Classical Wisdom Speaks Ancient Assyria's Forgotten Queen
Jul 31, 2025
Join award-winning novelist Costanza Casati, author of Clytemnestra and Babylonia, as she revives the story of Semiramis, the powerful queen of ancient Assyria. Discover why her legacy has faded, despite her ambition rivaling that of Cleopatra. The conversation delves into the duality of Assyrian culture—both innovative and brutal. Casati highlights the importance of resurrecting influential women from history and connects ancient themes to modern narratives, creating a compelling bridge between the past and present.
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Mesopotamia: Cradle of Civilization and Brutality
- Ancient Mesopotamia was a cradle of civilization combining brutal war culture with advanced writing and legal systems.
- Its artistic reliefs depict violent conquests, reflecting the harsh reality alongside its cultural achievements.
Semiramis' Ambition as Survival
- Semiramis embodies ambition as a survival instinct and quest for fame rather than mere thirst for power.
- Costanza Casati's interest grew from Boccaccio's writings and deepened through Diodorus’s detailed mythic account.
Semiramis' Cross-Cultural Allure
- Semiramis captivated many ancient cultures due to her uncommon role as a powerful female ruler and complex legend.
- Her story blends history and myth across Greek, Jewish, and Armenian traditions, revealing changing cultural perspectives.
