The Study of Antiquity and the Middle Ages

In this episode I host Anya Leonard who is one of the founders of Classical Wisdom which is an online platform that specializes in educating the public involving ancient history, art, philosophy, culture and so much more.

We talk about why she started the organization, how far they have come and what do they have planned for us in the future.

She excitedly tells us about an upcoming symposium that we can all attend with an awesome list of scholars titled End of Empires and Fall of Nations.

Get your ticket to the upcoming symposium here: https://classicalwisdom-symposium-2021.eventbrite.ie

Lastly we approach the benefits of becoming a member of classical wisdom from free eBooks to webinars and beyond. To appease our awesome fanbase here at SAMA, Anya Leonard kindly and graciously allowed us to use segments from a talk by Donald Robertson on Stoicism and How to think like a Roman Emperor and I hope that you all enjoy this.  

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 The podcast Classical Wisdom Speaks in available on all major platforms – and you can see the Youtube channel here: https://youtube.com/c/classicalwisdom

Does Facebook have a war on history? The answer is a simple no but the story is complicated.

In this episode I am joined by author and reporter Peter Suciu on his article '"On Facebook, History Can Violate Community Standards."

To quote the article * One thing that is often taught to students of history is that "history" didn't happen. Events happened in the past, but history is just our way of chronicling those events. There is also a saying that history is written by the winners, but that too isn't entirely accurate – if history were only written by the winners we'd never hear of the setbacks, mistakes made by generals or losses incurred by said winners. History, to put it bluntly, is written by historians and those with knowledge of past events.

On Facebook it now seems that merely writing about – and then sharing those writings – could violate community standards. Even in this era of "fake news" it isn't so easy to understand why the social network has taken this stance - end quote.

Recently an incident on Facebook lead me to create this video.... while scrolling through my Roman themed history groups I noticed a post by a member showing that their history post had been taken down by Facebook for violating community standards. The post was a picture of the Roman Eagle with SPQR under its feet. This particular illustration was actually from the Rome Total War Gaming Franchise and that lead me to wonder more about how and why Facebook targets certain posts?

Is there confusion among Facebook employees and its algorithms involving not just Ancient History but specifically Roman History? 

Why are Third Reich posts and photos censored? And why are they censored even if there are no violent images or symbols of hate shown? 

Why are militaria groups coming under fire for trading, buying and selling Third Reich memorabilia when other memorabilia such as relating to the USSR or the CCP are deemed acceptable?

Why is Facebook warning me that the history groups I'm in may be exposing me to extremist content?

These are questions that I pondered while making this episode and so I hosted a fellow history buff and militaria collector on whether or not history can violate Facebooks Community Standards?

Support our great guest at all these links below!

On Facebook, History Can Violate Community Standards

https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuc...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterSuciu

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuc...

National Interest: https://nationalinterest.org/profile/...

His awesome history store: https://www.plundererpete.com/

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Eric Singleton who is the Curator of Ethnology at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to talk about religion and tradition in the Ancient Mississippian World.

We explore a variety of topics but first we define the geographic boundaries of the ancient Mississippians which covered large portions of the Midwest, South and South-East of what is now the USA.

We go back into history into a time of Native American migration and cultural expansion and ponder whether or not these migrations played a role in the evolution of Mississippian Religion similar to the arrival of Indo Europeans and its consumption of previous peoples and cultures and its transformation in ancient Europe.

We then explore sacred sites in the Mississippian world and discuss sacred geography in the Native American world from Spiro to Cahokia.

We turn to a crucial aspect of the story and we look at what evidence can tell us about their religions ranging from archaeology to primary sources and beyond to tribal oral traditions that still echo in our world today.

We then look at the minds of the ancient Mississippians themselves and ask how did they view the spiritual world around them? How did they view the afterlife? The Human Soul?

A brief overview of Mississippian Religion below.

Mississippian religion was a distinctive Native American belief system in eastern North America that evolved out of an ancient, continuous tradition of sacred landscapes, shamanic institutions, world renewal ceremonies, and the ritual use of fire, ceremonial pipes, medicine bundles, sacred poles, and symbolic weaponry. Mississippian people shared similar beliefs in cosmic harmony, divine aid and power, the ongoing cycle of life and death, and spiritual powers with neighboring cultures throughout much of eastern North America. Although similarities in religious practices and rituals existed throughout the Mississippian world, individual polities possessed divergent trajectories of religious thought that over time resulted in differing paths of belief and ritual.

Above all, Mississippian people were logical, pragmatic, and rational in their religious beliefs, and their observations and thoughts about the world around them were reflected in their views of the spiritual world. Their rituals and sacred narratives embodied abstract meanings, archaic language, complex symbolism, and esoteric metaphors. The numerous and widespread Mississippian polities gave rise to a remarkable tradition of religious beliefs and practices. Their religious system flourished for more than half a millennium as a meaningful and vibrant set of beliefs. Identifying the circumstances, complexity, and nature of Mississippian religion is a major focus of current research among a number of scholars, including anthropologists, archaeologists, ethnohistorians, folklorists, and historians. Although scholars debate various points of religious belief, there is general agreement on the overall religious traditions.

Dye, D. (2000). Mississippian Religious Traditions. In S. Stein (Author), The Cambridge History of Religions in America (Cambridge History of Religions in America, pp. 137-155). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CHOL9780521871105.008

In this episode I host Megan Lewis and Dr. Joshua Bowen from Digital Hammurabi on Dr. Bowens latest work "The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament" and I'd add to that by saying it is also a handbook to the ancient Near East itself in general.

The Old Testament is a fierce battleground for atheists and Christian apologists, with each side accusing the other of taking challenging and troubling passages out of context. In this handbook, Joshua Bowen not only provides the background to the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, but engages with hotly contested topics like slavery, failed prophecy, and the authorship of debated Old Testament books.

In this episode I explore what lead him to write this book? How has it been received? And what does the book address? 

This book provides:

-clear and straightforward explanations to complex topics

-direct engagement with hot-button Old Testament issues

-specific arguments to help you in a debate or discussion.

Whether you are looking to debate problematic Old Testament issues on social media or have a relaxed, meaningful discussion with a family member over coffee, The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament is an indispensable resource for you.

Get a copy of the book here :  https://www.amazon.com/Atheist-Handbook-Old-Testament-ebook/dp/B094RF3CF3

Subscribe to their YouTube Channel below!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQo27DbqeB-xG17-kekrdQ

Website: https://www.digitalhammurabi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/digi_hammurabi

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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/digitalhammurabi

On May 9, 1865, the American Civil War ended, or did it?  Historians acknowledge that exact starting and ending dates of wars are open to debate, and likewise, so are the causes and reasons those wars were fought.  In the case of the American Civil War, April 1861 to May 1865, the “cause” of Southern independence is a controversial and contentious subject even to this day.  The main debate centers on whether or not slavery, that “peculiar institution,” was the main cause of the war and the reason for fighting such a costly conflict.  Revisionist “historians” have tried mightily over the years to justify the Confederacy and their “Lost Cause,” which serious historians have repeatedly debunked.

The so called “Lost Cause” is a construct of revisionist history that makes the case that slavery as practiced in the American South was a benevolent institution that was mutually beneficial to the master and the slave, and furthermore, contributed to the general wealth of the United States.  A mythology about the chivalrous nature of the Southern gentleman farmer and general social superiority of the Southern White population was promulgated and reinforced by a vigorous campaign over several decades to erect Confederate monuments and name many places after Confederate heroes.  Statistics about how few Southern White people actually owned slaves was used to undermine the notion that the Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery, although such numbers grossly misrepresent the reality of the situation in the South.  Since only the head of the household was likely to be listed as the slave owner, the several others in his family that benefited from the slave holding were technically not slave owners, but in reality were indeed people that were benefiting from the institution of slavery and living the lifestyle afforded by such human bondage.

Another fact that belies the storyline that slavery was not the main or even a main issue leading to the secession of the Confederate States from the United States is found in the documents announcing the secession of those various states.  In fact EVERY Southern state that seceded to join the Confederate States of America prominently cited slavery as an issue of contention leading to secession.

Link to article titled "The Lost Cause? No!"

https://www.historyandheadlines.com/the-lost-cause-no/

In this episode we are joined by the awesome YouTube channel host from Tipsyfish history to walk us through a complicated and controversial topic involving modern history and that is why did non slave owners support and fight for the Confederacy?

It is easy to understand and see why slave owners would be concerned about the threat, real or imagined, that Lincoln and the growing abolitionist movement posed to slavery.  

But what about those Southerners who did not own slaves?  What about the lower class in the Confederate States?

Why would they risk their livelihoods by leaving the United States and pledging allegiance to a new nation grounded in the proposition that all men are not created free or equal, a nation established and founded to preserve a type of property that they did not own?

Why did people who couldn't afford slaves support a slave society and economy?

Did non slave owners benefit from slavery?

Was state nationalism a contributing factor in their decisions to fight and oftentimes die in a conflict that revolved around the enslavement of human beings?

In this episode these questions are addressed and much more as Aster describes the motivations that drove non-slaveholding white Southerners to fight for the Confederacy and to protect slavery.

Support Tipsyfish and her awesome work at these links below!

YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3JcwC4qjfi-zbe759tCv2Q

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This is the second episode of a long series that we have titled "On the Fringe" where we host controversial guests and as the host play the "Devils Advocate" where we ask critical questions about their work, theories and etc.

In this episode I host fringe archaeologist | theorist involving his claims of ancient advanced civilizations and technology.

To begin I ask him to explain his views on ancient advanced technology and he goes into what he considers to be "machine" markings and drill holes and saw marks that in his view couldn't be done by a handsaw.

I ask him to explain why he doesn't believe that Dynastic Egyptians didn't construct the pyramids of Egypt and why he believes the timeline for these monuments should be pushed back by thousands of years.

I counter his claim by asking about experimental archaeology that has shed light on how ancient monuments were built and with what tools and whether of not he discounts their work while also pointing out that we have the tools and living quarters of the workers who built the pyramids while asking how he counters that archaeological evidence.

I ask what criticism he has received?  

I ask why he believes that an advanced civilization built Stonehenge and if he discounts the ancient populations that could have built it and I get him to come to a common ground on the issue.

I bring up a question posed by Stefan Milo (YouTube Historian) who asks how he can justify his claims when he has no evidence to support ancient advanced civilizations in the prehistoric era.

 Lastly, I ask him * where is the evidence? Discount the marks and I ask him where are these tools? Why have we not found them?

He then explains that (1) they could have been covered up in a conspiracy or (2) these advanced cultures left and took the tools with them.

Lastly in the video comment section I provide links to mainstream sources and references that critique his work so that you the viewer can make up your own mind.

This is the first episode of a long series that we have titled "On the Fringe" where we host controversial guests and as the host play the "Devils Advocate" where we ask critical questions about their work, theories and etc.

In this episode we host Brien Foerster who has starred in Ancient Aliens on the History Channel and we explore the elongated skulls of Paracas Peru, the DNA of these skulls and the controversy surrounding his work and theories.

For those not familiar with the subject elongated skulls are artificial cranial deformation or modification, head flattening, or head binding is a form of body alteration in which the skull of a human being is deformed intentionally. It is done by distorting the normal growth of a child's skull by applying force. Flat shapes, elongated ones (produced by binding between two pieces of wood), rounded ones (binding in cloth), and conical ones are among those chosen or valued in various cultures. Typically, the shape alteration is carried out on an infant, as the skull is most pliable at this time. In a typical case, head binding begins approximately a month after birth and continues for about six months. Many people believe that this involves social status and group belonging.

In this episode we ask what lead him to investigate these skulls?

What criticism has he received based on his work and I ask if his work is "mainstream?" 

Was he connected to the DNA tests run on these skulls? Who all was involved? In what condition and environment were these skulls kept and what precautions were taken? Was the Peruvian government involved? 

What were the results? What did the Peruvian archaeologist have to say about the findings? Why was his work never published?

Did they really have red hair? How does he know that the hair didn't turn read after death?

Lastly I ask why he thinks archaeologists and historians ignore his work? I pose the question that wouldn't it be more beneficial for them to promote his work if it was factual rather than overlook it and not make a name for themselves?

In this episode Spencer McDaniel from the Tales of Times Forgotten Blog joins us for a rebuttal of sorts aimed towards a controversial work by Catherine Nixey titled "The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World."

We begin with Spencer explaining how his religious and educational background differs from Nixey’s and how this might be influencing this perspective.

Spencer continues with where, on a general level, they disagree with Nixey’s framing.

We explore if it’s true that early Christians did try to destroy certain kinds of writings and, if so, what kinds of writings did they target?

I ask why, if Christian attempts at censorship were so limited and generally unsuccessful, so many writings from antiquity have been lost?

We discuss if it’s true that early Christians did, in some cases, destroy works of Greek and Roman art?

We then approach the Christian desecration and destruction of "Pagan" temples.... did it happed? If so, to what extent?

Lastly I ask a question involving a subject that the history world is obsessed with and that is if it’s true that Christians deliberately destroyed the Library of Alexandria? The answer is a definite no, but Spencer will gladly and thoroughly explain why.

For those not familiar with this subject "The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World," is a book published in 2018 by Catherine Nixey. In the work itself, she argues that early Christians deliberately destroyed classical Greek and Roman cultures including art, sources, architecture and in some cases mass murder and caused the Dark Ages. It enjoyed popular publishing success (I myself own a copy and I did enjoy it but I acknowledge certain issues) but it has received major criticism from certain religious communities and many historians in general. 

To support our guest, check out these links below!

Website : https://talesoftimesforgotten.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpenceMcDaniel

Original article titled : What Was the Conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity Really Like?

https://talesoftimesforgotten.com/2020/04/11/what-was-the-conversion-of-the-roman-empire-to-christianity-really-like/

In a long series that explores the ancient Aegean cultures, peoples and civilizations of the Bronze Age we host PhD student Theodore Nash on a fascinating topic and that is the history, development and archaeology relating to ancient Aegean scripts and their writing systems.

From exploring the complexity of Linear A, Linear B and Cretan hieroglyphs to looking at the archaeology surrounding this subject we are taken on a journey into an obscure and complicated subject.

Though studying ancient writing systems lacks the imaginative glory of an ancient battlefield or the suspense of court intrigue I can't stress enough how important it is to study writing in the ancient world and why that history matters because without studying the history of writing you will never truly understand our history itself.

Support our awesome guest PhD Student Theodore Nash below!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theo_nash

History Blog: https://mycenaeanmiscellany.wordpress.com/