Antiquity Archives - Page 2 of 2

Angkor Wat, 12th century, Siem Reap temple

February 10, 2018 Bill Swislow

A Stroll Through Angkor: Angkor Wat

Visit Angkor Wat, the 12th century temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and the most famous.

The south entrance to Angkor Thom, 12th century, Siem Reap, Cambodia

February 10, 2018 Bill Swislow

A Stroll Through Angkor: Angkor Thom

Visit the monumental 12th century Angkor Thom temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

January 18, 2015 Bill Swislow

Short Review: Through the Eye of a Needle

Peter Brown takes on the end of the Western Roman Empire through the lens of wealth and religion, shining a brilliant light on the transition from Antiquity to the beginning of the Middle Ages. He writes extremely well for non-specialists, but with authority, and as he has elsewhere, makes a strong case that the Dark Ages as commonly understood did not exist. While there certainly was plenty of discontinuity, the Roman Empire did not abruptly disappear followed by blank centuries. Instead, as Brown traces, there were interrelated military, political, economic, social and religious evolutions as the Empire dissolved into a

July 16, 2012 Bill Swislow

Review: The Odyssey

The Odyssey by Homer My rating: 5 of 5 stars It’s Homer! The epic is foundational for Western Civilization as a good read in any case. I’m no expert on translations, but I found the Lombardo version colorful and readable. View all my reviews

March 13, 2012 Bill Swislow

Review: The Iliad

The Iliad by Homer My rating: 5 of 5 stars An eminently readable translation brings the appalling gore, risible gods, tragic heroes and wondrous poetry to life. A great way to reacquaint, or acquaint, yourself with one of the world’s great works of literature. My reading partners via readingodyssey.org help a lot too. View all my reviews

January 28, 2012 Bill Swislow

Review: Rome: A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History

Rome: A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History by Robert Hughes My rating: 3 of 5 stars If you’re interested in the history of Rome, with a bias toward the artistic history, this book is entertaining and engaging, even if poorly edited. There are numerous instances of redundancy and inaccuracy. As you get into the modern period, Hughes’ critical biases come a bit much to the fore. But still, I mostly enjoyed it. View all my reviews