Apologies for taking over from the previous writer of bad history, and particular apologies that my thoughts, ideas and notions will not be as reliably, academically informed. However, there is an on-going movement in history, as well as in culture, towards acknowledgment of ‘the bad’. The stuff people did wrong. All around the world, acrossContinue reading “Bad History: Presentism and so-called ‘Cancel Culture’ in History”
Tag Archives: History
The Curious Idiot’s™ Introduction to Shakespeare
It’s inevitable, isn’t it? I mean I speak English as my first language so at some point or another I am going to talk about Shakespeare. Even if English wasn’t my first language Shakespeare is taught all around the world and is often considered the pinnacle of English literary accomplishment. Point 1 – Shakespeare isn’tContinue reading “The Curious Idiot’s™ Introduction to Shakespeare”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #2: Pro-Wrestling
The roaring crowd, their eyes fixated on the centre of a theatre, a ring (so-called even though it is quite square), a cage, a pit, all waiting with bated breath to see their favourite fighters, their favourite personalities, come out and put their bodies on the line for glory, victory and entertainment. I am, ofContinue reading “Modern Things Romans Would Love #2: Pro-Wrestling”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #3: Fast Food
The Romans fucking loved their nosh. There is no doubt about it. I always maintain that Latin derived cultures have taken from Romans three fundamentals that we could all learn from. Forgetting all squabbles, forgetting all divisions, races, religions you only need three things to live a good life – good food, good wine and good fucking. The Romans got this.
Modern Things Romans Would Love #4: Bipartisan Politics
I will refrain, entirely, from making any inference or references to contemporary political situations. Make your damn own.
Modern Things Romans Would Love #5: AirBnB
How coincidental these two entries follow each other. You see, it is difficult to travel without having people to take you places or places to stay when you get there. Roman hospitium, hospitality, is truly the stuff of legend. You might not think it given how often they showed themselves to be an elitist showerContinue reading “Modern Things Romans Would Love #5: AirBnB”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #6: Travel and Tourist Tat
Archaeological evidence from across the Roman world has dug up trinkets from various other parts of the world; Jewellery, figurines, carvings, etc. Basically they found everything but fridge magnets, keyrings and postcards. Not only did Romans have a penchant for travelling the world – sometimes for leisure, sometimes for education and sometimes because they had to because they were soldiers – but they also liked to bring back trinkets for their families. Roman-era tourist tat actually existed.
Modern Things Romans Would Love #7: Gender and Sexuality Liberation
This is one that’s going to piss off so many pseudo-classicists, the ones that come from that lens of neo-classicism. Neo-classicism was an idea that sprung up, predominantly, in Victorian-era Britain, where conservatism and austerity were things to be admired. Meanwhile, behind the scenes and down back alleys you’d be getting wankered on bathtub ginContinue reading “Modern Things Romans Would Love #7: Gender and Sexuality Liberation”
Modern Things Roman Would Love #8: Energy Drinks
What’s a day in the life of a Roman like and why did they really, really need energy drinks?
