Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea: Journeys Through Ancient Literature

Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea: Journeys Through Ancient Literature by Emily Wilson

I have heard that in Japan, translators are well known and respected almost as much as authors. In the English speaking world, they are almost treated as an afterthought. However, translators play a huge role in how we experience works of literature. This can be especially important with ancient works. Most of the popular Greek works of today were experienced as popular culture. They were in the vernacular of the day and would be more akin to a superhero movie than work of literature. Alas, we often experience them in archaic translations. This causes a barrier to their understanding. Translators also struggle with the feel of the work. One word may be translated exactly with a 30 word phrase, but then you've lost the flow. A single word may be better even if it is not exact. How do you get the rhythm and meter in different languages? What about slang and scatalogical language? And what about different dialects present in the original?

In this book, the author explores her experience with different ancient works and the art of translation. It is filled with interesting examples of trade offs made in translation and how she feels about it. I would love to see more translated works accompanied by a discussion from the translator.

How the World Made the West: A 4,000 Year History

How the World Made the West: A 4,000 Year History by Josephine Quinn

What were the influences of modern western civilization. It is common to trace it through the Greeks, Romans and Hebrews. However, many other groups influenced our modern culture. This book explores many of these sources. Alas, the author has a big axe to grind with the term "culture" and spends too much time attacking some definition of culture and common understandings of the growth of culture.

Carthage: A New History

Carthage: A New History by Eve MacDonald

Carthage was one of the leaders of the ancient world. Then it lost a war to Rome and was destroyed. It's history is often told through the lense of it's vanquisher. That makes it somewhat difficult to piece together a history. This book explores some of the history including significant figures that were not named Hannibal. It straddles the line between academic and narrative history, in part because detailed sources for a narrative are lacking. It mentions the apparent child sacrifice remains, but does not see them as bad as others. Things end with Rome defeating them and saving only a science book.

Love, War, and Diplomacy: The Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Revealed

Love, War, and Diplomacy: The Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Revealed by Eric H. Cline

I've enjoyed other books by the author, but this one did not pique my interest. The Amarna letters were tablets that had fairly extensive historical records of an ancient civilization. They were discovered a century ago. Alas, many were destroyed as the treasure collectors tried to maximize value. The book covers the work of the people that found and translated the tablets even more than the contents. It is an interesting story of "how archeology works", but it would be much more appreciated by a niche audience.

After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations

After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations by Eric H. Cline

Many great civilizations seemed to fall away a few millennia ago. We see gaps where writing disappeared and provided little historical record. There have been some postulates for how and why the failed. It may not have been obvious to the people living at the time. There may have been some changes resulting in certain things no longer needing to be recorded. There may have been different rulers. People may have depended too much on climatic conditions and struggled when they changed. Some of the changes may just be fictions caused by our lack of understanding. The book explores civilizations and their resilience through difficult times. This can be an example for us as we struggle with things such as pandemics and climate change.  

1177 B.C. (Revised and Updated): The Year Civilization Collapsed

1177 B.C. (Revised and Updated): The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric H. Cline

In 1177, Bronze Age civilization collapsed. Why did it happen? Could it happen to us? The invasion of the "Sea Peoples" is seen as part of the initial collapse. Climate Change also impacted the ability of the society to feed itself. A few stressors are surmountable, but many together can be overwhelming.

For periods this far in the past, it can be hard to find details. Archaeological details may long be gone. Historical records are sparse. The Exodus and the Trojan War are both commemorated in works that have endured until today. There are evidences of some historicity of the events. However, the details are likely not exactly what has been recorded in the Bible and Iliad. The Biblical account has been especially difficult. There seem to be some similar events in the area, but the time frame does not match the precise time calculated from the Bible.

It is an interesting look at ancient history. There is a lot of guess work involved. Sometimes conjectures can dominate the scene for a long time, even with little proof. Finding the truth is a challenge.