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
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
by Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom The influence of Plato on western philosophy has been immense; some of his key thoughts are encapsulated in the Allegory of the Cave. This presents some of his key philosophical ideas on the nature of truth, reality and even society. It is essential for understanding the Athenian thinker’s
Janus – Roman God of Time and Transitions
by Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom We all know January is the first month of the year. Many may even know the month is named after the Roman god Janus. Yet what do we know about this mysterious, two-headed figure? Janus was the god of entrances, thresholds, and transition. Yet unlike many other Roman
Saint Nicholas – the real Santa Claus?
by Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom We are all familiar with Santa Claus, at least in the western world. The inspiration for the modern Santa was the Christian Saint Nicholas (285-342/343AD). Saint Nicholas was a famed miracle worker, known for his charity, and the patron saint of sailors, pawn brokers, children and others. The
Aeneas: Trojan Prince and Founder of Rome
by Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom He is a towering figure of ancient myth. He fought at Troy and appears in the Iliad. Yet he is remembered for something much greater. He was seen by the Romans as a paragon of virtue, and one of the founders of their city. One of the world’s
The Homeric Question: Who WAS Homer?
by Ed Whelan, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom Homer is considered one of the greatest poets who ever lived. The literary and cultural influence of the Iliad and the Odyssey is incomparable. But who was Homer, exactly? The answer is a little bit complicated… You see, for many centuries scholars have questioned not just the identity,