Oh wow, this is amazing. How have I never even heard of The Learned Banqueters?? This is an insane work, exactly what I'm looking for! I really ought to learn Ancient Greek one of these days.

[–] ChaosMaterialist@hexbear.net 9 points 5 months ago

I hear there are some spicy scrolls that need translating.

[–] Wertheimer@hexbear.net 9 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Almost nobody reads it straight through, but as a source it's amazing. I'm pretending to work on a novel about [redacted] and whenever I need background details Athenaeus is there to help. Here's an intro that makes the case for him: https://chs.harvard.edu/book/jacob-christian-the-web-of-athenaeus/

[–] thethirdgracchi@hexbear.net 6 points 5 months ago

Oh shit, well colour me intrigued on your novel!! I'm starting a press (https://ephesus.press) with some folks over at /r/TrueLit to publish stuff, I you ever find yourself finishing it and want it to see the light of day consider sending it over. I will absolutely read this info as well, this work sounds totally fascinating.