The Empire’s Muse: Roman Interpretations of the Amazons through Literature

Literature (from the Latin Littera meaning 'letters’ and referring to an acquaintance with the written word) is the written work of a specific culture, sub-culture, religion, philosophy or the study of such written work which may appear in poetry or in prose. Literature, in the west, originated in Mesopotamia and flourished in Egypt, later in Greece (the... [continue reading]

In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a race of warlike women noted for their courage and pride who lived at the outer limits of the known world, sometimes specifically mentioned as the city of Themiskyra on the Black Sea. Their queen was Hippolyta and although Homer tells us they were ‘the equal of men’, they fought and lost separate battles against... [continue reading]

In Greek mythology, the nine Muses are goddesses of the various arts such as music, dance and poetry and are blessed not only with wonderful artistic talents themselves but also with great beauty, grace and allure. Their gifts of song, dance and joy helped the gods and mankind to forget their troubles and inspired musicians and writers to reach ever greater artistic... [continue reading]