The pleasure gardens of Caligula, Rome’s most infamous tyrant, were long thought lost to history. But the construction of a new office building made a subterranean excavation possible–and oh what they’ve uncovered!
In this time-of-hope-but-still-isolated, here are some pleasurable entertainments by Natalie Haynes for those who love mythology and the classics: short videos, radio shows, and a novel set in the Trojan War
Archaeologists in Israel have found a textile fragment dating to King David dyed in precious purple murex. That’s a first.
I’m sharing with you a genuinely delightful interview conducted by Calvin Park on his “Under a Pile of Books” podcast. Among other topics, we talked about how I got started writing historical fantasy set in the Hittite Bronze Age world.
Laying votive offerings before the gods is a religious rite that occurs across human cultures and eras. I am intrigued by this Incan form of the practice and the parallels I see to the Hittites and other ancient peoples.
Even in my current locked-down existence, writer friends gather virtually and we learn from each other. This past Saturday, the Arizona Historical Novel Society hosted Karen Odden to talk about writing secondary characters. She’s a masterful author of historical fiction set in the Victorian period, and I was eager for her insights. She didn’t disappoint. I discuss the ideas I gleaned from her and showcase her excellent Victorian mysteries.
You may have toured the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt, location of the Djoser Step Pyramid. But now, thanks to the careful research and technical skills of archaeologist Elaine Sullivan you can tour in reconstructed 3D. Dive in. She has created a “real” view on the individual human level for each of the many dynastic periods of Saqqara’s history.
Enjoy my review of Scott Oden’s A Gathering of Ravens, which he describes as “a novel of vengeance, faith, and the power of myth.” It’s a good one for those who enjoy dark fantasy with elements reminiscent of Tolkien.
(Or jump to the next of my posts this week and read about the archaeological discovery of a hoard of gold that might have been Boudica’s, that famous female thorn in the Romans’ side.)
A birdwatcher stumbled upon a hoard of Celtic gold coins dating to 40-50 CE, the period of Boudica’s rebellion. Was this her hidden deposit? Boudica’s popularity as a historical figure is reflected in two outstanding novels of historical fiction.
While we hunker down to avoid the plague, you may be reaching for a good book for entertainment. Here’s my book review of the historical fantasy Enchantée by Gita Trelease in which the French Revolution gets an infusion of charming, atmospheric magic.
