About: Whelan
Edward Whelan attended the University of Maynooth 2003-2008 and studied history and classical studies. He obtained a BA from Maynooth and was admitted to the History Ph.D. program. He graduated with a PhD in history in 2008. Between 2010-2012 he worked in the Limerick City Archives. A published author he has also written many journal articles. Edward is a full-time freelance writer and researcher and live in, County Clare, Ireland.
Recent Posts by Whelan
Women in the Odyssey: Goddesses, wives, lovers, and threats
By Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom Traditionally, Ancient Greece is seen as a patriarchal society and women were marginalized and oppressed. Yet, despite this, some women were able to be independent and play an important role in the Hellenic World. In the Odyssey of Homer, women have a significant role in the 20-year travels
The Top 8 Greatest Inventions of the Mycenaeans
By Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom This month’s Classical Wisdom Litterae Issue is dedicated to the Mycenaeans! Get a subscription and learn more about these fascinating Bronze Age people HERE. Who were they? The Mycenaeans are often regarded as the first Greeks. They were the descendants of the first Neolithic farmers who settled in
What Makes a Republic? The Evolution of a Political System.
By Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom In the contemporary world, republics are the most common form of government, yet few of us take the time to consider what a republic actually is. If we want to more deeply understand the nature of republics, we need to look back to the ancient examples of Rome,
Petronius – one of the first novelists and a victim of Nero
Written by Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom Petronius was one of the world’s first novelists and an important cultural figure in his day. He was influential in the Rome of Nero, but this would ultimately lead to his death. Biography of Petronius The chief source for the life of this fascinating character is the
Patriotism in the Ancient World
Written by Ed Whalen, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom While patriotism is associated with the modern world, scholars now believe that it was very common in the Classical world. Patriotism—which can be defined as a love of one’s country that conditions one’s behaviors and beliefs—played a major role in both Roman and Greek society. There, it