Month: September 2016

Ancient And Medieval Censored Books To Read During Banned Book Week

September 28, 2016

This week (September 25-October 1, 2016) is banned books week. Over on the Forbes Blog, I discuss the import of celebrating the freedom to read any book that we want. This is despite the fact that written works continue to be censored and removed from public libraries even today. I discuss just a few of the works that were burned, … More Ancient And Medieval Censored Books To Read During Banned Book Week

Does NYC’s New 3D Printed Palmyra Arch Celebrate Syria Or Just Engage In ‘Digital Colonialism’?

September 22, 2016

Over on the Forbes Blog, I discuss the ethics of 3D printing antiquities and the developing practice of “digital colonialism.” These issues have come up yet again with the unveiling of the 3D replica of the Palmyra Arch newly erected in New York City. The problem is with the signage, the lack of methodological transparency, and absence … More Does NYC’s New 3D Printed Palmyra Arch Celebrate Syria Or Just Engage In ‘Digital Colonialism’?

September 12, 490 BCE: Remembering The Battle of Marathon On The 2,506th Anniversary

September 12, 2016

Over on the Forbes blog, I have posted a day-by-day reconstruction of the events leading up to and including the famed Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. I did this with the help of UT-Knoxville Classicist Thomas Rose (also a ASCSA alumnus & fellow marathoner). The battle was the basis for the modern day Marathon race (26 miles … More September 12, 490 BCE: Remembering The Battle of Marathon On The 2,506th Anniversary

Tattoo Taboo? Exploring The History Of Religious Ink And Facial Tattoos

September 9, 2016

Over on my Forbes blog, I explore the history of religious tattoos. This post stems from my interest in the use of various stigmas–legal, social, and even corporal–against marginalized individuals. Tattoos in Greco-Roman antiquity were often linked to servility, but could also advertise one’s religious convictions. I spoke with tattoo historian Anna Felicity Friedman about pilgrimage tattoos in … More Tattoo Taboo? Exploring The History Of Religious Ink And Facial Tattoos

What Not To Wear: A Short History Of Regulating Female Dress From Ancient Sparta To The Burkini

September 1, 2016

Over on the Forbes blog, I talk about the history of dress codes for women. As anyone who reads this blog knows, I think a lot about clothing, color, and historical dress. This post is reacting to the recent burkini bans in towns along the French Riviera by mentioning the fact that Sparta, Rome, the … More What Not To Wear: A Short History Of Regulating Female Dress From Ancient Sparta To The Burkini