Author Archives: Armand D'Angour

About Armand D'Angour

Fellow and Tutor in Classics, Jesus College Oxford.

Ovid, the Latin lover

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Armand D'Angour

Publius Ovidius Naso (Ovid), Roman poet, born 20 March 43 BC Ovid’s Amores 1.5: the poet’s most upbeat erotic composition. A cheeky poem (‘why itemize?’ the poet asks, having just itemized) that deserves a cheeky translation. Midday: a long, hot afternoon … Continue reading →

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Failing at All Souls

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Armand D'Angour

In 1983 I received my Finals results at Oxford, along with a note from Simon Hornblower, who had tutored me in Ancient History for a year, saying ‘Congratulations. Try for All Souls?’ I duly sat the exams for the All … Continue reading →

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Losers and winners

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Armand D'Angour

Coming last in style The ancient Greeks didn’t always treat athletes and athletics with reverence. Nicarchus (1st cent. AD) wrote a witty epigram about a runner called Kharmos (‘Victor’), which I’ve translated as follows: When Kharmos, in Arcadia, once entered … Continue reading →

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A woman at the Olympics

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Armand D'Angour

Now posted on my Substack – click here. KALLIPATEIRA                     by Loréntsos Mavílis (1860-1912) “O noble Rhodian lady, how come you here, explain! By ancient custom, women are barred from this domain.” “I have a nephew, Eukles, who won Olympic fame. My father, son, … Continue reading →

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Heineken in Herodotus

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Armand D'Angour

Herodotus’ mentions of Heineken constitute a hitherto unsuspected instance of product placement in ancient Greek writing. In Histories 1.2.2, Heineken — εἵνεκεν in ancient Greek — is found in connection with the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts to Colchis. The implication is … Continue reading →

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A witty Latinist

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Armand D'Angour

John Owen (c. 1564-1622) was famous in his day throughout Europe for his Latin epigrams, which were based on those of the Roman satirical poet Martial. He was a curmudgeon, whose trademark sentiment is (Epigram 1.58, to his friend Edward … Continue reading →

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Reviews of Greeks and the New

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Armand D'Angour

Reviews of The Greeks and the New from the following sources: Journal:                         Reviewer: 1. Runciman Prize Notice                 John Taylor 2. … Continue reading →

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