the modern day generals similar to Ancient Rome. They are "in your face" politicians who flout their schemes, maneuvers, and victories all over the media and in the public face. I find it similar to the culture of Ancient Rome and Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars or even Augustus' Res Gestae Divi . They show the public how their victories come about and leave them idolizing players even similar to Gladiators and the Games.However, the players may be renowned for the skill, but ultimately it is the general "coach" who is remembered for several "plays" and "strategies" and not for a simple "Hail Mary." One could argue that winning the Superbowl is a modern day triumph for these "generals."





The following was written about RG3, the rookie quarterback who took the Redskin to the Playoffs.

Imagine, Mr. President, years from now. Griffin runs for governor of Texas. Who would bet against him? Highly educated, devoutly Christian, a native son, a Hall of Fame quarterback in the most football-crazed state in the union. It may seem high-flown, horse-before-the-cart kind of thinking, but if it's not in the back of Griffin's mind, why, I ask you, would he have learned Latin? Latin.


At the height of his college career, when his days were packed with football and schoolwork and charity and a girlfriend, Griffin voluntarily took an accelerated class in the language of Caesar. (Maybe he wants to be emperor. Robertus Griffinus Tertius.) Could it be that he wanted to know the language of the Founding Fathers, the language that refined and honed the genius of Jefferson and Adams?

His professor, Tommye Lou Davis, says Griffin was one of the finest students she's ever had, and the most conscientious. She remembers the first day of class. She arrived early, as always, and was shocked to find the school's star quarterback already there. It was early morning, he was coming from a two-hour workout, and yet he was waiting for her.

He then sat front and center (his seat in most classes, and in the Redskins' classroom) and methodically laid waste to Horace, Ovid, Virgil. His translations were perfect, Davis says. His declensions and conjugations sublime. And he found time and energy to tutor fellow students.

Davis describes a day when she handed back a stack of graded tests. Before opening his, Griffin turned to a student he'd been tutoring and asked in a whisper how the student had done. The student gave thumbs-up. Only then did Griffin smile, relax, check his own grade. To Davis, that was the epiphany, from the Latin epiphania. He cares, honestly cares, about others. Translation: He's not what we've come to expect from phenoms. "Robert is real," she says. "People are hungry for something real."

The whole article may be found at:RG3 and Latin

TedED. Roman Family

TedEd.Four sisters in Ancient Rome - Ray Laurence
How did the young, wealthy women of Ancient Rome spend their days? Meet Domitia and her sister Domitia and her sister Domitia and her sister Domitia. Ray Laurence sketches the domestic life of leisure that these young girls lived, despite little recorded information on women from this otherwise well-documented era.

Ray Laurence (University of Kent):
After completing his PhD, Ray taught Roman history in four Universities (in the same week!) as a part-time sessional teacher (Durham, Manchester, Lancaster and Newcastle) before moving on to a temporary and then permanent appointment as a lecturer at the University of Reading.
Over 13 years in Reading, he taught Roman History and contributed to courses on the Classical Tradition. This included the development of the teaching of the City of Rome to both undergraduates and postgraduates. In 2005, he moved to the University of Birmingham - where he taught courses on Pompeii; Roman Italy; and contributed to the multi-disciplinary module on Cities.
He has been appointed as Chair of the Canterbury Heritage Partnership, which has been established by Canterbury City Council with a view to the development of plans relating to the future of Museums in Canterbury (including the Roman Museum) and the Coastal district (including Herne Bay Museum).
Ray has supervised PhD students to completion on a variety of topics in Roman History, Roman Archaeology and the Reception of Antiquity. He particularly welcomes PhD applicants who wish to work in his areas of research expertise in Roman Social History and Roman Archaeology.


                                        




























Courtesy :http://ed.ted.com/lessons/four-sisters-in-ancient-rome-ray-laurence

First Generation College Graduates

It’s All Greek

Cancer survivor and classics major first in family to graduate

When [you are a first-generation college student], the logic is that you’re going to go to college, study science and math and get an engineering job, and become rich,” Herr says. “Not that you’re going to read books and teach somewhere and not be rich. [My parents] have always been supportive, but they’ve always wondered why I’d go to school for 10 years if I wasn’t going to end up loaded at the end of it.”




As, a first year college graduate myself, I can completely relate to this.












Courtesy: http://mizzoumag.missouri.edu/2013/05/its-all-greek/

Robert Grave's The Greek Myths with Rick Riordan

 

 

Rick Riordan meets Robert Graves in 'The Greek Myths'

 

"The Gold standard in Greek Mythology in a dazzling Graphic Deluxe Edition with a new introduction by the bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series"

 

This is a vibrant, playful-looking new edition! But a word of caution for parents: Graves didn’t write this book for kidlings – crack open the book, and you find a glorious, idiosyncratic chronicle based on his years of research and life in the Mediterranean. The book contains stories that are definitely not YA fare (Pasiphae's passion for a bull, for instance, or Medea's murder of her own children). Dressing it up to look like a comic book with a preface by a popular YA author is slightly misleading. 

  

 

You may purchase the book at:Amazon The Greek Myths Penguins Classics

Picture and Quotes:Courtesy of Nick Owchar, Amazon.com, and Penguin's Classics.

Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar and the Genius of Leadership.

Date: Thursday, April 4, 2013
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Getty Villa, Auditorium
Admission: Free; a ticket is required. Limit 4 per person. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit the website. Parking fee: $10

Hannibal

J.Caesar



Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, Hannibal, and Julius Caesar were the three greatest soldier-statesmen of the ancient world. Each achieved stunning successes but faced ultimate failure. Acclaimed scholar, historian, and author Barry Strauss of Cornell University tells the story of these three great captains and outlines their ups and downs in strategy, politics, and battle while measuring the differences between myth and reality.

 A noted scholar and an award-winning teacher, Barry Strauss is chair of the department of history at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and is a leading expert on military history and on leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including his latest Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar and the Genius of Leadership (Simon and Schuster, 2012) as well as The Battle of Salamis (2004), The Trojan War: A New History (2006), and The Spartacus War (2009).

Barry Strauss has an amazing website: Barry Strauss Website

Learn More and Get Your Tickets At: Getty Villa Ticket Admission