The unexpected death (at the age of 77) on 13 July 2015 of Martin West, the greatest classicist of his generation, has left a hole in the world of scholarship and philology. It also leaves me with a sense of profound … Continue reading
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
Kate Bucknell, the novelist, was curious about the origin of Sedbergh School’s Latin motto Dura Virum Nutrix – ‘harsh nurse of men’ . She wrote to me: ‘I am working out a preoccupation of Auden’s, 1927ish, with the Latin motto, the harsh … Continue reading
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
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
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, three brothers, are honoured for the same. … Continue reading
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
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
On an ancient medical writer with a funny name The worthy physician Soranus Sought cures for conditions that pain us. So what a bum rap For that medical chap That his sore-name should so entertain us. On hearing Caius … Continue reading