Mithradates, the subject of Adrienne Mayor's excellent book, THE POISON KING, became legendary for not only taking Rome down a peg or two, but for surviving countless assassination-via-poisoning attempts throughout his lifetime. How’d he do it? By imbibing just a little bit of poison every day until his body got used to it. In modern terms, he built up a tolerance, which … [Read more...] about Note to Disney: These Ancient Stories Came First!
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Friday Funnies–Ancient Style!
I had so much fun coming up with captions to pictures of ancient art last week, I decided to do a weekly funny page. Feel free to join in and add your own funny captions or artwork. Enjoy!"I told you if you made that face enough times it was going toget stuck that way!"Who knew the Macy's Day Parade Float had such an illustrious history?Ancient doctor's visit: "Okay, now … [Read more...] about Friday Funnies–Ancient Style!
Gladiators: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
The sweat soaked gladiator looks up to the editor who will make the call--cut the throat of his downed opponent or let him live. The crowd yells and makes dramatic hand gestures, trying to sway the stony-faced editor."Mitte!" (Let him go!) scream some."Iugula" (Kill him!) roar others.The editor extends his hand and dramatically lifts his thumb. Will the downed … [Read more...] about Gladiators: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
If You Can’t Laugh at the Ancients, Who CAN You Laugh at, Right?
"Ooops," Poseidon said as his mantle billowed behind him."Maybe I shouldn't have had bean burritos for lunch.""Really, dear. Stop worrying. A little extratime in the tanning booth never hurt anyone!"Whoa. "What? Oh no, your butt doesn't look bigin those jeans. Not at all."Photo: Flickr/AlaskaDudeSource: HistoricLOLs.comEarly water fountain prototype:"Oh, I see. Press this … [Read more...] about If You Can’t Laugh at the Ancients, Who CAN You Laugh at, Right?
Snow and Egyptian Gods Turning into Demons
Ancient Egyptian gods sometimes transformed into butt-kicking demons. It all depended on their mood.Consider sweet, loving, cow-faced Hathor who went wild-eyed crazy on you if you got her mad enough. That’s when she turned into lion-headed Sekhmet, who feasted on human flesh. It wasn’t easy to call her off once she got started gorging either. The god Shezmu offered … [Read more...] about Snow and Egyptian Gods Turning into Demons
