(Anticipatory) Spring Break Reading Suggestions

Hello Fellow Nerds,

I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to a wonderful little gem that I picked up in a used bookstore.

The Classical Compendium by Philip Matyszak

This book's cover promises to deliver: "A miscellany of scandalous gossip, bawdy jokes, peculiar facts and bad behavior from the ancient Greeks and Romans." And it does just that. Here, now, I will expose you to some of the wondrous tales stored inside. Then, if you are so inclined, you can purchase a copy used off Amazon for $0.01 (what a steal!). Enjoy!

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Excerpt from pages 52-53:

"Bad Moon Rising"

Signs of impending misfortune were regularly sent by the gods, though you had to know where to look to find them...

Eclipses, in particular, were signs of something unpleasant on the horizon. Following their failed siege of Syracuse in 413 BC, the Athenians decided to withdraw their men and ships and go home. However, they were halted by an eclipse of the moon, which Nicias, their superstitious commander, felt compelled to counteract by stopping everything and making a sacrifice to the gods. The gods were clearly not pleased, however, since the Syracusans used the delay to thwart the Athenian escape and capture or kill the entire expeditionary force.

Other bad signs included:

- A woman carrying a spindle in public

- Stumbling on the doorstep when going out

- An owl roosting on the house

- Snakes appearing in the house

- Walking over a grave

- Meeting a donkey carrying the herbs used to decorate a tombstone

- A crow appearing on the viewer's left (a crow on the right was good)

- The Athenians believed that spitting when dealing with an epileptic or mentally disturbed person averted evil

- An image of Medusa's head (Medusa being the lady with snakes for hair) was believed to have the power to attract and hold evil forces, and consequently was often painted or carved onto buildings

Excerpt from page 59:

"Aphrodisiacs"

Roman

Garlic - Ideally with chopped coriander leaves in white wine

Rocket - (Arugula)

Sparrows - (Amorous little animals according to the Romans) - either eaten, or presented live to the amoratrix

Carrots, asparagus, nettles - All preferably served with pepper and spice to excite the blood

Greek

Garlic

Lentils - Especially if cooked in saffron

Beans - Also best in a spicy soup

Artichokes

Truffles

Excerpt from page 142:

"Possible Professions for Women in Ancient Greece"

Baker
Fishmonger
Priestess
Seamstress
Musician
Weaver
Pharmacist
Dancer
Witch
Hetaira
Prostitute
Innkeeper
Laundrywoman
Market-stall owner
Wet-nurse
Bath-house keeper
Camp-follower