Ancient World

The Pilgrim and Virgil run over to Lucifer, and start climbing down his giant body. At the midpoint the whole world flips upside-down, and after climbing up a small tunnel, they come out - and once again can see the stars.

Enjoy!

The Pilgrim and Virgil start walking on the Lake of Ice, and deeper into the darkness. They meet Ugolino and Ruggieri, and then later in the distance - something looking like a giant windmill. Then they see that it's Lucifer, with his enormous wings.

Thanks for listening!

The Pilgrim and Virgil move on through the ten ditches of Fraud, and learn some important lessons about lies, and about Intellectual Hubris. Then they come to the Well with the Giants.

Enjoy!

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Virgil explains the overall structure of the Inferno to the Pilgrim, and the three deepest circles. Then they walk through the seventh circle, and meet the monster Geryon, flying them down into the Abyss.

Thanks for listening!

Virgil tries to open up the Gates to the Underworld, but the demons slam the door in his face. Then comes the Help, walking across the River Styx.

Enjoy!

The Pilgrim and Virgil travel through the four circles of Incontinence, and speak with the souls who were controlled by their passions, rather than reason, in life.

Enjoy!

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The Pilgrim wakes up on the other side of the river Acheron, and enters the first Circle, with Limbo. We'll also look at the overall structure of Dante's Inferno and Aristotle's Moral Philosophy.

Enjoy!

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Virgil and the Pilgrim pass through the Gate, and reach the river Acheron, with the boatman Charon. The horrors of Inferno makes the Pilgrim pass out at the shores.

Enjoy!

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After deciding to go with Virgil, the Pilgrim is suddenly full of doubts and changes his mind. Then Virgil explains why he has come, and who is supporting them.

Enjoy!

Follow us on twitter! @AncientWorldOrg

A new series! We'll look at the first book in Dante's Divine Comedy, with brief overviews and highlights - and how this work is relevant for understanding life and navigating the world better. In this episode we'll look at the opening, in chapter 1.

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on twitter! @AncientWorldOrg

How the Ancient Wisdom is sometimes also Current Wisdom - a second excerpt from the interview we did with Adam Bishop, host of the Unlimited Opinions Podcast earlier this week.

Full interview is here:

https://apple.co/3xoqRNz

Enjoy!

The role of myth and stories in the understanding of Ancient Cultures - a quick excerpt from an interview we did with Adam Bishop, host of the Unlimited Opinions Podcast this week.

Full interview is here:

https://apple.co/3xoqRNz

Enjoy!

The origins of the words "Easter", "Pasqua" (In the Italian), and "Equinox".

Enjoy!

A look at the Sordello's most famous Provençal Poem "Blacatz" (c. 1240), and how Dante draws inspiration from this poem in his description of the Valley of Princes in Canto VII of the Purgatory.

Enjoy!

We're currently publishing a 10 episode series on the "Aeneid" by Virgil (from 29-19 BC) on the subscription podcast for the Ancient World, and its influence and connections with Dante's Divine Comedy. ($2/mnth: https://patreon.com/ancientworld)

This episode is a brief summary of some of the highlights, and excerpts from Virgil's Epic - which was massively influential on the Roman and European Culture in the Ancient and Medieval Times.

Enjoy!

In this episode we'll be talking about the great literary epic of J.R.R. Tolkien: "The Lord of the Rings" with podcaster and student of linguistics in Missouri, Adam Bishop. The focus of the conversation is his favorite parts of the books, and the impact they've had on his life and outlook on the world.

Adam's Philosophy and Mythology Podcast "Unlimited Opinions" is here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/4J1YVPSzSINtmNZJn5HAvl

Thanks for listening!

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(This episode is cross-posted from our new series with Book Talks on the "RENAISSANCE" Podcast)
https://awpodcast.com/renaissance

Music credits:

"Our Story Begins" by Kevin MacLeod, Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4181-our-story-begins

"Long Road Ahead B" by Kevin MacLeod, Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3995-long-road-ahead-b

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Join us for an excellent conversation with Ivy League Professor Dr. Phil Cary, about the structure of Dante's Cosmology and the 24 wise people in the sphere of the Sun.

We'll also talk about the movement of the souls, and his favorite moments of wisdom and beauty from the Divine Comedy.

Thanks for listening! 

(This episode is also posted on our podcast "Dante's Divine Comedy" on iTunes & Spotify)

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Dr. Phillip Cary is Professor of Philosophy at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, where he is also Scholar-in-Residence at the Templeton Honors College. After receiving his B.A. in English Literature and Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis, Professor Cary earned his M.A. in Philosophy and Ph.D. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Yale University. Professor Cary is a recent winner of the Lindback Award for excellence in undergraduate teaching at Eastern University. He has also taught at Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Hartford. As the Arthur J. Ennis Post-Doctoral Fellow at Villanova University, he taught the nationally recognized undergraduate Core Humanities seminars on ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and modern thought. As a scholar, Professor Cary's specialty is the thought of Augustine, but he has also published scholarly articles on Luther, the doctrine of the Trinity, and personal knowledge. His most recent books include two on Augustine, Inner Grace and Outward Signs, both published by Oxford University Press in 2008, as well as a commentary on the book of Jonah, also in 2008, published by Brazos Press.

A special thanks goes out to our very generous Patrons: Caldazar, Seán Eckmann, Laura Daligan, Michael Leighty, Claudia, Aidan Chavasse and Santheep on patreon.com/ancientworld - thank you!

Follow us at https://twitter.com/AncientWorldOrg!

In the second Dream of the Purgatory, Dante is giving us a practical suggestion as to how we could escape the temptations and being in the thrall of the destructive Sirens. He then sums it all up in one verse line.

And a shoutout to one of our listeners, Jeff, for the great feedback on twitter --

Thanks for listening!

The latest episode about Florence in the 13-hundreds is here:
https://richardemerson.awpodcast.com/News/Florence-in-the-13-hundreds-An-overview-Arts-Architecture-Dante-and-the-Albizzi-Family

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A special thanks goes out to our very generous Patrons: Caldazar, Seán Eckmann, Laura Daligan, Michael Leighty, Claudia, Aidan Chavasse and Santheep on patreon.com/ancientworld - thank you!

And we have a new twitter, join us at https://twitter.com/AncientWorldOrg!

In the very heart of the Divine Comedy, Virgil explains the nature and source of our motivations, and how they can be misguided even if they feel good.

This also lies at the center of the overall argument in the Comedy, that the path to Happiness comes through deeping self-insight, and through choosing the constructive actions to create a great life and future.

Thanks for listening! 

A special thanks goes out to our very generous Patrons: Caldazar, Seán Eckmann, Laura Daligan, Michael Leighty, Claudia, Aidan Chavasse and Santheep on patreon.com/ancientworld - thank you!

And we have a new twitter, join us at https://twitter.com/AncientWorldOrg!

When Dante asks his great-great grandfather Cacciaguida about his own future, Cacciaguida explains how this can be foreseen in the timeless Realm of Paradiso, without removing Dante from his Free Will to choose.

This meditation spins out from the discussions in episodes 6-8 of season 1 on the Unlimited Opinions Podcast.

Thanks for listening!

A special thanks goes out to our very generous Patrons: Caldazar, Seán Eckmann, Laura Daligan, Michael Leighty, Claudia, Aidan Chavasse and Santheep on patreon.com/ancientworld - thank you!!

And we have a new twitter, join us at https://twitter.com/AncientWorldOrg!

In this episode and Meditation #4 we'll look at Dante's thoughts on the nature of Imagination, and how he is beautifully showing us his experiences of three scenes in his mind, and the going in and out of these visions.

And also, we'd love to hear from you! You can now reach out to us on our new twitter account @AncientWorldOrg, or join us in the member community on patreon.com/ancientworld - we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for new episodes :)

Thanks for listening!

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A special thanks goes out to our very generous Patrons: Caldazar, Seán Eckmann, Laura Daligan, Michael Leighty, Claudia, Aidan Chavasse and Santheep on patreon.com/ancientworld - thank you!

In this Meditation we'll look at how the idea and concept of Motion becomes the transitional point from the Prime Mover, and into the Empyrean in Paradiso. It's deep within the motion itself, that the Pilgrim discovers the point of light that will envelop him into the Empyrean.

Thanks for listening!

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A special thanks goes out to our very generous Patrons: Caldazar, Seán Eckmann, Laura Daligan, Michael Leighty, Claudia, Aidan Chavasse and Santheep on patreon.com/ancientworld - thank you!!

And we have a new twitter, join us at https://twitter.com/AncientWorldOrg!

In the terrace of Wrath, the Pilgrim asks Marco Lombardo about all the evil in the world, as he saw it in Italy in the 13 hundreds. Main ideas from Dante is that our Free Will to make choices had been mislead by the Papacy, and thus Virtue has disappeared.

Thanks for listening!

And we have a new twitter, join us at https://twitter.com/AncientWorldOrg!

Welcome back to the Ancient World Podcast! 

We'll be warming up again now with some short meditations and reflections from the Ancient World and the Renaissance, aiming for shorter episodes with inspiration and beauty, and new food for thought. 

First meditation is from Purgatory 16, the importance of Reason to balance Wrath, and about Aiming in Life.

Thanks for listening!

A special thanks goes out to our very generous Patrons: Caldazar, Seán Eckmann, Laura Daligan, Michael Leighty, Claudia, Aidan Chavasse and Santheep on patreon.com/ancientworld - thank you!!

In this episode we'll look at the iconic Greek myth about the Sun God Apollo and his son Phaethon, a story about Hubris and forces of nature in the early Greek Mythology. 

For more episodes on the Myths, visit https://patreon.com/ancientworld

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy!

Welcome back,

we're warming up a new season here - with an excerpt from Vita Nuova when Lady Philosophy is entering Dante's Life, and in many ways lays the groundwork for one of the major themes of the whole Divine Comedy.

More episodes here:
https://patreon.com/ancientworld

Thanks for listening!

Welcome back, and Happy Easter!

We've just started a new journey through Dante's Purgatory in the last couple of weeks, with highlights and brief excerpts from each chapter.
The first 9 Episodes are on the Morning Show here (starting from March 25th): https://apple.co/2xfWpbQ
And from Chapter 10 we have the full episodes on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/ancientworld

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy!

Updates!

We now have a new Morning Show companion Podcast called the "Ancient World - Morning Show!". And we've just started a daily series of 5 minutes with inputs from Dante's Purgatory and we are now at Chapter 5 as of today! :) Everyone is super welcome to join in and follow! 

iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/morning-coffee-dantes-purgatory-chap-4-climbing-is/id1492157364?i=1000469855474
And more platforms: https://anchor.fm/ancientworldpodcast

We're also briefly discussing this book today: amzn.com/0664241638

The updated Mythos & Logos channel is here: https://bit.ly/33WZI3A
And Exiting the Cave's new Boethius series: https://exitingthecave.locals.com/content/podcasts

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy! :)

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Support us on Patreon and join the conversation in the Ancient World Community on Discord!
https://patreon.com/ancientworld
Looking foward to seeing you! :)

In this episode we'll have seven different highlights from the group conversation this week!

Part 1:
Newman, "Grammar of Assent".
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34022
McGilchrist, "Master and his Emissary"
http://amzn.com/0300245920

Part 2:
Theology having a point.

Part3:
The Saints.

Part 3b:
Philokalia and Cherubims.
http://amzn.com/1594731039 (abridged)

Part 4:
Intelligibility of the Universe.

Part 5:
Seed of the Cosmos.
Thomas Nagel, "Mind and Cosmos"
http://amzn.com/0199919755

Part 6:
Material, Immaterial, Sensible and Non-sensible

Thanks for listening,  
and enjoy! :)

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Links:
Greg - http://anchor.fm/exitingthecave
Sean - https://bit.ly/2WEhG9z
Dan - http://dansheffler.com

Ancient World Podcast:
Patreon: https://patreon.com/ancientworld
Locals: https://ancientworld.locals.com

In this episode we have two short clips from a great group conversation this week about early Church Founders with a focus on Origen, the Ancient City of Alexandria, and Gregory of Nyssa. And also, with some thoughts about the Nature of Music!

Links:
Greg - http://anchor.fm/exitingthecave
Sean - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtaVPKsU8LLv7ZvXgGez4XQ
Dan - http://dansheffler.com

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy! :)

A short clip and brief commentary on a great conversation between the British Historian Tom Holland and the Californian Pastor Paul Vanderklay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JADIcgUvw4

The book is called "Dominion": https://amzn.com/B010RGSEC2

Enjoy!
:)

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Patreon: https://patreon.com/ancientworld
Locals: https://ancientworld.locals.com

*Brief programming note; the episodes will be a bit more sporadic this winter/spring - due to other projects and commitments! More about this in the future episosdes! :))*

In this episode we'll briefly look at the "Divine Names" by Dionysius the Areopagite, and then go through some key points in the great book "Aristotle East and West", by David Bradshaw.

Themes for this episode is the nature and limitations of Conceptual Thought, and how to balance this with the more immediate and intuitive experience of the mystery and the Divine.

We will also connect the thinking of Dionysius, Gregory of Nyssa, Dante, Maximus, and the Old Biblical Stories!

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy! 

In this episode we'll have a great and wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Mark Vernon about his new youtube series on the Divine Comedy by Dante, and thoughts and reflections on his latest book "A Secret History of Christianity". We'll also discuss a variety of big topics from history, literature, science, psychology, mythology, the Biblical stories, and the deeper mysteries of life. An overall thread in the conversation is to explore the inner and spiritual life, and connecting, harmonizing and balancing this with the more rational and intellectual sides of the human experience.

Dr. Vernons book is here: A Secret History of Christianity
And his new Dante series here: https://www.youtube.com/user/PlatosPodcasts/videos
or in Podcast/Spotify format here: Dante's Divine Comedy
Dante's "Inferno", Mark Musa version, is here: amzn.com/0142437220

For more information you can visit: www.markvernon.com

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy!

In the episode we'll go through the "On the Heavenly Hierarchy" by Dionysius, and see how it in many ways also gives the overall structure of the "Paradiso" by Dante. 

We will also read from "Life of Moses" and symbolically interpret (from about 27:50) the part of Moses' journey after the crossing of the Red Sea, and to the climb of the Mountain of Divine Knowledge - and the deeper meaning of being shown the Tabernacle, or mini-temple, in the spiritual/abstract first, to then serve as the "pattern" for a material one to be built.

The Gregory of Nyssa cover art is here: Life of Moses Cover Art

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy! :)

In this episode we have the great pleasure of presenting a first conversation with an expert and scholar in Ancient Philosophy, Dr. Dan Sheffler at Georgetown College in Kentucky!

The main topics are St. Gregory's "The Life of Moses" and Dante's "Paradiso", and the concept of Spiritual and Intellectual Ascent. We also discuss various elements of the philosophies of Philo, Plato, symbolism as a language and portal to the spiritual, and further interpretations of the old Biblical Stories.

For more information on Dr. Sheffler visit here: http://dansheffler.com

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy!

Welcome back to the opening of the third season of the Ancient World Podcast!

In the coming few months we will look deeper into symbolic readings with the early Church Founders from c. 0-600 AD, and have more conversations and interviews with experts, scholars, and fellow youtubers and podcasters!

Main themes this season will be the wisdom and beauty of the earliest centuries, and the thinkers leading up to Aquinas and Dante, and the Florentine Renaissance in the 13 hundreds.

Thanks for listening,
and enjoy! :))

In this episode we will look at the philosophical perspectives on Divinity in Aristotle, and how this is referenced in the Paradiso by Dante.

We will also discuss the concept of potential and actuality, and the degree to which a "potential" could be seen or thought of as existing in itself before being actuality.

From the Metaphysics - the First Mover as principle/origin/beginnings:
"On such a principle, then, depend the heavens and the world of nature."
- Book 12, chapter 7.

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Programming update;
The postings will be a bit sporadic this summer, as we prepare for new episodes!
Introduction to the main themes on the podcast so far is:

Dante
The Inferno: 34-39, 43-45
Purgatory: Ep 55-61
The Paradiso: 11,13,24,25,28 (selected highlights), and the ending 63-64.

Greeks
Greek Myth: 46 (Creation), 47 (Europa/Minos), 49 (Hubris), 51-54 (The Flood), 67.
Greek Philosophy: 1,2,7,14,16-19,22-23,26,29-32, 65,66,68.

Reflections
Correspondence: Ep66.
Biblical Stories: 8 (Babel).
Wisdom Quotes: 4,12,14,17,23,26. 
Etymology: Ep7.
Writings: Ep41, 62, 65. (From "Renaissance, Part I").
Overall Reflection: 6 (The Gifts), 40 (The Treasures of the Ancient World). 

Thanks for listening, and enjoy! :)

In this episode we will take one more look at the different approaches to knowledge and wisdom through the storytelling and myth, vs. the more rational-logic approach of philosophy. We will reference the Theogony of Hesiod, and the in some ways first Greek Philosopher, Thales.

From the opening of the Theogony - as Hesiod consciously taps into the deep of the biology, beauty, inspiration and creativity;

"And one day they taught Hesiod glorious song while he was shepherding his lambs under holy Helicon, and this word first the goddesses said to me -- the Muses of Olympus, daughters of Zeus who holds the aegis:

`Shepherds of the wilderness, wretched things of shame, mere bellies, we know how to speak many false things as though they were true; but we know, when we will, to utter true things.'"

Theogony, v.23-28.

In this episode we discuss a recent correspondence with a renowned and distinguished Professor in Religion and Philosophy, an expert on the two main intellectual and spiritual traditions in the Ancient World. We'll be assessing Dante's Comedy in light of his artistic endeavor, his contribution to the Catholic faith, and the points of divergence between the Comedy's Journey and the Biblical stories and Doctrine.

In some ways one might say that Dante is trying to blend the two traditions even in the final big moment of Vision in his work, seeing both a Plato concept of Divine Light and the incarnation of Divinity in Man (Christ Figure).

I saw the Great Light shine into three circles
 in three clear colors bound in one same space;

the first seemed to reflect the next like rainbow
on rainbow, and the third was like a flame
equally breathed forth by the other two.

(..) seemed in Itself and in Its own Self-color
to be depicted with man's very image.

C33, v. 116-131

The correspondence provides several interesting viewpoints on these topics, as well as clarifying some key points of artistic liberties in Dante's work from a religious viewpoint.

In this episode we have two main parts, the first is an example of the transitional point in studies and learning, when the brain creates a release and flood of new understanding - after a moment of doubts.

The second part is about the connections between the ending of the Comedy and Aristotle's Metaphysics. And also how Aristotle goes to the very deepest levels in defining words and concepts, and first principles in the nature of thinking, and in existence itself.

After a long journey through the worlds of the afterlife, symbolic of human nature and experience, Dante now reaches the Empyrean - the spiritual experience beyond time and space, filled with pure light, and being in the Mind of God.

He sees the White Rose (the Divine Love) and is accompanied by the mystic St. Bernard - as Beatrice takes her place in her home on the third row of the White Rose, and Dante needs mystic contemplation for his final vision.

After receiving the Grace from Mary after a deep prayer, his powers expands to the point where he finally sees right into the center of the Light and describes:

I saw the Great Light shine into three circles 
in three clear colors bound in one same space;

the first seemed to reflect the next like rainbow
on rainbow, and the third was like a flame
equally breathed forth by the other two.

C33, v. 116-120.

And as his highest wish of insight is then granted, he feels himself impelled and moved forward,

by the Love that moves the sun and the other stars.

C33, v. 145.

In the 9th Sphere of Heaven, the Primo Mobile, Dante suddenly sees a reflection of the center of the Divine Light glowing in Beatrice's eyes, and then looks up. What he sees is the illuminating light with nine rings of the Angelic Orders swirling around in increasing speed towards the center, with Love. There are millions and millions of sparks and Angels in his vision.

Beatrice explains:

"On that Point
depend all nature and all of the heavens.

Observe the circle nearest it, and know
the reason for its spinning at such speed
is that Love's fire burns it into motion."

C28, v. 41-45

Studying the Renaissance and the Ancient World can grow and change the way you see, feel, perceive, reflect on and experience the world around you. One example of the process is described here:

 "There was a certain firmness taking shape, or a different platform or deeper soil for the thoughts. The experience of thinking was elaborating in new ways, that I needed some time to reflect upon. It was like connecting to something bigger that was also outside of my mind, something shared or in common, with the previous times and the larger society as a whole. It was almost like the thinking started to come from a bigger home. And it felt relaxing, fuller of substance, and more detailed and interesting. Like several layers connecting in new ways. And the perception of the surroundings started to slightly be influenced too, but it was still early."

The last 6 cantos describes the dramatic events in the Garden of Eden, where Dante meets Beatrice and is finally cleansed after a deep confession. He is then fully restored, and ready for the stars.

This also concludes the second book, the Purgatory.

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Programming note; after the Easter Holidays and some travels - we'll be back in Early May! Thanks for listening - and have a great day :)

As they go through the remaining six terraces of punishments and atonement on Mount Purgatory, Dante learns the final parts of human nature and its moral structures. He is then ready to enter the Garden of Eden on the top, the Earthly Paradise - as Lord of Himself - and he can now follow his instinct for pleasure, knowing well the nature and consequences of the sins.

As Virgil and Dante walk through the main gate of the Purgatory they discover a set of beautiful carvings about the virtue of humility, they meet the regretful souls of the proud under heavy slabs of stone, and they discover a second set of carvings, this time with stories about pride.

After this, an angel comes and removes one of the seven P's from Dante's forehead:

"He led us straight to where the rock was cleft.
  Once there, he brushed his wings against my brow,
  then he assured me of a safe ascent."
v.  97-99, Canto XII.

And finally, when Dante realizes what has happened, the 12th Canto ends with a smile.

"so, my right hand with fingers spread found just
  six of the seven letters that were carved
  upon my brow by him who keeps the keys.

Observing this, my master smiled at me."

v. 133-136, Canto XII.

From the first slope through the two levels of Antepurgatory, Dante and Virgil reach the main gate which is guarded by an angel with a sword. The Guardian uses a golden and silver key to open the gate, symbolic of the authority to do so, and the skill and wisdom to asses the souls' sincerity of their regrets. The keys were given to him by Peter.

In canto 3, Dante first marvels at the work he sees in front of him:

"I raised my eyes to marvel at the mount
that grew out of the sea toward Heaven's height."
v. 14-15

At the Main Gate the Guardian appears:

"I slowly raised my eyes: I saw that he
was sitting on the highest step, his face
too splendid for my eyes - I looked away!

And in his hand he held a naked sword;"

v. 79, canto IX.

In the second Canto of the Purgatory a boat with over a hundred souls arrives at the shore, ready to climb up the mountain to purify their spirits. Dante meets an old friend, who sings with a beautiful voice and spellbounds the other souls. Then Cato the Guardian appears:

"And while we stood enraptured by the sound
of those sweet notes - a sudden cry: "What's this,
you lazy souls?" It was the Just Old Man.

"What negligence to stand around like this!
Run to the mountain, shed that slough which still
does not let God be manifest to you!""

v. 118-123, Canto II.

And then they move towards the first slope.

The second episode on the opening of Purgatory, with the symbolic act of washing his face as a cleansing of sins - and as the theme of the second book, and Purgatory Mountain. Cato tells them two things;

"Go with this man, see that you gird his waist
with a smooth reed; take care to bathe his face
till every trace of filth has disappeared,"

v. 94-96, Canto I.

Which means to from now equip him with humility, and rinse his soul properly of the "filth" (sins) he was witnessing in the first book, the Inferno.

Today we are looking at the opening of the Purgatory, and how Dante is using the elements of Greek Myth, Literature, Biblical stories and the history of the Roman Empire to create the first few lines of the second book. His "boat" is growing, as symbol of his poetic powers and the story we are following.

In this episode we will look at a brief overview of the nine muses, the deities of inspiration in the Greek Mythology; Calliope, Clio, Euterpe, Erato, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia and Urania - and their roles as openings for the Illiad, the Odyssey, the Theogony - and countless other major works from the Ancient World (and also later in the Renaissance).

Hesiod describes:

"And one day they taught Hesiod glorious song while he was shepherding his lambs under holy Helicon, and this word first the goddesses said to me -- the Muses of Olympus, daughters of Zeus who holds the aegis:

`Shepherds of the wilderness, wretched things of shame, mere bellies, we know how to speak many false things as though they were true; but we know, when we will, to utter true things.'"

Here pointing out how the inspiration came to him while he was "shepherding his lambs" under the mountain, and also pointing out how creativity might be wrong and false, but sometimes, when "the muses will", also telling the brilliant and true things.

From Ovid's Book 1 - here is the dramatic story of the Great Flood, that wipes out all of civilization and recreates the world as the Age of the Heroes.

In this episode we are reading and commenting on the story of Prometheus from the starting point of the Dispute of Mecone, to the hiding and theft of Fire from Zeus, and the punishment of Pandora and her Jar that is not to be opened.

An overview of the Five Ages of the world, and the big Flood that wipes out the mythological Bronze Age, before the Great Age of the Heroes.

A big thank you to all our listeners for tuning in and for the enduring and loyal support! It really is a big inspiration!

Also,
from the Greek Creation Myth - the birth of the Skies and the Mountains;

"And Earth first bare starry Heaven, equal to herself, to cover her on every side, and to be an ever-sure abiding-place for the blessed gods. And she brought forth long Hills, graceful haunts of the goddess-Nymphs who dwell amongst the glens of the hills."

In this episode we look at the concept of Hubris and Nemesis in the Greek Myth, and link the events from Europa and Zevs on Crete, to the Labyrinth of Daedalus, and the story of his son Icarus who flew too close to the sun.

In this episode we'll discuss the question: "Why are the Greek Gods in the same Universe as the Christian Gods in the "Comedy""?

More of the Greek Myths, and the origins of the name of Europe as a continent.
For illustrations and more info, please go to https://www.subscribestar.com/ancientworld. 

Thank you for listening! :)

From the origin of the Gods, and the Cosmos.

In the last part of the Inferno, Dante and Virgil meet Lucifer in the center of the planet, half frozen in ice. He is gigantic in size, and his head has three faces eating the three traitors Judas, Brutus and Cassius (who plotted against The Roman Emperor Caesar.)

From the opening of the last poem, Canto 34:

A far-off windmill turning its huge sails
when a thick fog begins to settle in,
or when the light of day begins to fade,

that is what I thought I saw appearing.
And the gusts of wind it stirred made me shrink back
behind my guide, my only means of cover.

And then in the astonishing last four lines of the whole book, they are again, set free:

We climbed, he first and I behind, until,
through a small round opening ahead of us
I saw the lovely things the heavens hold,

and we came out to see once more the stars.

v.136-139, Canto XXXIV

After seeing the "falsifiers" in the last part of Circle 8, Dante encounters the Well of Giants, where biblical and Greek Mythological figures are bound with chains. They represent the betrayal and the combination of strength, intellect and evil will.

Dante reflects:

for when the faculty of intellect
is joined with brute force and with evil will,
no man can win against such an alliance.

Verse 55-57, Canto XXXI

The end of this canto ends with Dante and Virgil being lifted down to a lake of ice, and the 9th circle of Hell. Deep in the pit.

Here is the giant Antaeus bending down, and then rising up again afterwards, like a ship's mast:

As the Garisenda looks from underneath
its leaning side, at the moment when a cloud
comes drifting over against the tower's slant,

just so the bending giant Antaeus seemed
as I looked up, expecting him to topple.
I wished then I had gone another way.

But he, most carefully, handed us down
to the pit that swallows Lucifer with Judas.
And then, the leaning giant immediately

drew himself up as tall as a ship's mast.

Canto XXXI, verse 130-145

In this episode we give a broader overview of the Lower Inferno from the City of Dis, down through the waterfall, and deep into the 8th circle.

The three main parts of the inferno is the incontinence (lack of self-restraint), violence (to self or others), and different forms of fraud in the deepest part journey.

From the scene of the waterfall, into the abyss:
I saw a figure coming, it was swimming
  through the thick and murky air, up to the top
  (a thing to startle even stalwart hearts),

like one returning who has swum below
  to free the anchor that has caught its hooks
  on a reef or something else the sea conceals,

spreading out his arms, and doubling up his legs.

Canto XIV, verse 130-136.

A reflection on the timeless balance and sometimes contradiction between reason and emotion, in human nature and also in contrasting strains of history. 

The quote was the following:
"Emotions of any kind can be evoked by melody and rhythm; therefore by music a man becomes accustomed to feeling the right emotions; music has thus the power to form character, and the various kinds of music based on various modes may be distinguished by their effects on character.
- Aristotle

In this episode we'll talk about the Ancient World as inspiration for writing, and our new podcast devoted to this writing here: https://apple.co/2GG7Go6.

The excerpt, as a person enters a new life - through the discovery of the deeper history, is the following;

"A little book could change your life, or change the direction of your life, and give you gifts that might stay with you forever. I looked at the front cover, and then slowly opened the first page. The Divine Comedy. I was expecting an archaic tale and style that would be difficult to relate to from my current times, but from the very first line I was fully absorbed in a way that I had not experienced before. It was a work with a strong feeling of being outside of time, and of being deeply human, from the very first phrase. And there was already something new in my life, that had not been there this morning. I had to stop, take another sip of the espresso, and then read the opening words again. As the sun was shining warmly, and some peaceful birds were gliding across the skies."

A quick review of the last 40 episodes, and reflections on why and how the Ancient World is a treasure trove for our understanding of the world, and a deep source for inspiration.

Today's quote is:
"I care not where my body may take me as long as my soul is embarked on a meaningful journey."
- Dante

After presenting three more of the deadly sins - avarice, sloth and wrath, Dante and Virgil reach the gates of the City of Dis which marks the transition from Upper to Lower Hell in the Inferno.

They try to get in, but:

Our adversaries slammed the heavy gates
 in my lord's face, and he stood there outside

Verse 115-116, Canto VIII.

But then someone is coming, already come past the main gate in Canto III, where all hope shall be left behind.

This insolence of theirs is nothing new; 
  they used it once at a less secret gate, 
  which is, and will forever be, unlocked;

you saw the deadly words inscribed above it; 
  and now, already past it, and descending, 
  across the circles, down the slope, alone,

comes one by whom the city will be opened."

Verse 124-130, Canto VIII.

In this episode (Part 1 of 2 from Upper Hell), we are going through the rings of Lust, and of Gluttony.

We are introduced to the seven cardinal sins in the catholic faith;
Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride.

In this episode we continue the journey through the first book, and reflect on the framing of Dante waking up in the first circle of the Inferno, Limbo. He sees the souls lost there, and then meets the Greek philosophers including Aristotle. (More detail on this is already in Episode 32 & 33 on this podcast!)

Here is the opening, as Dante "wakes up" to the journey inside the Inferno:

A heavy clap of thunder! I awoke
 from the deep sleep that drugged my mind-startled, 
  the way one is when shaken out of sleep.

I turned my rested eyes from side to side,
 already on my feet and, staring hard,
 I tried my best to find out where I was.

Canto IV, Verse 1-6

In this iconic Canto of the first book, Dante and Virgil passes through the gate of Inferno, which has the following inscription:

I AM THE WAY INTO THE DOLEFUL CITY,
I AM THE WAY INTO ETERNAL GRIEF,
I AM THE WAY TO A FORSAKEN RACE.

JUSTICE IT WAS THAT MOVED MY GREAT CREATOR;
DIVINE OMNIPOTENCE CREATED ME,
AND HIGHEST WISDOM JOINED WITH PRIMAL LOVE.

BEFORE ME NOTHING BUT ETERNAL THINGS WERE MADE,
AND I SHALL LAST ETERNALLY.
ABANDON EVERY HOPE, ALL YOU WHO ENTER.

Canto III, verse 1-9.

We continue our journey from the beginning of the Comedy, and in this episode we look at Canto 2 where Dante is convinced by his guide Virgil that he can start this endeavor with support from the Heavens. This warms his heart, and he finds courage in the following passage:

As little flowers from the frosty night
 are closed and limp, and when the sun shines down on them, 
  they rise to open on their stem,

my wilted strength began to bloom within me

Verse 127-131.

The opening poem of the Comedy is in some ways a metaphor for the whole work of three Volumes, with the journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.

These lines describes the concept of the hill (mount purgatory) and the rays of light, from Paradise:

I raised my head and saw the hilltop shawled
in morning rays of light sent from the planet
that leads men straight ahead on every road.

Canto I, verse 16-18

After the last episode where Dante meets Aristotle in Limbo, of Inferno - a listener asked if there is any way of escaping Limbo (the place for the unbaptized, thus also everyone living before the birth of Christ).

The Pilgrim asks Virgil the very same question in verse 49-50 of Canto IV:

"did any ever leave here, through his merit
or with another's help, and go to bliss?"

The key is the the second part, "with another's help". Virgil explains that it did happen once, as Christ descended to save some of the souls from the Old Testament.

"I was a novice in this place
 when I saw a mighty lord descend to us
 who wore the sign of victory as his crown.

He took from us the shade of our first parent,
 of Abel, his good son, of Noah, too,
 and of obedient Moses, who made the laws;

Abram, the Patriarch, David the King,
 Israel with his father and his children,
 with Rachel, whom he worked so hard to win;"

Canto IV, Verse 52-60.

But in general - they are lost, and in desire:

For this defect, and for no other guilt,
 we here are lost. In this alone we suffer:
  cut off from hope, we live on in desire."

Canto IV, Verse 40-42.

In this episode we briefly comment on the appearence of Aristotle in the Comedy, in Canto IV of the Inferno, and In Canto IV, Limbo, Dante meets the Philosopher Aristotle:

I saw the master sage of those who know,
sitting with his philosophic family. 

All gaze at him, all pay their homage to him;
and there I saw both Socrates and Plato,
each closer to his side than any other. 

In Italian:

vidi ’l maestro di color che sanno
 seder tra filosofica famiglia.

Tutti lo miran, tutti onor li fanno:
 quivi vid’io Socrate e Platone,
 che ’nnanzi a li altri più presso li stanno; 

Canto IV, verse 131-135.

In this episode we go to one of the deepest levels of Aristotelian thinking, the consideration of the concept of Divinity. He describes this as the "First Mover" of all things, and also as "thinking in itself", thought contemplating itself.

The passage on thought is the following:
"For the actuality of thought is life, and God is that actuality; and God’s essential actuality is life most good and eternal. We say therefore that God is a living being, eternal, most good, so that life and duration continuous and eternal belong to God; for this is God."

Metaphysics, Book 12 Section 7.

And the First Mover;
"There is a mover which moves without being moved, being eternal, substance, and actuality."

He also outlines the concept of Divinity of being "being" or existence, in itself. 

In this episode we look further into Aristotle's work on "First Philosophy", the Metaphysics. This is in some ways one of the most complicated and abstract of his complete works, and the inquiries go very deep into thinking and the fundamental first questions about the world.

Book/Chapter 9 of the Metaphysics, Theta, is devoted to the topic of potential and actuality - and can be used as a starting point for wide ranging reflections on practical choices in your every day life, and how to approach long term decisions and choices. Potential can both be in our nature, or be created through practice and learning. From the opening of section 5 in Book/Chapter 9:

"As all potentialities are either innate, like the senses, or come by practice, like the power of playing the flute, or by learning, like that of the arts, those which come by practice or by rational formula we must acquire by previous exercise."

The treatise of Metaphysics lies in some ways also underneath all his other work, as a ground for thinking and approach to both thinking in itself, and the application to topics.

From the opening of Book (Chapter) II of the Nicomachean Ethics:

"Excellence, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual excellence in the main owes both its birth and its growth to teaching (for which reason it requires experience and time), while moral excellence comes about as a result of habit."
- Aristotle.

Plus reflections on the practical approach of Aristotle in general, and the positive outlook that how what you do becomes ones habits (and who you are), and good habits over time will build and constitute ones character.

In this episode we look at one of the most beautiful passages in the Paradise, where the Pilgrim reaches the sixth sphere of the Heavens:

I saw when I turned round: before my eyes
there was the pure white of the temperate star,
the sixth, that had received me in its glow;

Canto XVIII, 67-69.

And this wraps up the commentary on the Paradise, for now!

A brief introduction to a partly hidden gem in Italy, the small town of Ravenna.

A very brief opener to the work "Ethics" by Aristotle. A main point is that happiness is in accordance to the "virtuous activity of the soul", with an emphasis on the on-going activity, and the deep importance of one's actions, as in the quote:

"We are what we repeatedly do."

Which also opens up for the building of good character, creating a life, and also changing a life - through action.

In the 22nd Canto of Paradise, Dante the Pilgrim discovers what the thunderous cry ("the sound of which no one on earth has heard") from the previous Canto meant.

He also has a symbolic vision of his own spiritual growth through looking down at the Earth, from the 8th sphere of Paradise:

My vision travelled back through all the spheres,
 through seven heavens, and then I saw our globe;
  it made me smile, it looked so paltry there.

Canto XXII, 133-135.

In the 17th Canto of Paradise, in the fifth sphere of Mars, Dante meets one of his ancestors who tells him about his future of exile and writing the big work of the Comedy. Dante is first filled with doubts, but is then convinced that he has to be truthful, and use real historical people to create the effect of true nutrition for the future readers. 

His ancestor tells him:
"Though when your words are taken in at first 
they may taste bitter, but once well-digested 
they will become a vital nutriment."

130-132, Canto XVII.

Meaning that his work will not be well recieved by everyone at first, but eventually be vital nutrition for future generations, and also the regenerative process of cultural rebirth in Florence. Which indeed happened during the three centuries that followed!

In this episode we talk about the contrasts between two different quotes on the same timeless theme, small beginnings and great endeavors. The first is a Greek quote from Episode 12;

"From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow."
- Aeschylus

And the more passionate Italian version is:
"From a little spark may burst a flame."
- Dante

We also discuss how this contrast shows the beauty and wealth of a variety of expressions on knowledge and experience, and the treasures of the Ancient World - as inspiration for today.

A brief introduction to the complete works of Aristotle, the language style, and where to start or approach this foundational set of books - in Greek Philosophy.

Recommended editions for the texts: 
"The Complete Works of Aristotle" Edited by Jonathan Barnes, One Volume Digital Edition.

A great version for short introductions to each part (very helpful):
  "Aristotle Complete Works" by Delphi Classics.

The excerpt, the opening of "Physics":
"When the objects of an inquiry, in any department, have principles, causes, or elements, it is through acquaintance with these that knowledge and understanding is attained. For we do not think that we know a thing until we are acquainted with its primary causes or first principles, and have carried our analysis as far as its elements. Plainly, therefore, in the science of nature too our first task will be to try to determine what relates to its principles."

Comments and questions: ancientworldpodcast@gmx.com

A brief look at the introduction and overview of Dante in the brilliant version from Penguin Classics by Mark Musa. Also with commentary and reflection as to why this work is important and relevant today, as both inspiration, support and deep learning about the world and human nature.

"The Divine Comedy is one man's vision of the state of souls after death written with the purpose of saving all mankind."
- Mark Musa.

A first introduction to traveling in Italy and experiencing physically some of the environment of the Ancient World, mainly with Rome and the rebirth in Florence - and also the little village Vinci which is the birthplace of Leonardo.

A journey into the timelessness of this world - with its beauty and wisdom!

In the episode we look at and compare two different quotes that address the nature of learning, and the process of growth. One is from Dante :

"The path to paradise begins in hell."

The other, more concrete about education is Aristotle:

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

Both reminders and inspiration for approaching new challenges in life and finding support in understanding the necessary beginnings of the process, that leads to great things!

Reflections on the long history of the Ancient World, and the immediacy of the wisdom in Greek philosophy from 2.500 years ago.

Today's quotes are:

"The energy of the mind is the essence of life."

"We are what we repeatedly do... excellence, therefore, is not just an act, but a habit, and life is not just a series of events, but an ongoing process of self-definition."

And

"The soul never thinks without a picture."

And please contact us at ancientworldpodcast@gmx.com for questions or comments, we will read and respond, and discuss them in future episodes!

Reflection and commentary on Aristotle's view on knowledge and education.

"The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself, the most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery. To know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, you must not be afraid to be alone. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."

And a practical advice:

"Be a free thinker and don't accept everything you hear as truth. Be critical and evaluate what you believe in."

Reflection on the dialogue as an institution in Ancient Greece, as well as a modern day gift of adventure, exploration and learning about oneself and the world.

How the Renaissance is an opener and the rebirth of the Ancient World, with the examples of Botticelli and his iconic "Birth of Venus" and "Primavera".

Reflections on two great quotes from the Greek philosopher Epicurus;

"There is no such thing as justice in the abstract; it is merely a compact between men."
- Epicurus 

"If enough is too little, nothing is enough" (paraphrased)
- Epicurus

In this episode we look at the opening line of the first song of the Paradise, and how the subject of the book is hard to describe fully with words, due to its nature. Dante will however, he tells us, do his best to tell the story of his travels into the heavens - as a metaphor for love, emotional life, and the spiritual inner self.

The glory of the One Who moves all things
penetrates all the universe, reflecting
in one part more and in another less.

I have been in His brightest shining heaven
and seen such things that no man, once returned
from there, has wit or skill to tell about;

for when our intellect draws near its goal
and fathoms to the depths of its desire,
the memory is powerless to follow.

Brief reflection on an ancient proverb about small beginnings, and growth.

"From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow."
- Aeschylus, Greek Philosopher

Where Dante warns the reader that there might be no return, from what we will discover in the journey towards Paradise.

In Episode 10 we look at the Canto 27 from Dante's Purgatory, where the main person (Dante the Pilgrim) reaches the point where his guide Virgil (symbol of rationality and world history) leaves him, and crowns him "Lord of himself".

This implies a big turning point in the whole work, in the development of the Pilgrim, and a different approach to managing his own nature and life.

In this episode we briefly touch upon the breadth and variety of experience in the Ancient World, and what we can learn from it.

In this episode we look at the "Tower of Babel" as example of a deep myth, and different interpretations of the "punishments" of the Gods. We also discuss how the embedded knowledge and wisdom in these stories could be hard to define precisely in a more rational description and representation.

This hidden wisdom might be rediscovered again and again, as the times are always changing in the longer time frame and there are centuries of accumulated experience in these old stories.

Where do the words "economy", "oxymoron" and "planet" come from? We'll look into the origins and their precise meanings.

A brief reflection on why studying and absorbing the Ancient World is a gift for the mind - and for life.