For those interested in my take of Troy: Fall of a City:
I watched the first episode of Troy Fall of a City. In an early shot, the walls of Troy, as depicted, are a copy of a small clay model excavated from the same period and culture–so good marks for historical accuracy there. On the other hand, I’ve been tweeting with fellow Troy-legend writer Amalia Carosella about how silly it is that the herders (Paris among them) are mounted on horses (a very high luxury that only the nobles would have access to) to round up their cattle (which in the myth are sheep, but whatever, they did have cows). But more important is the question whether the story is fun and grabs you. Yes and no. It wasn’t riveting. I wish I could say it was, but it wasn’t. Fun, yes. I didn’t like Paris or find him charismatic as he really needs to be for the whole thing to work more successfully. Playing Helen seems like a lost cause from the get-go–too loaded with expectations. But a more subtle, fully done Paris would have made this first episode so much more fun. As it is, he’s kind of a lug without much capacity to charm anyone. But I wasn’t howling in laughter or anger at the show–which is saying a lot, given my investment in this topic. I’ll keep watching in interest. Anyone else watch? Opinions?
Update: I’m through episode 3 and I’m still not captivated. Such a shame. There are so many opportunities for nuance and they just aren’t going there. Achilles is particularly clunky as a character. Supposedly he respects Helen but at the same time he’s threatening her physically in a sort of pseudo-rape-threat? And Hecuba, why are you so taken with Helen? She’d giving you nothing to work with. Love makes this whole war/slaughter/destruction thing worthwhile? They’re trying to justify Helen’s actions as a woman power statement, but it isn’t persuading me. It could definitely be done—Helen as an independent queen is in the tradition—but they aren’t making the case with silly scenes of golden makeup and handing out grain.
Here are some posts I enjoyed this week:
Tomb paintings fr Egypt’s Middle Kingdom (2050-1650 BCE) reveal, in their depictions of wrestling soldiers, hunted waterfowl and a mongoose on a leash, the desire to control the chaos and instill order. That’s the interpretation currently being proposed for lush depictions of animals, Nile scenes, soldier training, harvesting and tons of birds. It is interesting how frequently these tombs show the official from the royal administration overseeing the harvest and loading the grain onto a ship to send it where required. Kind of “I paid my taxes and did my public duty” notice. This interpretation says scenes of catching waterfowl in nets sends a similar message of control and order. I’m not entirely persuaded, but I do find the awareness, even in death, of central political control and the requirement to kiss up to that more than a little chilling. Kind of appropriate so near tax day… What comes to your mind when you see these long ago paintings? Click here for Archaeology Magazine “Emblems for the Afterlife”
Greek island of Keros, renowned for those abstract marble Cycladic figurines that so inspired 20th c artists, was also, recent excavations reveal, a landmark beacon for pilgrims in the Aegean. Part of the island, now disconnected due to rising sea level, has a natural pyramid shape which was enhanced with terrace walls covered in tons of white stone that would have shone in the bright sunlight. The sanctuary on the main part of the island was an important ritual center in the Bronze Age. Apparently, promotion via brilliant white, tall structures to attract crowds predates Trump by several millenia. I’m imagining myself in a BA ship, sail billowing, crossing over to the island of Keros and seeing that white pyramid shining high over that lapis sea. Quite the call to worship. What parallels have you come across in your travels or reading? Click here for Archaeology Magazine “In the Trenches A Bronze Age Landmark”