About: Mary Naples
With an emphasis in Women’s Studies, Mary Naples has an M.A. in Humanities from Dominican University of California. Her deep love of the classical world is reflected in her writing which explores women’s narratives ranging from the ancient Greek and Roman worlds into the Byzantine era and even into ancient Israel and Judea. Mary Naples has been a contributing writer for Classical Wisdom since 2013. More of her articles can be found at www.femminaclassica.com.
Recent Posts by Mary Naples
Aspects of Ariadne: Part 3
Written by Mary Naples, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom Make no mistake, unlike her previous manifestation in the Minoan pantheon (see: Part 1 and Part 2), Ariadne is now merely the wife of a fertility god. Myths abound about Dionysus’ exploits and adventures without Ariadne, yet when Ariadne is mentioned at all in these myths, it is
Aspects of Ariadne: Part 2
Written by Mary Naples, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom In Jason and the Argonauts, Medea—another goddess-cum-princess from a foreign land (Colchis, present-day Georgia)—also acts against her better interests by abandoning her royal family for the Greek hero, Jason, who ultimately deserts her. To seize the Golden Fleece, Medea helps Jason every step of the way, even
Aspects of Ariadne: Part 1
Written by Mary Naples, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom In the Myth of the Minotaur, if not for the ministrations of the humble Princess Ariadne, Theseus—the Greek hero—would not have had a prayer. Although often portrayed as a mere maiden, truth be told, providing back-up for a leading man was the very least of her qualities.
The Banishment of Julia Augusti (PART 6)
Written by Mary Naples, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom Of how she was rounded up, the details are unknown. It would have had to occur in the dead of night. Since she was beloved, her banishment by light of day might have led to political unrest. Because she was the house of Augustus’s first exile—though mournfully
The Banishment of Julia Augusti (PART 5)
Written by Mary Naples, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom Thus, hard on the heels of the birth of her fifth child, Agrippa Posthumous, and still in mourning for her husband, the Princeps had his newly widowed daughter betrothed—this time to her stepbrother, Tiberius. One can only imagine Livia’s delight. Finally, another Julio-Claudian union—the fervent hope must