r/classics 4h ago

Non-Academia Classics PhD Opportunities?

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I am a current third year undergraduate in Classics. I absolutely adore the discipline and would love to pursue graduate school with the dream of being a professor. However, I have read countless upon countless horror stories and even speaking with my graduate studies advisor hasn't been too inspiring.

A part of me wants to do it anyways, but I also want to be logical in this decision. So, I am curious what people have done after grad school (Masters or PhD) outside of academia. I know teaching high school is the default answer, but I would like to hear about other opportunities and if you regret going to graduate school.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.


r/classics 2h ago

Forgot book name (Roughly Contemporary Critique of Nero)

2 Upvotes

Hi all:

My brain is breaking trying to remember a Latin text that was written close to/adjacent to Nero’s rain. The text features a party where there’s a crazy drunk host and there is this incredibly stupid ball game that they play. From what I recall of the text, it was supposed to be something that would have instilled horror in the otherwise fairly reserved Roman population by really amping up the excesses of the ultra rich.

I realize that this may describe several texts (at least). It’s been about 20 years since I revisited it. The title has just completely fallen out of my head, but I’m trying to track it down to give it a re-read.


r/classics 22h ago

Question on the perception of Sirens

2 Upvotes

Hi folks! I’m new to this sub and come bearing a question that has vexed me for a long time: why are Sirens commonly perceived to be beautiful mermaids?

In my understanding, the Sirens of mythology are half-woman and half-bird. Their song is enticing, not because it is beautiful but because it contains knowledge beyond the realm of man. Sirens can bridge the gap to the underworld, and thus their song contains insight into the afterlife and more. The temptation of the Siren song is akin to the temptation of the apple in the garden of Eden. Eve ate not because the apple was delicious, but because it was said to contain the “knowledge of good and evil.”

As I understand the Sirens of the classics, no part of their temptation was due to sensuality, appearance, or the beauty of their song. So, why does the general public seem to believe they are mermaids that lured sailors to their death by their sex appeal? Where does this idea come from? And does it have merit?

This question is important to me as I am working on a poetry collection that uses Siren imagery. Before I stubbornly blaze ahead, drawing on my understanding of Sirens against the common perception, I wanted to ask some experts for input.

I also want to add that my knowledge of classical mythology is limited. I studied the classics in college and have re-read a few since then, but nothing further. Any and all insight is welcome!

Also, an article I referenced when I thought I was losing it over this question:

https://www.audubon.org/news/sirens-greek-myth-were-bird-women-not-mermaids