"Akritas" – Nikos Kazantzakis' Little-Known Unrealized Epic Project

Author(s): Michał Bzinkowski / Language(s): English Issue: 20/2017

Kazantzakis’ Odyssey – apart from the abundance of philosophical as well as ideological influences of many different sources which the writer tried to unify into a universal cosmotheory – constitutes a large-scale attempt by a Modern Greek writer to respond to Homeric epic. Yet, the author of Zorba the Greek sketched another epic composition that, according to his vision, aimed at reaching further than his magnum opus. His ambition was to encompass the long-lasting period between Ancient and Modern Greece, namely that of the Byzantine empire and its radiating influence on Greek consciousness and identity. He entitled his project Akritas, thus directly alluding to the only epic poem in Byzantine Greek literature, Digenes Akritas, and its protagonist as well as to acritic songs from Cyprus, where the latter’s name appears. In the present paper I would like to shed some light on Kazantzakis’ approach to Byzantium and its significance in defining the Greek identity through this unfinished sketch that the writer in fact never began.

"Commentatio tertia, nummaria" by Johann Peter Titius. A Contribution to the Knowledge of Ancient Greek and Roman Coins in the 17th-century Gdańsk Academic Gymnasium

Author(s): Bartosz Awianowicz / Language(s): English Issue: 22/2018

Johann Peter Titz (Lat. Titius, 1619-1689), a professor of rhetoric at the Gdańsk Academic Gymnasium is known as an author of speeches, poems, rhetorical and historical writings. However, in 1676 he published an important (though less known) work on numismatics: Commentatio tertia, nummaria, de pecunia vetere ac nova, abaco tabulisque exhibita (Third, Monetary Commentary, on Old and New Money, Presented on a Plate and in Tables) as a signifcant part (320 pages) of a collection of treatises of more than 1,000 pages entitled Manuductio ad excerpendum. The aim of the paper is to present the content of the Commentatio tertia, nummaria and its ancient and early modern sources. The overall approach to the Titius’ study shows its practical nature (almost a third of the entire argument is devoted to attempts to reconcile the values of various ancient denominations and accounting units with contemporary coins) which seems to suggest that it might have been used by students viewing the coin collection in the Gdańsk library. A more thorough examination of the Commentatio alongside an analysis of the accounts of the seventeenth-century Gdańsk writer’s numismatic collection may contribute to determining to what extent numismatics were a permanent feature in the gymnasium curriculum in Gdańsk in the latter seventeenth century, and to what extent the youth (juventus) of the Academic Gymnasium, to whom Titius was addressing his work, really wanted to and could identify ancient Greek, Roman and Jewish coins.

"Idem aliter", czyli o dwóch opisach dyplomatycznej podróży do Persji w poezji późnego antyku (Claud. Cons. Stil.. I 51–68; Sid. Carm. II 75–88)

Author(s): Tomasz Babnis / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2021

Two Latin poets of late antiquity, Claudian and Sidonius Apollinaris, included in their verse panegyrics short descriptions of diplomatic journey to Persia. The first mentioned the mission of Stilicho himself in “Panegyric on the consulate of Stilicho” (400 AD), whereas the latter described the mission of Procopius, father of the honorand in the “Panegyric on the consulate of Anthemius” (468 AD). Since Sidonius was in many ways imitator of Claudian, these pieces show a great deal of similarity both in content and form (especially in wording). However, closer scrutiny enables us to discover some differences in the treatment of Oriental topics as well as in general attitude to the praised heroes. Such an analysis allows us an insight into the image of Iranian world created in the Roman poetry as well as the question of sources used by late Latin poets. This paper can be also treated as a small contribution to the discussion on Sidonius’ imitation of Claudian poetry.

"ΓΑΔΑΤΗС". OBSERVAŢII ASUPRA UNUI ANTROPONIM DE PE UN GRAFFITO DE LA ROMULA

Author(s): Mihail Vasilescu / Language(s): English,Romanian Issue: 1/2010

As a result of the archaeological research developed at the Roman settlement of Romula a fragment of a Roman pottery was discovered, which is nowadays preserved in the Museum of Caracal. Here the word ΓΑΔΑΤΗС was incised. D. Tudor considered it a Syrian anthroponym derived from the name of the god Gad, which lead to the formation of numerous Syro-Palmyrean anthroponyms. This opinion was shared by all those who, up to the time being, inserted this graffito in various epigraphic corpora of Dacia, considering it as further evidence of the Syrian presence in Roman Dacia. Yet, the supporters of such a viewpoint did not take into account all the available data which allows us to assert that Gadates is definitely an Iranian anthroponym attested on other sources as following: Xenophon’s Cyropaedia, The Letter of Darius to Gadatas, the Elamite Ka-da-da inscription discovered in the Persepolis fortifications, a Greek inscription from Delos and another Greek inscription from Antiphellos in Lycia pertaining to the Roman period. Xenophon’s Gadatas and the one mentioned in the Letter provide the Iranian character of the anthroponym. Within the Letter, Darius specifically name Gadatas ‘(his) slave’. We encounter this term in the Old Persian variant of the Behistun inscription as comprised in the collocation mana bandaka, meaning ‘my subject’ or ‘my servant’. It exclusively refers to the highest ranked Iranian individuals in the proximity of the Great King. Gadatas anthroponym is probably ahypochoristic derived from Bagadata, a very widespread name in the pre-Islamic Iranian world, having the same meaning with the Greek Theodotos and the Slavic Bogdan, i.e. ‘the Gift of God’. We do not know precisely where Gatates of Romula came from. He could belong to Syria as well, where the Iranian anthroponyms were natural, as the land had been subjected to the Iranian rule for more than two centuries.

"Патриарху крымоведения" посвящается

Author(s): Mikhail M. Choref / Language(s): Russian Issue: 2/2010

(Post)archaiczność obrazu

Author(s): Sebastian Borowicz / Language(s): Polish Issue: 33/2020

The proximity of the late archaic Greek philosophical breakthrough and postmodernity relies on the analogy of a media and intellectual revolution that takes place in both periods. Greek culture of the 6th and early 5th century BCE gradually moves from orality to literacy, from performativity and affection towards an intellectual view of the world and reflective being, from a world that is shared with non-human beings to the world of human monody. Modernity, however, seems to reverse these trends. Nevertheless, we do not go into the past but reach a higher level of archaicity. From this point of view, postmodernity becomes postarchaicity; this is a chance that in the moment of historical contiguity, vivisection of our culture will reveal still active common places, allowing us to explore images before the metaphysical era. The starting point of the analysis is the question “What is the image?” posed by Maurice Blanchot and his extremely insightful answer to this question.

(Un)usual? Glass finds from the site of the Hatshepsut Temple in Deir el-Bahari

Author(s): Renata Kucharczyk / Language(s): English Issue: XXX/2021

Abstract: A group of glass shards recovered from the fill of shaft tombs from the Third Intermediate Period on the Upper Terrace of the Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari consists for the most part of non-diagnostic body vessel fragments. At least 17 different vessels are attested in this assemblage, assigned to the 4th century AD, with only two pieces dated to the 1st–3rd centuries AD. In addition to the vessels, a few windowpanes from the 6th–8th century AD were also found. This small group of glass finds is the first ever to be published from the Temple of Hatshepsut.

, “Bellator Equus”. Roman Republican Cavalry Tactics in the 3rd-2nd Centuries BC

Author(s): István Fábián / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2020

One of the most interesting periods in the history of the Roman cavalry were the Punic wars. Many historians believe that during these conflicts the ill fame of the Roman cavalry was founded but, as it can be observed it was not the determination that lacked. The main issue is the presence of the political factor who decided in the main battles of this conflict. The present paper has as aim to outline a few aspects of how the Roman mid-republican cavalry met these odds and how they tried to incline the balance in their favor.

1300 ГОДИНИ ОТ РОЖДЕНИЕТО НА ГЕБЕР – УЧЕНИЯТ НАЧАЛО И ФУНДАМЕНТ НА АРАБСКАТА АЛХИМИЯ

Author(s): Nano Stepanov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 5/2021

Geber (Latinized name of Jabir ibn Hayyan (c. 721 – c. 815)) is among the most notable representatives of medieval chemistry. The article, dedicated to the 1300th anniversary of his birth, tries to depict his work as the beginning and groundwork for Arabic alchemy, also serving as a push for the formation of chemistry in the future. The article touches upon his life, characteristics, evaluation of his works, doubts about his identity and authorship. His influences are examined and his achievements in the area of metallurgy (sulfur-mercury theory, characterizing all known metals), knowledge of `secret` (stimulating the transmutation of metals) substances, mineral acids, salts, chemical processes and apparatus, his contributions to practical chemistry prove the broadness of his interests. His rational and practical approach is acknowledged and also his “outer” spiritualism present in the terminology inherited by the authors of Alexandria. The legacy he leaves – his authority, influence on the development of chemistry and followers – Arabic medical alchemists. In the conclusion his services to science and civilization are summarized.

13th International Congress of Thracology Ancient Thrace: Myth and Reality, Kazanlak, 2-7 September 2017

Author(s): Miroslav Izdimirski,Ruja Popova / Language(s): English Issue: 23-24/2017

145 години БАН – предизвикателства и перспективи

„История на БАН“, част първа (1869 – 1947). Под редакцията на Илия Тодев. София: Издателство на БАН „Проф. Марин Дринов“, 2015, ISBN 978-954-322-791-4

Author(s): Ilia Todev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 6/2015

1900 de ani după cucerirea Daciei de către romani (Columna traiană şi Ovidiu sunt cele mai puternice legături dintre latinitate, Italia şi România)

Author(s): Giuseppe Pace / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 5/2006

The Roman Empire is certainly one of the most powerfull political organism of ancient ages. Its influence upon the territories it conquered is irreversible and its representative features, artistic monuments and individuals are still visible. The Traian Column, an imposing architectonic monument, was built in order to remind the whole world about the Roman military victory in Dacia. It is quite amazing to see today the way the Roman artists have created such a realistic image of Dacian wariors; its main purpose was not the emperor’s apotheoses, but to tell the world about the war. The second most important aspect of Roman Empire is the literary influence of Ovidiu. Exilated by Augustus, the great emperor, Ovidiu spent some years of his life at Tomis, in Roman Dacia. He has made a big mistake, that of writing about a subject Romans were very sensitive to: family ethics. The Traian Column and Ovidiu are two symbols of the strong connection between Romania and Italy.

2000 godina Varove bitke

Author(s): Barbara Stühlmeyer / Language(s): Croatian Issue: 1+2/2010

"Bio je to 9/11 Rimskog Carstva, kad su 9. godine poslije Krista tri legije – oko 18 000 vojnika – pobijene u gerilskom ratu upravo u onoj provinciji Germaniji koju se smatralo, iako ne potpuno pokorenom, ipak prilično umirenom. U povijest je taj pokolj ušao pod ne sasvim točnim nazivima: Varova bitka, bitka u Teutoburškoj šumi, Arminijeva bitka i Hermannova bitka. Dakako ne odmah. Jer sami rimski izvori o sukobu između okupacijskih postrojbi i pobunjenih plemena onih naroda koje se tek nakon Cezara jednostavno nazivalo zajedničkim imenom Germani, govore točnije kao o Clades Variana, kao o “Varovu porazu”. Razumljivo. Na koncu rijetko se izgubljenu bitku poistovjećivalo s imenom poraženog. Čak i naziv bitka je neprikladan, ako se pomnije prouče izvještaji rimskih povjesničara i rezultati najnovijih arheoloških istraživanja. Da je došlo do bitke u kojoj su legije mogle pokazati svoje nadmoćne borbene tehnike, pobjednik bi se vjerojatno zvao Var a mi bismo danas govorili jedim od mnogobrojnih romanskih jezika. "

2000 години от битката за Германия

Author(s): Valentin Spiridonov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2011

The article dwells on the causes which led to the famous Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, its outcome and subsequent significance for the history of Germany. The author focuses on the inclusion of the victory over the Romans 2, 000 years ago in the construction of the German national idea from the from the Renaissance to the present day, as well as on the creation of the myth about Hermann the Victor.

2000-Vjetori i Vdekjes së Perandorit Romak August

Author(s): Naser Ferri / Language(s): Albanian Issue: 44/2014

In 23rd September of the year 63 BC was born, and in 19th of august 14 BC in Nola near Napoli died Caius Octavius Thurinus, known as the founder of Roman Empire and the first Roman Emperor (Imperator Caesar divi filius Augustus). Due to his intellectual abilities and oratory skills, Octavian Augustus was adopted by his uncle Caius Julius Caesar. Augustus was staying in Illyricum for education in the first half of first century BC, and he arrived in Rome in year 44.BC when Caesar was murdered in Roman Senat. As Caesar’s adopted son he started persecuting the killers by forming the Second Triumvirate in year 43 BC, in order to gain the support of the allies: Mark Anthony, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and the Roman citizens. After the battles near Actium (31 BC) and Alexandria (30 BC) in which ended the bloody Civil Wars, Octavianus ended wars in Egypt and Balkans. He proclaimed peace, secured state boarders, retired the biggest part of Army (about 500.000 soldiers), founded the Roman Empire in form of a Principate, co-ruled by the Emperor and Senate, brought growth to Economy, Culture and brought back ancient roman religious believes, founding also worship of the Emperor cult. It was the first period of the Roman Empire, extending from the beginning of the reign of Augustus Caesar to the Crisis of the Third Century, after which it was replaced with the Dominate. In Illyricum Augustus conquered the tribes of Iapodes, Dalmatae, Dardani and some other Illyrian tribes, to which he opened a road to progress in Roman Society. Emperor Tiberius (14-37 AD), his adoptive son, inherited Augustus since he did not have a biological son. Augustus was the first and the best Roman Emperor without doubt, and the period when Augustus ruled was the “golden age in history of the Roman State”, because the Roman State arrived the highest splendor.

3D documentation in archaeological fieldwork: a case study from the site of Metsamor

Author(s): Otto Bagi / Language(s): English Issue: XXVI/2017

Three-dimensional recording techniques, although growing rapidly in efficiency and applicability for archaeologists, have still not been turned to full account, mainly because they require for the most part expensive equipment and know-how. In this respect, photogrammetry is unique, being relatively cheap and easy to use. The joint Armenian–Polish archaeological project in Metsamor drew on the possibilities of this technology, which is relatively new to archaeological proceedings, in the daily recording system used at the site. The following article discusses the step-by-step application of photogrammetry in field documentation and its positive impact on archaeological work, Metsamor being taken as a case in point.

712 jelentősége a 25. dinasztia kronológiájában és az egyiptomi-kusita történelemben

Author(s): Gábor Erdős / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 2/2010

In 2001, Dahn’lel Kahn suggested a new chronology for the history of the 25th (kushite) dynasty which he based on new data of the inscription of Sargon II at Tang-i Var published in 1999. Although his new chronology reinterpreted the events of the contemporary Egyptian and Kushite history at many points, it is not free from misinterpretations and shortcomings. Th e author of the present essay tries to prove why he thinks that Dahn’el Kahn’s theory can not be accepted without any doubts by interpreting the known sources more precisely and joint studying such biblical and Assyrian sources which haven’t been study in the context of the problem yet.

80 години Исторически музей – Самоков

Author(s): Albena Simova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2016

97 év – 97 oldal

Author(s): Bence Fehér / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 1/2012

Németh György–Kovács Péter: Bevezetés a görög és a római felirattanba. Gondolat Kiadó, Budapest 2011.

A 18. dinasztia idején épült thébai vályogtégla szentély rekonstrukciós kísérletei

Author(s): Zoltán Imre Fábián / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 4/2012

A small mortuary chapel built of mud bricks was exposed in 2008 by the Hungarian Archaeological Mission in Thebes, on the south slope of the el-Khokha hillock. Paintings in a rather good state of preservation as well as several further fragments came to light during the excavation. They represent some characteristic thematic groups typical of 18th Dynasty rock cut mortuary monuments. Especially two groups offer a good chance for the reconstruction and the examination of basic principles of the decoration program, namely, a series of offering bearers and the scenes of beer brewers. On the basis of the reconstruction of painted elements, further conclusions can also be drawn regarding the architectural features of the chapel.