For an amusing time . . .

. . . put Boris Johnson and "Professor Mary" together in a room, discussing Classics. I have little to add to "Professor Mary's" post, except to say that I'm sure her presence and thoughtful comments added to the general entertainment and enjoyability of the event as well. And, in case you're interested in Boris Johnson's book, The Dream of Rome (to which he referred and cited a few times last night!):



Anyway, I was reading this article on lice and human evolution, and I have to admit I laughed as I recalled the line from Rome about seeing "a Roman woman fucked by a baboon."

Also, for those interested in the new movie 300, here are Paul Cartledge's thoughts (article stolen shamelessly from rogueclassicism). The important distinction I want to make now about the movie is that it is under no illusion and has not tried to advertise that it is by any means a "true" story of the battle of Thermopylae. The adaptations that tick me off are the ones that claim they are the "true" or "historical" story of whatever and then are completely off to some ridiculous extent and, to boot, are also lacking in actual entertainment level (besides in their being absolutely ridiculous).

I may change my tune about this movie after I've seen it, though. I reserve that right if it's lacking in entertainment levels.

Lastly, Debra Hamel has made a hip new video about her book, Trying Neaira (and she posts a crisper, but not youtube, version here).