106 - The New Indiana Jones - w/ Dr. Brent Seales

Seneca the Elder (c. 54 BC – 39 AD) was a Roman rhetorician, writer, and teacher. He is best known as the father of the famous Stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger. While not as widely studied as his son, Seneca the Elder left behind a significant body of work, including rhetorical treatises, declamations, and historical writings. His writings offer valuable insights into the rhetorical practices and educational methods of his time. His historical works, fragments of which have been discovered among the Herculaneum scrolls, provide a unique perspective on the events of the late Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire. Seneca the Elder's contributions to Roman literature and education continue to be of interest to scholars.

Philodemus (c. 110 – c. 35 BC) was a prominent Epicurean philosopher and poet from Gadara in Syria. He was a prolific writer, producing numerous works on a wide range of topics, including ethics, logic, rhetoric, and poetry. His writings offer valuable insights into Epicurean philosophy and its practical application to daily life. Many of his works were discovered in the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum, providing a significant source of information about Epicureanism. Philodemus's influence on the development of Epicurean thought and his contributions to ancient literature are still being studied and appreciated today.

De Rerum Natura is a six-book poem written in Latin hexameters by Lucretius. It sets forth the physical theory of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, explaining the principles of atomism, the mortality of the soul, and the natural explanations for various phenomena. The poem is divided into six books, each addressing different aspects of Epicurean philosophy, including the atomic structure of the universe, the nature of mind and soul, the mechanics of sense perception, and the origins of the world and human society. Lucretius argues that the universe operates according to natural laws without divine intervention, and he aims to eliminate fear of death and the supernatural by demonstrating that all phenomena can be explained by natural causes[2][3][4].

Joanna Trollope is a prolific author of contemporary and historical fiction, but there is no record of a book titled 'Book of History' among her published works.

The play, written in 1599, explores themes of political power, honor, and fate versus free will. It centers around the conspiracy led by Brutus and Cassius to assassinate Julius Caesar, fearing his rise to power could lead to tyranny. The play delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters and the consequences of their actions, culminating in a civil war. The characters, including Brutus, Cassius, and Mark Antony, represent different facets of political ideology and personal conviction. The play is known for its iconic lines and its enduring relevance in examining the dynamics of power and political decisions[1][2][5].

This book provides a detailed commentary on Book VIII of the Aeneid, highlighting its significance in the mythological foundation of Rome and its political implications for the Augustan regime. It includes discussions on style, meter, and reception, making it suitable for students and scholars alike.

This book provides a detailed analysis of Sophocles' plays, exploring themes such as the human condition, moral duty, and the complexities of human relationships. It offers insights into Sophocles' reinterpretation of ancient myths and his contribution to Greek drama.