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: 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
Classical Studies Support 
Love the tree. Highly unique. But then, would we expect anything less from you. Happy christmas 🙂
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Thank you…!
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I love the article in the news: Trump and the Roman emperors. The American president seems to have parts in common with many of the worst emperors all of them ended up violently and deserted by all. Many emperors are embodied in only one figure. I wonder what will happen to Mr Trump once he has left the White House. The emperors held power until they died, Trump has to release it instead at the end of January. And then? No primary sources to consult and check if history could repeat itself, we just have to wait, see and hope for the best.
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Love the tree but one of those poor figures is holding an empty glass! Oh and I know it was rather naughty of me but when I saw the title Human remains at York station I immediately asked the question – just how long was their train delayed and then second thoughts were – had they had a British Railways sandwich 🙂
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Come to think of it, that’s the last place I got stuck in a train cancellation mess!
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