Lion headed water spout at Christie's, London

It's being sold as 4th century BC, from Magna Grecia. There is no provenance, but since these came in sets that went around a building, and there have been a couple of studies of these, it shouldn't be too difficult to work out which building it came from surely?

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My Books of the Summer: The Spartacus War and The Fall of the West

They told me to go to rehab, so I said "yes, yes, yes" .... In July I was called as a witness in a legal case, but had to excuse myself on health grounds, and the fact that I was being treated for PTSD became the worst kept secret in archaeology ... so I figure I might as well be open about it. It's kinda a bummer, but I spent the summer playing with a dog and ignoring the world, which helped. And I'm mostly okay now, as long as people are gentle with me and don't threaten me ...

Unfortunately just before I went 'away' ... I was sent two brilliant books to review, and failed to blog much about either of them. I hope to put that right soon, but quickly wanted to mention the two books that kept me going thorough the summer (it says a lot that I ignored the world, but not these histories).

I think that Adrian Goldsworthy is one of the best historians working an the ancient world at the moment. As well as the new FTC disclaimer where I mention that these two books were both sent to my by their publishers for free, I should also mention that Adrian is a very good friend and one of the nicest people on earth.

In this book Adrian covers the centuries in which the West fell, first disintegrating into internecine infighting, and then being over-run by northern 'barbarians'. He covers complex material in a way that makes it easy to understand, and made me want to know more. I was fascinated by some of the women - Julia Domna, Zenobia - and loved the little-seen illustrations of later Roman military uniforms and equipment.

The Fall Of The West: The Death Of The Roman Superpower: The Long, Slow Death of the Roman Superpower by Adrian Goldsworthy - Amazon.co.uk

How Rome Fell: Death of a Superpower by Adrian Goldsworthy - Amazon.com

I'm also very excited about Adrian's next book, a joint biography of Anthony and Cleopatra. He's been telling me about his new research every time we meet, I'm very excited about it and can't wait until next summer. Oh, and I'm also tempted to try the pearl experiment, to see how Cleopatra managed to disolve pearls in wine-vinegar ....

If Adrian's book covers a mass of material in one volume, then Prof Strauss' biography of Spartacus does the opposite - it concentrates on the material about this one man, to create a fascinating portrait of both him and his period. Spartacus is well know to all from the Hollywood movie, but Strauss blows away the cliches to reveal the 'real' man. It helps that he is also one of the leading ancient historians, as books with little primary evidence can otherwise be frustrating - too many people try to expand the little information we have about Boudicca into a book ...

I hope to blog more about both books in the near future, but meanwhile highly recommend both if you're looking for something to read, or for the perfect gift for a Classicist or historian.


The Spartacus War: The Revolt of the Gladiators - Amazon.co.uk

The Spartacus War - Amazon.com

Book Review: Dan Brown's The Lost Key

The dog devoured it. I was less enthusiastic.

Book Review: It's A Don's Life

Disclosure:
Following the new FTC rules about book reviews and blogging, I have to disclose that the publishers sent me a free copy of this book.
This is a new legal requirement, in case readers are worried that I was bribed by this 'gift' because I was not forced to shell out the £6.29 that Amazon.co.uk lists the book for: It's a Don's Life

Regular readers are probably familiar with Prof Beard's Blog at the Times - most probably read it. The book is based on the blog, and includes a selection of comments left on the posts from a variety of people, including me! Like Prof Beard herself - as I've said before, I want to be just like Mary Beard when I grow up! - the book is clever, witty, and brilliant. I recommend it to anyone with a passing interest in Classics, academia, or who simply wants to read some erudite short essays (which is what her blog posts essentially are).

Every year I chose a book to give to people for Christmas, and this year it will be this book - it's the perfect stocking filler!

Mary Beard, It's a Don's Life - Amazon.co.uk

The Erechtheion by Prosper Marilhat

Note the pillars between the Caryatids, which still supported the South Porch when this Frenchman (1811-1847) visited Athens. Wallace Collection, London
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A fountain of the type Richard Wallace donated 50 examples to Paris of ...

... Because he was frustrated that they would not give him a glass of water. Paris is dotted with these - each held up by four Caryatids - but this replica sits outside the Wallace Collection in London.

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The Jewish 'Western Cemetery' Queen's Elm Parade, South Kensington, London

I've been interested in this cemetery for a few years, but have still not had the opportunity of visiting it ... so today I perched on a utility company box and took some photos over the wall!

It's a 19th century Victorian cemetery in use from 1815 to 1884, located between Fulham Road, Old Church Street and South Parade, and was the final resting place of a number of Jews, but other than that I know nothing about it.

I also have not been able to find any photos of it, so here's a small selection ....

Copies of the Via Appia Caryatid on the King's Road, London

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