Thriving for centuries, the Phoenician settlement of Motya met its demise in a sudden attack by Dionysius I of Syracuse. This is an example of a fast-moving and well-organized campaign, as well as the fragility of ancient cities.

An Attic red-figure vase of the early fourth century BC depicts the death of Talos, the bronze guardian of the island of Crete.

War drives society to the limits of civility. This is beautifully illustrated in a surviving fragment of the Annals of Ennius.

Learn more about the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians in this interview with Kasia Szpakowska of the Ancient Egyptian Demonology Project.

An examination of some early Greek texts suggests that the term epikouros requires a more complex definition than just “mercenary”.

Ancient heroes and divinities, like Heracles, are recognizable by their physical appearance and, especially, their attributes.

In classical architecture, we recognize five orders: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and composite. What is this classification based on?

The Etruscans were reputed to be tenacious pirates. Is this reputation deserved? The answer requires a look at the ancient sources.

Were ancient figures all that they were cracked up to be? A brief look at the historiography of Epaminondas should make us wary of accepting everything we read in our sources.

For many people, Athena is an icon for strong women. But she also has a dark side, as shown in an encounter with Aphrodite.