I read (with a smile) that youngsters reading the books by Rick Riordan that form the basis for the movie, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, are absorbing the Greek myths gladly and effortlessly. Without having seen the movie -- because it opens later this week -- I can only speculate that it actually does adhere to standard myths, based on the previews and the useful teacher's guide to Rick Riordan's books. Read more...
Must Reads
Browse Topic
Myths for Kids
Hawthorne's Greek Myths Retold
Hawthorne re-wrote popular Greek myths so they would be suitable for contemporary children.
More Myths Retold
N.S.Gill's Ancient History Blog
Myth Monday - Percy-us and Cheiron
Monday February 8, 2010
On This Day in Ancient History Emperor Marcian Died
Sunday February 7, 2010
In A.D. 457 the Roman Emperor Marcian died. Marcian had been born in 392, probably in Illyria, and began a career as a solider. He appears to have been captured by Vandals in the 430s and then emerged from obscurity to be made emperor when the preceding one, Theodosius II, died without leaving an heir. While Marcian was emperor, he convened a Church council (Fourth Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon) and may have hired an assassin to kill Attila the Hun.
Attila Photo © Clipart.com
On this Day in Ancient History - Augustus Received a Title
Friday February 5, 2010
In 2 B.C., the first Roman emperor, whom we call Augustus, received the title Pater patriae 'father of the country'. This title was a great honor given for outstanding service. The famous orator and Roman statesman Cicero had earned the title Pater patriae in 63 B.C. Later emperors received the title after years of service to Rome.
Thursday's Term to Learn - Stipendium (Stipend)
Thursday February 4, 2010
Last night's Roman History book chat was the second on Tacitus' Histories, with a focus on the year of four emperors. A topic that came up that we couldn't answer was how (and even whether) the soldiers were paid amid the chaos, especially if they were on the losing side. If you know the answer, please post in the comments. Read more...
Discuss
Explore Ancient / Classical History
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Abraham Lincoln, The Great Emancipator
Lincoln is one of those rare figures who becomes more interesting the more you learn about him. More >
The US Occupation of Haiti
Responding to near-anarchy in the Republic of Haiti, the United States occupied the nation from 1915 to 1934. More >
©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.