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Interesting that anarchy gets only one fleeting mention in the article. The reality is that ancient Greek (Athenian) democracy is more akin to anarchy. Another ancient word that needs to be broken down to better understand its true meaning. An-archos - without authority - meaning direct involvement of the people in decision-making and power sharing with no hierarchies involved. Modern society is now full of hierarchies and power pyramids which dominate and suppress the people. It's difficult to see a way out of the current hierarchical mess that megalomaniacs have created to dominate us but I am currently writing a book about it "Restructuring Capitalism" which will discuss a practical, viable way of doing just that. Bringing democracy (the power to make decisions) back to the people and breaking down those hierarchies in the process.
 

Naval Strategy - Battle of Salamis

I'm fascinated by ancient naval warfare, and I've been diving deep into the Battle of Salamis (480 BC) between the Greeks and Persians. The way the smaller, outnumbered Greek fleet managed to outmaneuver the Persians is just incredible! I'd love to hear more insights into the naval strategies used by Themistocles and how the geography of the straits played a role in the battle's outcome. Was it purely the tactical advantage of the terrain, or did Greek ship design also give them an edge? Also, are there any lesser-known details about the Persian fleet's strategy or their mistakes during the battle? I'd appreciate any book recommendations or resources for a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in naval history.

Exploring the Role of Women in Ancient Greece

I'm currently researching the role of women in Ancient Greece and would love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic. From what I've gathered so far, women's roles varied significantly depending on the city-state they lived in. For example, women in Sparta had more freedom and responsibility compared to their counterparts in Athens.

Was the Spartan view the norm in Ancient Greece? Was the Athenian view the norm? They seem like two extremes to me. I don't know much else about the rest of Greece.

Ancient Greek New Year's Celebrations?

With the new year just around the corner, I started wondering how the ancient Greeks marked the occasion. Did they even celebrate a “new year,” and if so, when was it? I’ve read that different city-states had their own calendars, so it might have varied.

Were there any particular rituals, festivals, or traditions tied to the start of a new year in ancient Greece? For example, did they have special feasts, honor certain gods, or perform ceremonies for good fortune?

It’s fascinating how modern New Year’s traditions often connect to older practices, so I’d love to learn more about how the ancient Greeks might have welcomed new beginnings. If anyone has insights into their calendars, seasonal changes, or cultural practices around this time.

Kingdoms in Ancient Greece?

My niece has a school project about Ancient Greece, and she asked me an interesting question: were there kingdoms in Ancient Greece? I always associate Greece with city-states like Athens and Sparta, but I’m wondering if there were any actual kingdoms during that time.

Did Ancient Greece ever have kings ruling over larger territories, or was it mostly independent city-states? I’ve heard of Mycenae and the Minoans—were they considered kingdoms? And how do they compare to the more famous city-states of the Classical period?

If anyone has insights or resources that could help me explain this to her in a simple way, I’d really appreciate it. She's 11 years old and she chose this topic herself.

Crash Course to Learning Greek Philosophy?

I’ve recently become really interested in Greek philosophy, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by where to start. There are so many philosophers, schools of thought, and ancient texts that I’m not sure how to structure my learning.

I’d love to get a crash course-style approach—something that gives me a solid foundation before diving deeper. Should I start with Plato and Aristotle, or go even earlier with the Pre-Socratics? Are there any beginner-friendly books, online courses, or videos that give a clear overview of key ideas?

Also, how much of the original texts should I read, or are there good modern summaries that explain them in a more accessible way?

If anyone has a structured learning path or recommendations for someone just starting out, I’d really appreciate it! Looking forward to your insights.
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