Statuary from the east pediment of the Parthenon. Part of the collection of Parthenon Marbles on display at the British Museum in London.
British History

Why Are the Parthenon Marbles So Controversial?

May 19, 2023

The British Museum says it wants to celebrate ancient civilizations. Its permanent collection boasts pieces from ancient Egypt and Greece, among others. Greece’s prime minister would like some items returned to Athens. […]

Image of an old man in ancient Greece
Ancient History

How to Survive Old Age in Ancient Greece

November 27, 2020

Old age can be difficult for all. Compared to the present times, surviving old age in ancient times was a big hurdle, especially if one did not have wealth or children. […]

Ancient Greek drawing
Ancient History

Life Expectancy of the Ancient Greeks

November 27, 2020

Life expectancy in the ancient times was very different from today. There were very few people who lived beyond 60 years. However, people in ancient Greece regarded old-age as a sign of wisdom and took pride in their age. […]

Ancient Greek tombs in Ceramicus.
Greek History

Death in Ancient Greece

November 20, 2020

Death in ancient Greek society was far more unreserved than in modern societies. In what ways were Greeks more uninhibited? […]

Ekphora, the second rite of passage, shown on an ancient piece of pottery.
Greek History

Living the Ancient Greek Death

November 20, 2020

What was death like for the ancient Greeks? The ancient Greeks believed that death was polluting and was something that needed to be faced bravely. They also held strong beliefs in the afterlife. Many rites and rituals of those times centered around their beliefs of death and life henceforth. […]

Charon helping the dead across the river Styx.
Greek History

The Ancient Greek Afterlife and Its Evolution

November 20, 2020

The afterlife of ancient Greece was considered as a cheerless apathetic place where no judgement awaited anyone. But from the 6th century B.C. onward, the introduction of new mystery religions added the concept of blessedness to the death. […]

Image of Ricci Hydria by Painter of the louvre E739, has a scene where a pig is about to be slaughtered for sacrifice to the gods. This was a ritual in ancient Greece to offer animal sacrifice for getting favors from gods.
Ancient History

Ancient Greek Gods and Many Ways to Appease Them

November 1, 2020

The Ancient Greeks ritually worshiped multiple deities and appeased them with offerings to get things done. Though most sacrifices and offerings were modest, some were public and social spectacles. […]

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