Well, we made it into December somehow, without an actual Apocalypse. As far as I’m concerned, that means it’s Christmas now. Usually I’m greatly disapproving of anybody who puts their tree up more than a couple of weeks before Christmas (and mine always comes down on Boxing Day!) – but this year my principles are going out of the window. I’m in need of twinkly things and happy thoughts.

I can’t be bothered with a real tree this year, so I’m going with the two artificial trees I had in the loft. I’ve yet to sort out the big one (which will no doubt end up having some points of classical interest too!): but here are some pictures of my little window-seat tree, which this year I’ve given a classical theme by hanging (or precariously balancing) my Playmobil Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. I’d love to claim that I did this to entertain my little boy: but he’s completely unimpressed, and regards me as someone mildly insane and only to be tolerated for my ability to supply him with Pringles. That’s why I’m showing you people – at least you’ll understand.

In other toy-related news… today the Lego Classicist Family welcomed its 100th member – who turned out to be one of my heroes, the brilliant Stephen Fry! It’s such a privilege to be part of this wonderful group, and I love my Lego mini-me very much. Apparently Mary Beard puts her Lego figure on her Christmas tree… so maybe I should make space among the Playmobil to give that a try…!

This week from around the Classical Internet

News

The up-side of tourist-free Pompeii – The Telegraph

Roman ‘trench fever’ – The Daily Mail

Human remains at York station – York Press

Hooked on Classics – The Telegraph

Changing the definition of a treasure trove – The Guardian

Trump and Roman emperors – The Guardian

Interviews

Comfort Classics: Yentl Love

Comfort Classics: Ed Clarke

Comfort Classics: David Stuttard

Quaestiones in magica: Barbara Roberts – Roman Magic

Roman gardens: Andy Fox – Classical Fix

Kassman Prize winners – OU Classical Studies Blog

Comment and opinion

Long live Eidolon – Eidolon

To better days – Eidolon

Intersectional Classics – Eidolon

The end of Eidolon – Society for Classical Studies

Paying the emperor to leave you alone – LiveScience

Aeschylus and Heavy Metal – Heavy Metal Classicist

Three objects at the British Museum – Classicalstudiesman

Modeling an approach to race in antiquity – Classics at the Intersections

Examining ancient healers – The Boston Globe

Hadrian and Greece – National Geographic

Podcasts, video and other media

Unearthing Pompeii: interviews – The Naked Scientists

Where is Mount Olympus? – Mythology Short Stories

Spartacus: with Fiona Radford – The Ancients