Daniel Ogden

Professor of Ancient History Daniel Ogden

The legends of Aristomenes, hero of the Messenian resistance to Sparta, were designed to excite, gratify and amuse. Yet they remain almost unknown even to specialist ancient historians. This book, the first monograph to be devoted to Aristomenes, redirects attention to his adventures, which at times resemble those of King Arthur, Robin Hood and even Sinbad the Sailor. The book goes beyond the question of the historicity of Aristomenes, and examines the meaning and symbolism of the stories in their own right. The study will be welcomed by those with an interest in the history of Sparta, in Pausanias (our principal source for the tales), and in Greek traditional narrative.

Legends of Sparta's Nemesis

Aristomenes of Messene

Sperm and machismo in Sparta, the belief that it is possible to have two biological fathers, and "womb strife" between half-siblings - these are among the fascinating insights about Greek attitudes towards sex and society revealed in this first full length study of illegitimacy in the Greek world. Disciples of Foucault, and a wide range of social historians - from scholars of Athenian law to women in antiquity - should all find this of prime interest and importance.

Greek Bastardy in the Classical and Hellenistic Periods

The son of Zeus, Perseus belongs in the first rank of Greek heroes. Indeed to some he was a greater hero even than Heracles. With the help of Hermes and Athena he slew the Gorgon Medusa, conquered a mighty sea monster and won the hand of the beautiful princess Andromeda. This volume tells of his enduring myth, it's rendering in art and literature, and its reception through the Roman period and up to the modern day. This is the first scholarly book in English devoted to Perseus' myth in its entirety for over a century. With information drawn from a diverse range of sources as well as varied illustrations, the volume illuminates the importance of the Perseus myth throughout the ages.

Professor of Ancient History Daniel Ogden

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