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cf_fraiser

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I saw @amygdalE discussing Greek philosophy so I thought it would be good to get the whole forum involved! Who do you all suggest I read? Ive never read philosophy before
 
Aristotle for sure. I love the allegory of the cave :)
 
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Here are my top 3 favorite Greek philosophers:

1. Socrates
2. Plato
3. Aristotle

Socrates-720x480.jpeg
 
Aristotle for sure. I love the allegory of the cave :)
I remember doing this at school and thinking what is this rubbish they are teaching us? Now, I find myself quoting it all the time!
 
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1. Epicurus
2. King Menander

Epicurus was atheist and King Menander declared himself a Buddhist. Very deep thinkers, indeed!
 
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I remember doing this at school and thinking what is this rubbish they are teaching us? Now, I find myself quoting it all the time!
Same!! The more we learn the more were able to learn
 
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I think it is a good idea to start with an overview. There are many philosophers, and all came about at different time periods and have different, conflicting beliefs. Maybe start here?

 

Daily Life in Ancient Athens?

When I visited Athens recently, I spent a lot of time walking around the ancient sites like the Acropolis of Athens and the Ancient Agora of Athens. Seeing the ruins up close was incredible, but it also made my imagination wander.

As I walked through the Agora and looked up at the Acropolis, I kept wondering what daily life was actually like in Ancient Athens. What did an ordinary day look like for people who lived there? Were the streets busy with merchants and philosophers debating ideas? What kinds of foods were people cooking, and how did families spend their evenings?

It’s easy to think about the big historical moments or famous figures, but I’m really curious about everyday life. What were homes like, how did people spend their time, and what might a normal day have looked like for the average Athenian? I’d love to hear any insights or resources people recommend!

Information about the Battle of Marathon

I'm planning a trip to Greece later this year, and one of the places I'm really hoping to visit is the site of the Battle of Marathon. I've read the basic history and know it was one of the most important battles of the Persian Wars, but I'd love to learn more before I actually stand where it happened.

For those of you who have visited Marathon or have studied this period of Greek history, what details or stories do you think are especially worth knowing? Are there any books, documentaries, or articles you'd recommend beforehand? Is there anything at the site that many visitors overlook or don't fully appreciate without some background?

I'd really like to understand not just the battle itself, but why it became such a defining moment in Greek history. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Most forgotten period of Greek history?

I was in Crete once eating at a restaurant and there was a pile of artifacts heaped - broken pottery shards, etc. The restaurant told us that they were going to throw them out. I said, but they are artifacts, why?! They said that no one cares about that time period the artifacts came from - something about an Arabic occupation.

I thought it was interesting and it stayed with me nearly two decades later. This is clearly a forgotten period of Greek history. Does this happen a lot in Greece? Got me thinking about Greek history and what else may be forgotten... Would love your thoughts.

Greek life under Roman rule?

I’ve been reading more about Greek history lately, especially periods that don’t get as much everyday attention, and I keep coming back to Greek life under Roman Empire rule.

I know the broad timeline, Greece absorbed into the Roman world, cities continuing to function, Greek culture influencing Rome as much as the other way around — but I’m really curious about the lived experience. What did daily life actually feel like for ordinary Greeks during this period? How much continuity was there with earlier Hellenistic life, and where did Roman administration, law, or customs really change things?

I love history most when I can picture it: streets, homes, education, food, language, religion. Were people aware they were living in a “Roman” era, or did it feel like Greek life with a new layer on top?

If anyone has thoughts, favorite books, articles, documentaries, or even museum resources, I’d love recommendations.

Themistocles: Hero, Politician, or Master Strategist?

This weekend I met someone named Themistocles, which immediately caught my attention. We ended up having a conversation about the famous Athenian statesman and general, and it got me thinking more about his place in Greek history.

Themistocles is often credited with recognizing the importance of naval power and helping secure the Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis. Without his foresight and strategy, the Persian Wars may have had a very different outcome. At the same time, he was also a politician who made powerful enemies and was eventually ostracized from Athens.

It made me wonder how people today view him. Was he primarily a hero who helped save Greece, a brilliant politician navigating a difficult era, or one of history's greatest military strategists? I'd love to hear your thoughts on his legacy and whether you think he gets the recognition he deserves.
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