About: Jocelyn Hitchcock
Jocelyn currently lives in Greece and is a MA student in Greek and Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a BA in Classics and History from UNC Chapel Hill. Her current work focuses on network theory and economic development in the central Mediterranean Bronze Age. She enjoys Latin comedy, modern entertainment reception of epics, and any reason to buy a new notebook for research.
Recent Posts by Jocelyn Hitchcock
The Pompeii Mosaics: A Rare Look into Roman Life
By Jocelyn Hitchcock, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom The Pompeii Mosaics: The Volcano Erupts For nearly 2000 years Pompeii and its destruction has captivated the minds of historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike. Although lost beneath rubble until rediscovered in 1748, writings from Pliny the Younger clued us in to a massive volcanic eruption that shook the
Calliope: Muse of Eloquence
Written by Jocelyn Hitchcock, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom “Sing, O Muse, of the man of many devices…” Line one of the Odyssey begins like so many in ancient literature, by invoking the muses or gods. It was a common practice to ask, thank, and implore the other-worldly forces for inspiration and guidance in writing and
Empedocles, the Eccentric Philosopher
By Jocelyn Hitchcock, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom Empedocles, born c. 490 BCE in Akragas, Sicily, is perhaps one of the more eccentric pre-Socratic philosophers. He himself claimed other-worldly powers, is credited by Aristotle as the inventor of rhetoric, and is thought to have originated the cosmogonic theory of the four elements: fire, air, water, and
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
By Jocelyn Hitchcock, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom The mention of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon conjures up images of an oasis in the midst of a bustling city; a vibrant Eden of lush trees, shrubs, and vines supported with beautiful pillars and architecture. The gardens are thought to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II
Ancient Alexandria, Egypt
By Jocelyn Hitchcock, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom The Egyptian city of Alexandria was established in 331 BCE by its Eponymous founder, Alexander the Great. Despite its humble beginnings as a port city, Alexandria developed into one of the most prosperous metropolitan areas in the ancient world. It grew to boast such wonders like the library