New Books in Literary Studies Michael B. Cosmopoulos, "The World of Homer: Archaeology, Social Memory, and the Emergence of Greek Epic Poetry" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
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Oct 24, 2025 
Michael B. Cosmopoulos, an archaeology professor at the University of St. Louis, brings his insights from his book to the discussion. He explores the enigmatic origins of Homeric epics like the Iliad and Odyssey, arguing for the significance of social memory in their development. Cosmopoulos examines the interplay between archaeology and oral traditions, revealing insights into gender roles, warfare, and the continuity of cultural practices from Mycenaean society. His unique perspective invites listeners to reconsider the rich tapestry of Greek epic poetry.
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Personal Roots In Athens' Homeric Culture
- Cosmopoulos grew up in Athens surrounded by Homeric stories and monuments, which sparked his lifelong interest in Homer.
- Teaching Homer to students and seeing their fascination motivated him to write the book.
Surviving Titles And Political Memory
- Homeric social terms like anax and basileus survive from Mycenaean usage but shift meanings over time.
- The epics preserve both Mycenaean administrative memory and nascent polis institutions.
Catalogue Of Ships As Poetic Geography
- The Catalogue of Ships mixes place-names and political configurations from different eras, so it is a poetic, not strictly historical, geography.
- Some precise echoes (e.g., Pylos' nine and seven towns) suggest retained administrative memories.
