It's all Greek and Roman to me...

[Sappho]

Ok Lisa here is a thread to indulge the ancient Greeks and Romans. I'm not sure where to begin though... the topic is so broad. So, what are your interests specifically? The role of women? War Campaigns? Politics? The influence of the Greeks upon the Ancient Romans and surrounds? (Notice that I have not included religion as that permiates all topics ancient) And also, how do you want to play it... debate or discussion?

[lisa jones]

Hey Sappho .. ahh yes you mentioned you'd start this topic yesterday.

It's your topic and as such I'm going to leave everything up to you. (I'm easily pleased).

I am a tad curious though .. how come you're into all this? How did you get into all this? Have you some background in this area?

[IQS.RLOW]

I think the artistic merits of the movie Caligula would be an ideal starting point

[Sappho]

I think the artistic merits of the movie Caligula would be an ideal starting point

I saw the uncut version when I was 16. That was an eye opener.

[Sappho]

I am a tad curious though .. how come you're into all this? How did you get into all this? Have you some background in this area?

I have a PHD in Piffle and Waffle from the University of Wankademia.

Otherwise... I don't know where to start because i don't know your preferences. Some people prefer the politics of the ancients... many women are interested in the role of women... then again, the boys get off on the war machine... or again... we could look at societies such as the Spartains or Athenian democracy... help me out here... what is your strong suit.

[TomB]

Let's start with togas ....... and parties.

What length toga was deemed acceptable evening wear during the reign of Maximus Thrax?

[lisa jones]

I am a tad curious though .. how come you're into all this? How did you get into all this? Have you some background in this area?

I have a PHD in Piffle and Waffle from the University of Wankademia.

Otherwise... I don't know where to start because i don't know your preferences. Some people prefer the politics of the ancients... many women are interested in the role of women... then again, the boys get off on the war machine... or again... we could look at societies such as the Spartains or Athenian democracy... help me out here... what is your strong suit.

Modern history, languages, religion and mathematics <-- my strong points. I taught High School mathematics for many years in a previous life.

Having said that I was in Greek school (after normal English school ) every 2nd day since Kindergarten. So Greek mythology, Greek ancient history, Greek philosophy, Greek language, Greek cultural studies etc was all normal every day stuff for me.

What's at the core of your interest? Are you culturally linked? It's got me curious.

[lisa jones]

Diogenes of Sinope/Diogenes the Cynic <-- a fav philosopher of mine. Ever heard of him?

Diogenes was one of the few men to ever publicly mock Alexander the Great and live. Diogenes intellectually embarrassed Plato and viewed Antisthenes as the true heir of Socrates. Diogenes was the only person Antisthenes ever accepted as a pupil. Diogenes taught his philosophy of Cynicism to Crates who taught it to Zeno of Citium who fashioned it into the school of Stoicism, one of the most enduring schools of Greek philosophy.

Diogenes of Sinope was always controversial. Exiled from his native city for defacing the currency, he moved to Athens and declared himself a cosmopolitan (in defiance of the prevailing city-state system). He became a disciple of Antisthenes, and made a virtue of extreme poverty, famously begging for a living and sleeping in a tub in the marketplace. He became notorious for his provocative behaviour and philosophical stunts such as carrying a lamp in the daytime, claiming to be looking for an honest man. He regularly argued with Plato, disputing his interpretation of Socrates and sabotaging his lectures. After being captured by pirates and sold into slavery, Diogenes eventually settled in Corinth, where he was admired by Alexander.

- from wiki

[lisa jones]

The story is that Diogenes carried a lantern around in broad daylight and when asked why, he answered that he was searching for an honest man.

He was a Greek philosopher who believed that virtue was best demonstrated in action (rather than in speech). He is said to have never found his 'honest man.'

I 1st heard about Diogenes as a 6 yr old girl .. and he left a lasting impression on me. The guy did everything possible to find/see something .. and despite all his best efforts .. he could never find/see it. In short .. he had a very novel and quirky way of proving his point. He was also an effective communicator because people could never forget what he said given the unique manner in which he delivered the message.

[lisa jones]

He inspired me to write a poem about honesty. Let me find it ..

Mirrors by Lisa Jones

Mirrors reflect back
the emotional images we cast;
but our inner thoughts do track
the trajectories of our past.

And sincerity is such an image
for it's reflected in our eyes
along with strength and courage
and the truth we hide in lies.

Trust and faith are others
though they're very hard to find
I've met many players
but I've left them all behind.

And if honesty exists
I've yet to see its glare
in all the turns and twists
of the images we wear.

Ok .. have I bored you yet Sappho lol?