Since going there in person just isn't working out for me, the next best thing is throwing a big fat #TroyExhibition Tweet & Photo Party...Continue Reading
#TroyExhibition: Tweet & Photo Party!
Classics
The Mother of Big Fat Greek Weddings: Thetis & Peleus’ Wedding in Art Through the Ages
In the history of big fat Greek weddings, I'm pretty sure this is the mother of them all. There's never been a more celebrated wedding than the union of Thetis and Peleus, the parents-to-be of Achilles. Not just capturing the imaginations of ancient Greeks, generations of humans all over the earth have been happily ever after enjoying this magical...Continue Reading
Vail’s Shield of Achilles Featured in Catholic Faith & Culture Video Course
Can you imagine my incredible surprise to discover a Catholic University interested in endorsing my reconstruction of Achilles' spectacular shield?! It was - and still is - indescribably delightful!! The University of Dallas Catholic Faith & Culture Program offers a higher level study of faith through video courses and it's a great honor for my reconstruction of the Shield of Achilles to be included in such a thoughtful and enlightening program....Continue Reading
Guest Post by Armand D’Angour: Was the Real Socrates More Worldly & Amorous Than We Knew?
Who’s responsible for whitewashing Socrates with ridiculous, puritanical Western morals? Comparing our contemporary notions of Socrates with a broad range of historical texts, Armand D’Angour shows us how narrowly we've idealized the character of this beloved ancient Greek philosopher ...Continue Reading
My Book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles, is Now Published!
Finally, my dream has come true and my book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles, is now published and available on Amazon.com! ...Continue Reading
Thetis Delivering Achilles’ Shield in Art Through the Ages
The epic voyage of Thetis delivering Achilles' shield and spectacular new armor spans nearly 2,600 years of art history, adorning objects as diverse as ancient Greek vases, magnificent gold jewelry, bronze chariots and...Continue reading
C.P. Cavafy: The Horses of Achilles – A New Translation by Kathleen Vail
Stepping into a legendary scene unfolding in Homer’s Iliad, C. P. Cavafy sheds new light on the angst that drives the horses of Achilles to tears...Continue reading
The Life of Achilles by Peter Paul Rubens
Blossoming from the brush of Rubens, Achilles' life force has rooted itself ever more deeply into history, propagating itself onto sumptuous tapestries, prized possessions adorning European palaces and national museums...Continue reading
Reading Helen in Egypt – in Egypt
Reading HD's Helen in Egypt while in Egypt is a special treat. Of course, how I got here is not nearly as fascinating as how Helen got here. Helen's first trip to Egypt was truly labyrinthine, taking the lifetimes of Stesichorus, Herodotus, Euripides, and Dio Chrysostom--a stretch of 745 years (from 630 BCE - 115 CE)! ...Continue Reading
Guest Poem: “Sandals on the Ground” by John Flanagan
After keeping this treasure buried for over a year, the time has finally arrived to share this terrific poem about the Trojan War by John 'Poet' Flanagan. With its intriguing perspective from the enlisted soldier's point of view, Sandals on the Ground is classic. ...Continue Reading
THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES 