Info@ancientartpodcast.org (Lucas Livingston)

Shows

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Egyptomania, the Early Years – Piranesi, Gerome, Desprez (93) http://ancientartpodcast.org/93 This short excerpt from my lecture on the art and history of the Egyptomania phenomenon delves into its early origins. As Europe emerged from the Middle Ages, Egyptian antiquities pillaged during the Roman Empire were excavated from their slumber under Roman soil and newly erected across the city. Even before the translation of the Rosetta Stone, before Napoleon's epic Egyptian expedition and publication of Description de l'Égypte, artists such as Giovanni Battista Piranesi and Louis Jean Desprez were already experimenting and defining what we would come to call Egyptomania. In the s...

2020-04-1108 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds One Ring to Rule Them All (92) http://ancientartpodcast.org/92 This extended episode takes us on an unexpected journey across the Art Institute of Chicago to explore the artistry and influences of rings. We go well beyond personal adornment and discuss the significance and many meanings of "ring" as it appears in visual culture. Image: Le Grenouillard (Frog-Man), 1892 Jean-Joseph Carriès French, 1855–1894 Art Institute of Chicago, 2007.78 Connect: Donate to the Ancient Art Podcast at http://ancientartpodcast.org/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/cr/podcast/ancient-art-podcast-ancient-worlds/id205535627 Fee...

2020-03-1924 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Japanese Ukiyo-e Pictures of the Floating World (91) http://ancientartpodcast.org/91 In this excerpt from my lecture on the Art Institute's recent special exhibition Painting the Floating World: Ukiyo-e Masterpieces from the Weston Collection, I set the stage for what was Japan's Floating World culture during the Edo Period of the Tokugawa Shogunate, 1615-1868. We touch on the origin of the term, the cultural climate in which it rose the popularity, and how the floating world psyche was expressed in Japan's visual arts at the time. Image: Hishikawa Moronobu Flower-Viewing Party with Crest-Bearing Curtain, from the series Flower...

2019-01-3006 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Dionysus and the Pirates, the Dionysus Cup by Exekias (90) http://ancientartpodcast.org/90 In yet another nod to alcoholic inebriation's polymorphic magical potency, we encounter one of my favorite tales of the god of wine, ecstasy, reverie, and madness ... Dionysus. Here we learn the tale of Dionysus versus the Pirates as originally recounted in Homeric Hymn number 7 and alluded to on the exquisite black-figure "Dionysus Cup" kylix by the master painter and potter Exekias. For detailed credits, visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/90. Featured Work of Art: The so-called Dionysus Cup Exekias, ca. 540/530 BC Attic black-figure kylix; from Vulci

2018-07-1909 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Adventures of Ulysses in an Italian Renaissance Hope Chest (89) http://ancientartpodcast.org/89 In this excerpt from a recent tour, I explore some of the highlights from Homer's Odyssey in a 15th century Florentine painting and learn a little about Italian Renaissance marriage and fidelity. Names and terms dropped: Homer, Odysseus, Penelope, Nausica, cyclops, Polyphemus, the Sirens, Hermes, moly, Circe, Calypso, Argos, Apollonio di Giovanni, James Joyce, Trojan War, Tuscan, gilding; important terms not dropped: cassone. For images of the featured work of art, visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/89. Featured Work of Art: Apollonio di Giovanni Italian, 1415/17-1465 ...

2018-01-1409 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Tibetan Mandalas (88) http://ancientartpodcast.org/88 In this short excerpt from my lecture on Tibetan Buddhist art, we skim the surface of the spiritual meaning, function, and structure of Tibetan mandalas. For images of the featured works of art, visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/88. Featured Works of Art: Drepung Gomang Monastery Mandala of World Peace September 21, 2014 Miller Beach, Indiana Photo by Lucas Livingston, ancientartpodcast.org/88 Arjia Rinpoche Architectural Model of the Kalachakra Mandala researchdtmack.com/mandalas.html Tibet Mandala 18th/19th...

2017-12-2208 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Circe and Witchcraft in Ancient Greece (87) http://ancientartpodcast.org/87 This is a short excerpt from my lecture "Things That Go Bump: A Visual Survey of Witches, Demons, and Ghosts." Herein we explore the ancient Greek tradition of witchcraft and metamorphosis in two images — one ancient and one modern — of Circe, the definitive witch of Grecian lore and seductive sorceress of Odyssean fame. Waterhouse masterfully betrays her jealous cruelty in those cold, dark, uncaring eyes. Vying for the affection of a handsome lover, the hateful witch Circe poisons the placid pool where the her rival Scylla bathed. Circe's potion of polymorphism transforms the...

2017-11-1703 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Goya's Caprices and the Wicked Witch of the West (86) http://ancientartpodcast.org/86 Happy Halloween! In this very brief excerpt from my lecture "Things That Go Bump: A Visual Survey of Witches, Demons, and Ghosts," we introduce Goya's 1797/99 published volume The Caprices (Los Caprichos). This tome of nightmares, witches, and devils satirizes human vice and intolerance of late 18th century Spanish society through the demons born of religion and power. We conclude with a brief glimpse at our modern icon of the Wicked Witch through the lens of art history and tradition. For greater depth, background, and context, watch episode 59, A Witches' Sabbath. ...

2017-11-0102 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Odysseus Journeys to the Underworld (85) http://ancientartpodcast.org/85 A very brief excerpt from my lecture "Things That Go Bump: A Visual Survey of Witches, Demons, and Ghosts!" Odysseus Journeys to the Underworld and holds a seance with the souls of Hades through necromantic blood magic so the countless shades of the dead and the gone would surge around him. Featured Work of Art: Jar (pelike) with Odysseus and Elpenor in the Underworld Greece, Athens, Classical, about 440 BC The Lykaon Painter Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (34.79) Connect: Donate to the Ancient...

2017-10-2502 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Birth of Dionysus (84) http://ancientartpodcast.org/84 Diving head first into the many myths of the celebrated god of wine, ecstasy, theater, and madness, episode 84 of the Ancient Art Podcast's Ancient Worlds series explores The Birth of Dionysus. Drawing inspiration from the famed sculpture Hermes and the Infant Dionysus, we explore the wine god's parentage, his mother Semele's tragic fate, and the curious case of the twice-born god. Names dropped: Zeus, Semele, Hera, Hermes, Cadmus, Harmonia, Europa, Ovid, Hyginus, Pseudo-Apollodorus, Diodorus Siculus, Pausanias, Praxiteles, Rhys Carpenter Features Work of Art: Hermes and the Infant Dionysus

2017-09-1616 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Dragons and Tigers (83) http://ancientartpodcast.org/83 In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, we walk through two starkly contrasting Japanese folding screens celebrating the time-honored, iconic subjects of dragons and tigers with exceptional energy and dynamism. Features Works of Art: Kishi Ganku (1749-1838) Dragon and Tiger, 1835 Pair of six panel screens; ink and gold on paper Art Institute of Chicago, 2016.314a-b Morita Shiryu (1912-1998) Dragon (Ryu), 1965 Four-panel screen; aluminum-flake pigment in polyvinyl acetate medium, and yellow alkyd varnish, on paper Art Institute of Chicago, 1971.873

2017-08-1709 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Medicine Buddha Bhaishajyaguru - Meaningful Materials (82) http://ancientartpodcast.org/82 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful material of the semi-precious blue stone lapis lazuli in a Tibetan painted banner (thangka) of the Buddha of medicine and healing, Bhaishajyaguru. Features Works of Art: Painted Banner (Thangka) with the Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru) Central Tibet, 14th century Pigment and gold on cotton 104 x 82.7 cm (41 x 32 1/2 in.) Art Institute of Chicago, 1996.29

2017-07-1305 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Chinese Jade - Meaningful Materials (81) http://ancientartpodcast.org/81 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful material of Chinese jade — its symbolic and medicinal value, function, materiality, artistry, and poetic inspiration. Features Works of Art: Dragon Pendants Jade China, Eastern Zhou dynasty Warring States period (c.480-221 BC) c. 4th/3rd century B.C. 9.2 x 16.8 x 0.7 cm (3 3/5 x 6 3/5 x 3/10 in.) 8.6 x 16.5 x 0.6 cm. (6-1/2 x 3-3/8 x...

2017-06-3005 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Incan Gold and Chicha Beer - Meaningful Materials (80) http://ancientartpodcast.org/80 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful material of gold in Incan art and culture. We also discuss the traditional Andean corn beer called "chicha." Features Works of Art: Beaker Inca, Ica Valley, south coast, Peru Late 15th/early 16th century Gold 16.5 x 6.4 cm (6 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.) Art Institute of Chicago, Kate S. Buckingham Endowment, 1955.2587 Pair of...

2017-06-0908 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Boli Ritual Object - Meaningful Materials (79) ancientartpodcast.org/79 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful materials in a Boli Ritual Object of the Bamana people in Mali, Africa. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter and beeping proximity alarms. Permanent collection label: Bamana sculpture often functions as a mediating force between the spirit and human realms. Ritual objects, such as this amorphously shaped boli...

2017-05-2003 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds African Nkisi Nkondi Power Figure - Meaningful Materials (78) ancientartpodcast.org/78 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful materials in a Nkisi Nkondi Power Figure of the Vili people in central Africa. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter and beeping proximity alarms. Image: Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi) Vili, Republic of the Congo or Democratic Republic of the Congo Early/mid-19th century Wood...

2017-05-1804 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds African Congo Kuba Mukenga Mask - Meaningful Materials (77) ancientartpodcast.org/77 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful materials in an African Congolese ceremonial mask of the Kuba Kingdom. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter and beeping proximity alarms. Image: Mask (Mukenga) Kuba, Western Kasai region, Democratic Republic of the Congo Late 19th/mid-20th century Wood, glass beads, cowrie shells, feathers, raffia...

2017-05-0606 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Black Figure vs Red Figure Ancient Greek Vase Painting Techniques (76) ancientartpodcast.org/76 In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I discuss the techniques of Greek vase painting and the differences between the black-figure and red-figure styles. We also dip a toe into some Greek history, talk about the names of Greek vase painters, artists signing their works, and compare Greek vase painters to the French Impressionists. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter, construction noises, and beeping proximity alarms. Images: Black-figure Belly-Amphora (Storage Jar) Showing Herakles Wrestling the Nemean Lion ...

2017-04-2210 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Chinese Tang Funerary Figurines - Coloring the Past (75) ancientartpodcast.org/75 Why are the heads, crowns, and hands of magnificent Tang Dynasty Chinese tomb figurines so startlingly bare compared to their brilliantly colored bodies? This is an excerpt from my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents of background chatter, beeping proximity alarms, and echoing reverb. Please forgive the poor sound quality. Terms: sancai, glaze, funerary, earthenware, ceramic, polychromy, pigment, paint, sculpture, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism. Gallery Talk: Coloring the Past (American Sign Language-interpreted)

2017-04-1503 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Etruscan Gigantomachy, Gods vs Giants - Coloring the Past (74) ancientartpodcast.org/74 We examine the use of color in ancient art to designate role, status, nature, and more, and discuss causes for the disappearance of polychromy in ancient art. Side note: Why does the Egyptian God Osiris sometimes appear with black skin and sometimes with green skin? Names dropped: Zeus, Athena, Olympians, Giants, Gaia, Osiris. This is an excerpt from my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents of noisy kids, beeping proximity alarms, and echoing...

2017-04-0706 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Zeuxis and Parrhasius, Pliny the Elder, Roman Painting - Coloring the Past (73) ancientartpodcast.org/73 Pliny the Elder shares with us the tale of dueling artists Zeuxis and Parrhasius as they battled for the title of who could paint a more beguilingly realistic trompe-l'oeil ("fools the eye") masterpiece. We also hear another short story of Zeuxis's dashed pride. This is an excerpt from my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents of noisy kids, beeping proximity alarms, and echoing reverb. Please forgive the poor sound quality. Gallery...

2017-03-3102 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Tinted Venus - Painted Aphrodite - Coloring the Past (72) ancientartpodcast.org/72 Many sculptural works from the ancient world were once beautifully colored. This is an excerpt of my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. Here we discuss the original polychromy of the famous Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles and the 1862 Tinted Venus by English sculptor John Gibson. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents of noisy kids, beeping proximity alarms, and echoing reverb. Please forgive the poor sound quality. Gallery Talk: Coloring the Past (American Sign Language-interpreted) Art...

2017-03-2404 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Cycladic Female Figure - Coloring the Past (71) ancientartpodcast.org/71 Many sculptural works from the ancient world were once beautifully colored. This is an excerpt of my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. Here we explore the use of color on a Cycladic Statuette of a Female Figure from the Early Bronze Age, 2600-2400 B.C. Please forgive the poor sound quality. Gallery Talk: Coloring the Past (American Sign Language-interpreted) Art Institute of Chicago March 9, 2017 "How does our modern lens shape the way we see ancient works of art? Explore the...

2017-03-1706 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 70: Drinking along the Silk Road: Wine in Chinaancientartpodcast.org/70 We dig up the dirt on vines and wines in China's Tang dynasty and beyond, explore the wares of our Central Asian caravan, marvel at the magnificent horses of the Fergana Valley, and sip the delicious nectar from the Grape Valley of the Flaming Mountains to the accompaniment of colorful poetry. Names dropped: Poets Li Qi and Li Bo, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, emperors Li Chen and Mu Tsung, Zhang Qian, Dogfish Head Brewery, Dr. Patrick McGovern, Chateau Jiahu, Strabo, Taklamakan Desert, Dunhuang, Sogdiana, and Chang'an Ancient Worlds is an...

2016-12-0319 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 69: On Ramp to the Silk Roadancientartpodcast.org/69 In this episode, we trek along the dusty trails of the famed Silk Road. We meet some of the people traipsing this network, hitch a ride on a merchant's camel, pass by some pilgrims, and meet a young religious faith called Buddhism. And we'll look at a lot of ceramics. Ceramics from China's Jin, Tang, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Selected Artwork: Funerary Urn (Hunping), China, Western Jin dynasty, late 3rd century, Art Institute of Chicago, 1987.242. Silk Road Caravan, China, Tang dynasty (618–907 A.D.), first half of 8th century, Art In...

2016-09-1909 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds Ten Years of the Ancient Art PodcastHey folks! This is Lucas Livingston from the Ancient Art Podcast, serving up hot meals of antiquity since 2006 with a healthy side of smack! Yeah, that's right. 10 years. A good decade now. Going way back to when smartphones were still cool and your friends were telling you all about why you gotta join this Facebook thing. So I got 2 things I wanna tell ya now: 1. There’s this awesome class coming up at the the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute. It’s a 3-part series called "Drinking in Antiquity" and I’m teaching it. It’s on...

2016-09-1102 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 68 (HD): Hercules and Buddha Walk into a BarLast time in episode 67 we learned all about a Buddhist relief carving in the Art Institute of Chicago. We met two Buddhas — one legendary and one historical — Dipankara and Shakyamuni. Now the promised bombshell. The reason you all came back. This muscular, shaggy-bearded, club-wielding brute next to Buddha. Why in the world in a Buddhist work of art does the legendary Greek hero Hercules make an appearance? Image: Relief with Buddha Shakyamuni Meditating in the Indrashala Cave (top) and Buddha Dipankara (bottom), Gandharan region, Kushan period, 2nd/3rd century, Art Institute of Chicago, 2015.447. For the tran...

2016-06-1708 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 67 (iPod): Buddha's Past Lives – Dipankara and ShakyamuniTwo tales from the many lives of Buddha. The top scene depicts Buddha Shakyamuni meditating in the Indrashala cave awaiting his rebirth on Earth. The bottom scene shows Buddha Dipankara meeting the hermit Sumedha. Among other Gandharan works of art, this Buddhist carving might include representations of the Hindu gods Indra and Brahma. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. The big bombshell is that we have an honest to goodness cameo of the legendary Greek hero Hercules! Image: Relief with Buddha Shakyamuni Meditating in the Indrashala Cave (top) and Buddha Dipankara (bottom), Gandharan region, Kushan...

2016-06-1706 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 67 (HD): Buddha's Past Lives – Dipankara and ShakyamuniTwo tales from the many lives of Buddha. The top scene depicts Buddha Shakyamuni meditating in the Indrashala cave awaiting his rebirth on Earth. The bottom scene shows Buddha Dipankara meeting the hermit Sumedha. Among other Gandharan works of art, this Buddhist carving might include representations of the Hindu gods Indra and Brahma. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. The big bombshell is that we have an honest to goodness cameo of the legendary Greek hero Hercules! Image: Relief with Buddha Shakyamuni Meditating in the Indrashala Cave (top) and Buddha Dipankara (bottom), Gandharan region, Kushan...

2016-04-1306 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 66 (iPod): Star Wars and StupasEpisode 66 of the Ancient Art Podcast picks up where we left off in episode 65 with the Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the Art Institute of Chicago. We briefly touch on some commonalities between Buddhism and Star Wars. We also learn more about the historic origin of the four pillars around the dome, discover what the deal is with those lion capitals, and revisit the Persians, Persepolis, Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, and Buddha humbly giving his first sermon in the deer park at Sarnath. And keep a sharp eye open for a passing nod to the great science fiction...

2016-04-1103 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 66 (HD): Star Wars and StupasEpisode 66 of the Ancient Art Podcast picks up where we left off in episode 65 with the Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the Art Institute of Chicago. We briefly touch on some commonalities between Buddhism and Star Wars. We also learn more about the historic origin of the four pillars around the dome, discover what the deal is with those lion capitals, and revisit the Persians, Persepolis, Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, and Buddha humbly giving his first sermon in the deer park at Sarnath. And keep a sharp eye open for a passing nod to the great science fiction...

2016-02-1103 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 65 (iPod): Gandharan Stupa ReliquaryEpisode 65 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores a Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The subdued appearance of this small reliquary belies its cultural and aesthetic significance at the crossroads of East and West, where great empires collide. Who were the Gandharans and what is their legacy? Walk in the footsteps of godlike leaders, like Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, Cyrus, and Darius. Discover the cultural and historic mark they left on the land and its people. For the transcript, image credits, and more, visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/65. Connect at...

2016-01-1905 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 65 (HD): Gandharan Stupa ReliquaryEpisode 65 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores a Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The subdued appearance of this small reliquary belies its cultural and aesthetic significance at the crossroads of East and West, where great empires collide. Who were the Gandharans and what is their legacy? Walk in the footsteps of godlike leaders, like Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, Cyrus, and Darius. Discover the cultural and historic mark they left on the land and its people. For the transcript, image credits, and more, visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/65. Connect at...

2016-01-1905 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 63 (iPod): Dogs in Antiquity: Greece and RomeIn my third installment of a three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we're back in our familiar stomping ground of the Classical World to consider the roles of dogs in ancient Greece and Rome. Ancient writings give us the names of prized breeds in antiquity, which we match to magnificent examples in art. Classical authors like Arrian and Xenophon have much to say about the roles of dogs, from hunting and guarding to racing and companionship, but what about warfare? We meet Odysseus and his faithful hound Argos, rub elbows with Alexander the Great's canine companion Peritas, dodge the burning...

2015-10-2711 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 63 (HD): Dogs in Antiquity: Greece and RomeIn my third installment of a three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we're back in our familiar stomping ground of the Classical World to consider the roles of dogs in ancient Greece and Rome. Ancient writings give us the names of prized breeds in antiquity, which we match to magnificent examples in art. Classical authors like Arrian and Xenophon have much to say about the roles of dogs, from hunting and guarding to racing and companionship, but what about warfare? We meet Odysseus and his faithful hound Argos, rub elbows with Alexander the Great's canine companion Peritas, dodge the burning...

2015-10-2611 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 62 (iPod): Dogs in Antiquity: ChinaLast time in our three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we explored the ancient hairless breeds of the New World and had a look at the popular ceramic funerary effigy of the Colima dog from a couple thousand years ago. We were also introduced to a young celebrity, Sputnik, my cute little hairless Xoloitzcuintli-Chihuahua mix. This time in episode 62 of the Ancient Art Podcast we're off to China to discover the prehistoric domestication of dogs and look closely at a 2,000 year old ceramic mastiff dog sculpture of the Han Dynasty in the Art Institute of Chicago! We also learn the...

2015-07-2107 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 62 (HD): Dogs in Antiquity: ChinaLast time in our three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we explored the ancient hairless breeds of the New World and had a look at the popular ceramic funerary effigy of the Colima dog from a couple thousand years ago. We were also introduced to a young celebrity, Sputnik, my cute little hairless Xoloitzcuintli-Chihuahua mix. This time in episode 62 of the Ancient Art Podcast we're off to China to discover the prehistoric domestication of dogs and look closely at a 2,000 year old ceramic mastiff dog sculpture of the Han Dynasty in the Art Institute of Chicago! We also learn the...

2015-07-2107 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 64 (iPod): Striding Horned Wild ManJust in time for Christmas, episode 64 of the Ancient Art Podcast spins a Yuletide yarn. All decked out for the holidays, this amazing, little, elvish sprite weaves us up a tall mountain pass on an enchanting journey through antiquity. The 5,000 year old horned striding figure from the ancient Near Eastern Proto-Elamite culture captivates our imagination of the enigmatic wild man of collective ancient lore. Herein we meet Gilgamesh's Enkidu, Egyptian gods and Pharaohs, the Greco-Roman Hercules, Olympian athletes, modern statesmen, and Europe's pagan renderings of an untamed, primal Santa Claus and companions Knecht Ruprecht, Perchta, Belsnickel, Zwarte Piet, the Julbocken...

2014-12-1807 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 64 (HD): Striding Horned Wild ManJust in time for Christmas, episode 64 of the Ancient Art Podcast spins a Yuletide yarn. All decked out for the holidays, this amazing, little, elvish sprite weaves us up a tall mountain pass on an enchanting journey through antiquity. The 5,000 year old horned striding figure from the ancient Near Eastern Proto-Elamite culture captivates our imagination of the enigmatic wild man of collective ancient lore. Herein we meet Gilgamesh's Enkidu, Egyptian gods and Pharaohs, the Greco-Roman Hercules, Olympian athletes, modern statesmen, and Europe's pagan renderings of an untamed, primal Santa Claus and companions Knecht Ruprecht, Perchta, Belsnickel, Zwarte Piet, the Julbocken...

2014-12-1607 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 61 (iPod): Dogs in Antiquity: Xoloitzcuintli & ColimaDig in to this feast for the eyes as we discuss the role of dogs in ancient Mesoamerican civilization and art. This is our first in a three-part series on dogs in antiquity. This episodes serves up one of the most popular examples of canines in art, the Colima dog of ancient West Mexico, captured in an exemplary ceramic specimen in Art Institute of Chicago. Our lingua culinaria isn’t too off base, as the hairless hounds and pudgy puppies of ancient Mesoamerica were in fact a common food source. And with their rising popularity on the modern scene, the ha...

2014-12-1307 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 61 (HD): Dogs in Antiquity: Xoloitzcuintli & ColimaDig in to this feast for the eyes as we discuss the role of dogs in ancient Mesoamerican civilization and art. This is our first in a three-part series on dogs in antiquity. This episodes serves up one of the most popular examples of canines in art, the Colima dog of ancient West Mexico, captured in an exemplary ceramic specimen in Art Institute of Chicago. Our lingua culinaria isn’t too off base, as the hairless hounds and pudgy puppies of ancient Mesoamerica were in fact a common food source. And with their rising popularity on the modern scene, the ha...

2014-05-1607 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 60 (iPod): Comets & Antiquity, Halley's Comet, ISON, Apophis, and MoreIt's a cosmic collision of contemporary and antiquity on the Ancient Art Podcast! The prophesied comet of the century, Comet ISON, may have bit the dust, but that's no reason to pile dirt on our exploration of comets of past and present in the world of art. In two rare examples of auspicious comets in antiquity, Augustus Caesar and Mithridates VI of Pontus exploit coinage as vehicle for propaganda. We discuss the cameo of Halley's Comet on the Bayeux Tapestry capturing the Battle of Hastings in AD 1066, then trace Halley's Comet's apparitions back to 87 BC, 164 BC, ... no wait, 240 BC. Holy...

2014-03-1313 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 60 (HD): Comets & Antiquity, Halley's Comet, ISON, Apophis, and MoreIt's a cosmic collision of contemporary and antiquity on the Ancient Art Podcast! The prophesied comet of the century, Comet ISON, may have bit the dust, but that's no reason to pile dirt on our exploration of comets of past and present in the world of art. In two rare examples of auspicious comets in antiquity, Augustus Caesar and Mithridates VI of Pontus exploit coinage as vehicle for propaganda. We discuss the cameo of Halley's Comet on the Bayeux Tapestry capturing the Battle of Hastings in AD 1066, then trace Halley's Comet's apparitions back to 87 BC, 164 BC, ... no wait, 240 BC. Holy...

2014-02-1813 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 59 (iPod): A Witches' SabbathGreetings gashlycrumbs! Enjoy this spooktacular free Halloween segment of the Ancient Art Podcast episode 59, "A Witches' Sabbath!" Meet the wicked witches, devilish denizens, and things that go bump in the night in the Art Institute of Chicago's painting "A Witches' Sabbath" by Dutch artist Cornelis Saftleven. Grab the complete episode at http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious. The complete episode explores the peculiar fascination Dutch and Flemish artists had with the proverbial "fire and brimstone," including the famous pioneer of the genre Hieronymus Bosch. A detailed examination of "A Witches' Sabbath" reveals various influences and motivations. We discuss the cultural context of...

2013-11-0505 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 59 (HD): A Witches' SabbathGreetings gashlycrumbs! Enjoy this spooktacular free Halloween segment of the Ancient Art Podcast episode 59, "A Witches' Sabbath!" Meet the wicked witches, devilish denizens, and things that go bump in the night in the Art Institute of Chicago's painting "A Witches' Sabbath" by Dutch artist Cornelis Saftleven. Grab the complete episode at http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious. The complete episode explores the peculiar fascination Dutch and Flemish artists had with the proverbial "fire and brimstone," including the famous pioneer of the genre Hieronymus Bosch. A detailed examination of "A Witches' Sabbath" reveals various influences and motivations. We discuss the cultural context of...

2013-10-3105 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)59: A Witches' SabbathGreetings gashlycrumbs! Enjoy this spooktacular free Halloween segment of the Ancient Art Podcast episode 59, "A Witches' Sabbath!" Meet the wicked witches, devilish denizens, and things that go bump in the night in the Art Institute of Chicago's painting "A Witches' Sabbath" by Dutch artist Cornelis Saftleven. Grab the complete episode at http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious. The complete episode explores the peculiar fascination Dutch and Flemish artists had with the proverbial "fire and brimstone," including the famous pioneer of the genre Hieronymus Bosch. A detailed examination of "A Witches' Sabbath" reveals various influences and motivations. We discuss the cultural context of...

2013-10-3100 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds CuriousA short announcement about some changes to the Ancient Art Podcast. The Ancient Art Podcast and Curious.com have teamed up to host episodes of the podcast at Curious.com. Episodes now include quizzes, handouts, discussions, and more. Visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious to see more! You can now help support the Ancient Art Podcast. Visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/ and click on the "Donate" link. Thanks for the support and for 7 great years and counting! Connect at http://facebook.com/ancientartpodcast and http://twitter.com/lucaslivingston.

2013-08-0401 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)CuriousA short announcement about some changes to the Ancient Art Podcast. The Ancient Art Podcast and Curious.com have teamed up to host episodes of the podcast at Curious.com. Episodes now include quizzes, handouts, discussions, and more. Visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious to see more! You can now help support the Ancient Art Podcast. Visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/ and click on the "Donate" link. Thanks for the support and for 7 great years and counting! Connect at http://facebook.com/ancientartpodcast and http://twitter.com/lucaslivingston.

2013-08-0400 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 58 (iPod): Lycurgus CupRaise your glass to the most incredible chalice from antiquity. The Lycurgus Cup in the British Museum is truly exceptional for its exquisite beauty, delicate craftsmanship, magnificent detail, and a seemingly magical ability to transform colors before your very eyes. Discover the myth of the doomed Thracian king, Lycurgus, driven mad by Dionysus and ensnared by the wine god's creeping vines. Explore the wondrous curiosity of Roman cage cups found in collections across the world, including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Cologne Cup in the Römisch Germanisches Museum. http://ancientartpodcast.org/58. Connect at http://facebook.com/ancientartpodcast a...

2013-07-2004 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 58 (HD): Lycurgus CupRaise your glass to the most incredible chalice from antiquity. The Lycurgus Cup in the British Museum is truly exceptional for its exquisite beauty, delicate craftsmanship, magnificent detail, and a seemingly magical ability to transform colors before your very eyes. Discover the myth of the doomed Thracian king, Lycurgus, driven mad by Dionysus and ensnared by the wine god's creeping vines. Explore the wondrous curiosity of Roman cage cups found in collections across the world, including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Cologne Cup in the Römisch Germanisches Museum. http://ancientartpodcast.org/58. Connect at http://facebook.com/ancientartpodcast a...

2013-07-1804 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 57 (iPod): Medusa Up Close and PersonalEpisode 57 of the Ancient Art Podcast builds on what we learned in episode 53 about the mythology and artistry of the creepy creature of chaos, the Gorgon Medusa. This episode delves deeper into her primal lair. We confront her petrifying gaze while closely examining a few famous works of ancient art exploring Medusa’s roots, influences, and evolutions. Included are the Bronze Age Minoan "Snake Goddesses," the Polyphemus Amphora, the Nessos Amphora, the Temple of Artemis at Corfu, kylix eye-cups, and the Egyptian god Bes. Most images are of works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Ch...

2013-05-0209 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 57 (HD): Medusa Up Close and PersonalEpisode 57 of the Ancient Art Podcast builds on what we learned in episode 53 about the mythology and artistry of the creepy creature of chaos, the Gorgon Medusa. This episode delves deeper into her primal lair. We confront her petrifying gaze while closely examining a few famous works of ancient art exploring Medusa’s roots, influences, and evolutions. Included are the Bronze Age Minoan "Snake Goddesses," the Polyphemus Amphora, the Nessos Amphora, the Temple of Artemis at Corfu, kylix eye-cups, and the Egyptian god Bes. Most images are of works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Ch...

2013-04-3009 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 56 (iPod): Build a Beer: Krampuslauf, Ein Holiday Ale mit HornsIn the epic journey of homebrewing, episode 56 of the Ancient Art Podcast takes you behind the scenes in "Build a Beer: Krampuslauf, Ein Holiday Ale mit Horns." From high in the snow-capped Alpine peaks comes a powerfully spiced beer brewed in the tradition of German & Austrian Glühwein. Watch the beer take shape before your very eyes as the curtain is pulled on the home brewing process. Krampuslauf rewards good little boys and girls with treats of citrus, anise, cinnamon, and clove, while naughty children get flogged with a switch of birch and stuffed into Krampus's scratchy sack. The rich c...

2013-03-2805 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 56 (HD): Build a Beer: Krampuslauf, Ein Holiday Ale mit HornsIn the epic journey of homebrewing, episode 56 of the Ancient Art Podcast takes you behind the scenes in "Build a Beer: Krampuslauf, Ein Holiday Ale mit Horns." From high in the snow-capped Alpine peaks comes a powerfully spiced beer brewed in the tradition of German & Austrian Glühwein. Watch the beer take shape before your very eyes as the curtain is pulled on the home brewing process. Krampuslauf rewards good little boys and girls with treats of citrus, anise, cinnamon, and clove, while naughty children get flogged with a switch of birch and stuffed into Krampus's scratchy sack. The rich c...

2013-03-2505 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)56: Build a Beer: Krampuslauf, Ein Holiday Ale mit HornsThis episode of the Ancient Art Podcast is a journey in music, imagery, and text. There is no vocal component. Please visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/56 or subscribe to the video podcast to watch episode 56. In the epic journey of homebrewing, episode 56 of the Ancient Art Podcast takes you behind the scenes in "Build a Beer: Krampuslauf, Ein Holiday Ale mit Horns." From high in the snow-capped Alpine peaks comes a powerfully spiced beer brewed in the tradition of German & Austrian Glühwein. Watch the beer take shape before your very eyes as the curtain is pulled on the home b...

2013-03-2400 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 55 (iPod): Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ArtJump in for a VIP visit to the Art Institute of Chicago's new Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art. Quadruple in size from the museum's earlier ancient art galleries, the new vista boasts a massive display of 550 ancient treasures from the Art Institute and collections around the world, including the British Museum, Getty Villa, Oriental Institute, Field Museum, and more. In this episode, we explore the aesthetics and merits of the new gallery design, point out some pitfalls, see old friends in a new light, and get close and personal with a few new kids on the block...

2013-01-2908 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 55 (HD): Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ArtJump in for a VIP visit to the Art Institute of Chicago's new Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art. Quadruple in size from the museum's earlier ancient art galleries, the new vista boasts a massive display of 550 ancient treasures from the Art Institute and collections around the world, including the British Museum, Getty Villa, Oriental Institute, Field Museum, and more. In this episode, we explore the aesthetics and merits of the new gallery design, point out some pitfalls, see old friends in a new light, and get close and personal with a few new kids on the block...

2013-01-2508 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 54 (iPod): Krampus the Christmas DevilHe's knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been bad or good, So be good, for YOUR LIFE'S AT STAKE! Who's that hiding behind Santa's jolly mask? Episode 54 of the Ancient Art Podcast takes a holiday to the Austrian Alps to discover the true meaning of Christmas and meet Santa's various spooky, sooty sidekicks! We lift the lid on the mysterious, fur-clad, horned, Yuletide devil, Krampus, exploring his origin in pagan myths, history throughout the ages, and modern permutations. We'll cross the globe to root out the...

2012-12-1209 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 54 (HD): Krampus the Christmas DevilHe's knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been bad or good, So be good, for YOUR LIFE'S AT STAKE! Who's that hiding behind Santa's jolly mask? Episode 54 of the Ancient Art Podcast takes a holiday to the Austrian Alps to discover the true meaning of Christmas and meet Santa's various spooky, sooty sidekicks! We lift the lid on the mysterious, fur-clad, horned, Yuletide devil, Krampus, exploring his origin in pagan myths, history throughout the ages, and modern permutations. We'll cross the globe to root out the...

2012-12-0209 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 53 (iPod): Medusa, Mythic MonsterIn this spooktacular Halloween episode of the Ancient Art Podcast with monstrous fiends and tortured souls lurking about in dark shadows, we explore a mythic monster from the Classical world, the original femme-fatale, the slithering seductress, the Gorgon Medusa. From ancient poets Hesiod and Ovid, we discover the lineage, background, and tragic curse that damned this poor maiden, and reveal her "children," winged Pegasus and Chrysaor. We reveal the changing face of the obscured demoness in the history of ancient art, and discuss into the possible origins and influences that conjured such a fiend in the minds of the ancient...

2012-11-0309 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 53 (HD): Medusa, Mythic MonsterIn this spooktacular Halloween episode of the Ancient Art Podcast with monstrous fiends and tortured souls lurking about in dark shadows, we explore a mythic monster from the Classical world, the original femme-fatale, the slithering seductress, the Gorgon Medusa. From ancient poets Hesiod and Ovid, we discover the lineage, background, and tragic curse that damned this poor maiden, and reveal her "children," winged Pegasus and Chrysaor. We reveal the changing face of the obscured demoness in the history of ancient art, and discuss into the possible origins and influences that conjured such a fiend in the minds of the ancient...

2012-10-3109 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 52 (iPod): Wine in Ancient Egypt When equipping yourself for the afterlife, be sure to bring enough wine! Episode 52 of the Ancient Art Podcast is all about Wine in Ancient Egypt. There really was a King Scorpion and what did he drink? Ancient Egyptian Spring Break drunken orgies. Embarrassing yourself for all eternity well before the Facebook generation. What's it really mean when your god gets drunk? King Tut's "wishing cup," Nebamun's hoity-toity parties, Herodotus goes to Bubastis, Hatshepsut's porch of drunkenness, and Sekhmet gets drunk again. All that and more! See the footnotes at http://ancientartpodcast.org/blog/52. Explore more episodes, image galleries, credits, transcripts...

2012-09-2309 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 52 (HD): Wine in Ancient Egypt When equipping yourself for the afterlife, be sure to bring enough wine! Episode 52 of the Ancient Art Podcast is all about Wine in Ancient Egypt. There really was a King Scorpion and what did he drink? Ancient Egyptian Spring Break drunken orgies. Embarrassing yourself for all eternity well before the Facebook generation. What's it really mean when your god gets drunk? King Tut's "wishing cup," Nebamun's hoity-toity parties, Herodotus goes to Bubastis, Hatshepsut's porch of drunkenness, and Sekhmet gets drunk again. All that and more! See the footnotes at http://ancientartpodcast.org/blog/52. Explore more episodes, image galleries, credits, transcripts...

2012-09-2209 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)52: Wine in Ancient Egypt When equipping yourself for the afterlife, be sure to bring enough wine! Episode 52 of the Ancient Art Podcast is all about Wine in Ancient Egypt. There really was a King Scorpion and what did he drink? Ancient Egyptian Spring Break drunken orgies. Embarrassing yourself for all eternity well before the Facebook generation. What's it really mean when your god gets drunk? King Tut's "wishing cup," Nebamun's hoity-toity parties, Herodotus goes to Bubastis, Hatshepsut's porch of drunkenness, and Sekhmet gets drunk again. All that and more! See the footnotes at http://ancientartpodcast.org/blog/52. Explore more episodes, image galleries, credits, transcripts...

2012-09-2200 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 51 (iPod): Beer in Ancient EgyptEpisode 51 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the art, culture, history, and mythology surrounding beer in Ancient Egypt. We'll look at the archaeological record to sort fact from fiction on the brewing process and dig up some modern attempts at recreating the ancient recipes for Egyptian beer. Chemical analysis of ancient beer residue paints a telling picture as funerary art and literary sources flesh out culture of some of the world's earliest brewers. Included in episode 51 are discussions of modern versus ancient brewing ingredients and techniques, Patrick McGovern's "Uncorking the Past," Dogfish Head's Ta Henket beer, the research of Delwen...

2012-09-0113 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)51: Beer in Ancient EgyptEpisode 51 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the art, culture, history, and mythology surrounding beer in Ancient Egypt. We'll look at the archaeological record to sort fact from fiction on the brewing process and dig up some modern attempts at recreating the ancient recipes for Egyptian beer. Chemical analysis of ancient beer residue paints a telling picture as funerary art and literary sources flesh out culture of some of the world's earliest brewers. Included in episode 51 are discussions of modern versus ancient brewing ingredients and techniques, Patrick McGovern's "Uncorking the Past," Dogfish Head's Ta Henket beer, the research of Delwen...

2012-07-2300 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 51 (HD): Beer in Ancient EgyptEpisode 51 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the art, culture, history, and mythology surrounding beer in Ancient Egypt. We'll look at the archaeological record to sort fact from fiction on the brewing process and dig up some modern attempts at recreating the ancient recipes for Egyptian beer. Chemical analysis of ancient beer residue paints a telling picture as funerary art and literary sources flesh out culture of some of the world's earliest brewers. Included in episode 51 are discussions of modern versus ancient brewing ingredients and techniques, Patrick McGovern's "Uncorking the Past," Dogfish Head's Ta Henket beer, the research of Delwen...

2012-07-2313 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 50 (iPod): Images of BuddhaIn some Buddhist traditions, people are encouraged to devote 100,000 miniature stupas, pagodas, or idols of Buddha as an act of extreme piety. Well, I'm not that pious. We celebrate 50 episodes of the Ancient Art Podcast with 50 images of Buddha. Enjoy this feast for the eyes of magnificent Buddhist treasures from the southern tip of India to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, from the lush Southeast Asian tropics, stately caves of China, and serene bamboo groves of Japan. Explore more episodes, image galleries, credits, transcripts, and additional resources at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Connect at http://twitter.com/lucaslivingston and http...

2012-05-3005 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 47 beta: I Can Has PodcastA short audio announcement. We recently had to move the podcast over to a new web host. Trying to make the transition as smooth as possible, in short, if you've received this, then you're in the right place and your podcast client is connected to the correct feed. If you have any old bookmarks for the podcast, especially ones with the words "me.com" or "mac.com" in the links, then those will probably stop working come this summer. My advice would be to bookmark the homepage itself, ancientartpodcast.org, instead of a sub-page, because every episode...

2012-02-2001 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)47 beta: I Can Has PodcastA short audio announcement. We recently had to move the podcast over to a new web host. Trying to make the transition as smooth as possible, in short, if you've received this, then you're in the right place and your podcast client is connected to the correct feed. If you have any old bookmarks for the podcast, especially ones with the words "me.com" or "mac.com" in the links, then those will probably stop working come this summer. My advice would be to bookmark the homepage itself, ancientartpodcast.org, instead of a sub-page, because every episode...

2012-02-2000 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 44 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: Egyptian Civilization is DeadEpisode 44 of the Ancient Art Podcast concludes the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions with the false belief that Ancient Egyptian civilization is dead. Scarcely recognized around us in its present form, the legacy of Ancient Egypt continues to thrive. In pyramids and tombstones, icons and cupids, chemistry and alchemy, Ancient Egyptian civilization lives on in our art, language, architecture, and religion. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10 for the complete Top 10 list. Explore more episodes, image galleries, credits, transcripts, and additional resources at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Connect at http://twitter.com/lucaslivingston and http://facebook.com/a...

2011-11-0710 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 44 (HD): Top 10 Myths: Egyptian Civilization is DeadEpisode 44 of the Ancient Art Podcast concludes the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions with the false belief that Ancient Egyptian civilization is dead. Scarcely recognized around us in its present form, the legacy of Ancient Egypt continues to thrive. In pyramids and tombstones, icons and cupids, chemistry and alchemy, Ancient Egyptian civilization lives on in our art, language, architecture, and religion. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10 for the complete Top 10 list. Explore more episodes, image galleries, credits, transcripts, and additional resources at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Connect at http://twitter.com/lucaslivingston and http://facebook.com/a...

2011-11-0610 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)44: Top 10 Myths: Egyptian Civilization is DeadEpisode 44 of the Ancient Art Podcast concludes the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions with the false belief that Ancient Egyptian civilization is dead. Scarcely recognized around us in its present form, the legacy of Ancient Egypt continues to thrive. In pyramids and tombstones, icons and cupids, chemistry and alchemy, Ancient Egyptian civilization lives on in our art, language, architecture, and religion. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10 for the complete Top 10 list. Explore more episodes, image galleries, credits, transcripts, and additional resources at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Connect at http://twitter.com/lucaslivingston and http://facebook.com/a...

2011-11-0600 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 43 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: Cleopatra/Nefertiti ... Was/Was Not Black/White ...Number 2 in the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions explores the hot issue of race and ethnicity in Ancient Egypt, including the two most frequently invoked figureheads of the discussion, the Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Despite the heated rhetoric arguing for or against a specific racial identity for any Ancient Egyptian individual, the point remains that the Ancient Egyptians would have thought the whole modern debate is just plain silly, having been far more concerned with one's cultural affiliation than the color of one's skin. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org...

2011-10-0107 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)43: Top 10 Myths: Cleopatra/Nefertiti ... Was/Was Not Black/White ...Number 2 in the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions explores the hot issue of race and ethnicity in Ancient Egypt, including the two most frequently invoked figureheads of the discussion, the Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Despite the heated rhetoric arguing for or against a specific racial identity for any Ancient Egyptian individual, the point remains that the Ancient Egyptians would have thought the whole modern debate is just plain silly, having been far more concerned with one's cultural affiliation than the color of one's skin. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org...

2011-08-2900 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 43 (HD): Top 10 Myths: Cleopatra/Nefertiti ... Was/Was Not Black/White ...Number 2 in the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions explores the hot issue of race and ethnicity in Ancient Egypt, including the two most frequently invoked figureheads of the discussion, the Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Despite the heated rhetoric arguing for or against a specific racial identity for any Ancient Egyptian individual, the point remains that the Ancient Egyptians would have thought the whole modern debate is just plain silly, having been far more concerned with one's cultural affiliation than the color of one's skin. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org...

2011-08-2907 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 42 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: The "Boy King" TutankhamunDon't Panic! Celebrating the our 42nd episode with a brief nod to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by the uncanny Douglas Adams, the Ancient Art Podcast continues to explore the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths & Misconceptions with "The 'Boy King' Tutankhamun." Arguably the most famous and studied figure from Ancient Egypt, Tutankhamun is shrouded in mystery. Who was this enigmatic ruler behind all the myth and mysteries? Who were his parents? What does his reign tell us about the cultural, religious, and political climate of Ancient Egypt during the dusk of the Amarna Period? What's the real truth behind the "...

2011-08-0406 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)42: Top 10 Myths: The "Boy King" TutankhamunDon't Panic! Celebrating the our 42nd episode with a brief nod to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by the uncanny Douglas Adams, the Ancient Art Podcast continues to explore the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths & Misconceptions with "The 'Boy King' Tutankhamun." Arguably the most famous and studied figure from Ancient Egypt, Tutankhamun is shrouded in mystery. Who was this enigmatic ruler behind all the myth and mysteries? Who were his parents? What does his reign tell us about the cultural, religious, and political climate of Ancient Egypt during the dusk of the Amarna Period? What's the real truth behind the "...

2011-07-2800 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 42 (HD): Top 10 Myths: The "Boy King" TutankhamunDon't Panic! Celebrating the our 42nd episode with a brief nod to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by the uncanny Douglas Adams, the Ancient Art Podcast continues to explore the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths & Misconceptions with "The 'Boy King' Tutankhamun." Arguably the most famous and studied figure from Ancient Egypt, Tutankhamun is shrouded in mystery. Who was this enigmatic ruler behind all the myth and mysteries? Who were his parents? What does his reign tell us about the cultural, religious, and political climate of Ancient Egypt during the dusk of the Amarna Period? What's the real truth behind the "...

2011-07-2806 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 41 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: Egyptian Art Doesn't Change over TimeIs Ancient Egyptian art truly unchanging for thousands of years? Were the Egyptians just stuck in the mud or what? No and no! The Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions continues with an examination of broad changes to Egyptian art across the history of their civilization. We go from the Early Dynastic Period through the Old and Middle Kingdoms up to the New Kingdom and beyond exploring stylistic and thematic variation that's deeply entrenched in Ancient Egypt's cultural evolution. In this episode, we look closely at the Narmer Palette, relief decoration at Karnak Temple, and a plethora of works from...

2011-07-0208 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)41: Top 10 Myths: Egyptian Art Doesn't Change over TimeIs Ancient Egyptian art truly unchanging for thousands of years? Were the Egyptians just stuck in the mud or what? No and no! The Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions continues with an examination of broad changes to Egyptian art across the history of their civilization. We go from the Early Dynastic Period through the Old and Middle Kingdoms up to the New Kingdom and beyond exploring stylistic and thematic variation that's deeply entrenched in Ancient Egypt's cultural evolution. In this episode, we look closely at the Narmer Palette, relief decoration at Karnak Temple, and a plethora of works from...

2011-06-3000 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 41 (HD): Top 10 Myths: Egyptian Art Doesn't Change over TimeIs Ancient Egyptian art truly unchanging for thousands of years? Were the Egyptians just stuck in the mud or what? No and no! The Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions continues with an examination of broad changes to Egyptian art across the history of their civilization. We go from the Early Dynastic Period through the Old and Middle Kingdoms up to the New Kingdom and beyond exploring stylistic and thematic variation that's deeply entrenched in Ancient Egypt's cultural evolution. In this episode, we look closely at the Narmer Palette, relief decoration at Karnak Temple, and a plethora of works from...

2011-06-3008 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 40 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: Akhenaten was the World's First MonotheistToo often the 18th Dynasty "Heretic King" Akhenaten (r. ca. 1353-1336 BC) is labeled the world's first monotheist, proselytizing the one true god Aten, the solar disk. But was he truly a monotheist or is there something deeper going on here? Episode 40 explores this question, continuing the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions. We examine the pros and cons to the argument, looking at historic, literary, and artistic evidence. As an added bonus, we compare passages of the "Great Hymn to Aten" to the Bible's Psalm 104. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org...

2011-05-2807 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 40 (HD): Top 10 Myths: Akhenaten was the World's First MonotheistToo often the 18th Dynasty "Heretic King" Akhenaten (r. ca. 1353-1336 BC) is labeled the world's first monotheist, proselytizing the one true god Aten, the solar disk. But was he truly a monotheist or is there something deeper going on here? Episode 40 explores this question, continuing the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions. We examine the pros and cons to the argument, looking at historic, literary, and artistic evidence. As an added bonus, we compare passages of the "Great Hymn to Aten" to the Bible's Psalm 104. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org...

2011-05-2607 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)40: Top 10 Myths: Akhenaten was the World's First MonotheistToo often the 18th Dynasty "Heretic King" Akhenaten (r. ca. 1353-1336 BC) is labeled the world's first monotheist, proselytizing the one true god Aten, the solar disk. But was he truly a monotheist or is there something deeper going on here? Episode 40 explores this question, continuing the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions. We examine the pros and cons to the argument, looking at historic, literary, and artistic evidence. As an added bonus, we compare passages of the "Great Hymn to Aten" to the Bible's Psalm 104. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org...

2011-05-2600 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 39 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: Tombs Depict Scenes from Daily LifeWe learn that the Ancient Egyptians surrounded themselves in death with idyllic scenes from everyday life. Are these truly scenes from daily life or is there more to it than that? Episode 39 delves deeper into the meaning and symbolism behind tomb decoration. We compare private and royal tombs, examining the evidence of what is and isn't represented. Included in this episode are Theban Tomb 36 (TT36), the 12th Dynasty tomb of Djehutihotep, a nod to the "hotep-di-nisw" and Book of the Dead, and we'll revisit our old friend Nebamun. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10...

2011-05-1505 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)39: Top 10 Myths: Tombs Depict Scenes from Daily LifeWe learn that the Ancient Egyptians surrounded themselves in death with idyllic scenes from everyday life. Are these truly scenes from daily life or is there more to it than that? Episode 39 delves deeper into the meaning and symbolism behind tomb decoration. We compare private and royal tombs, examining the evidence of what is and isn't represented. Included in this episode are Theban Tomb 36 (TT36), the 12th Dynasty tomb of Djehutihotep, a nod to the "hotep-di-nisw" and Book of the Dead, and we'll revisit our old friend Nebamun. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10...

2011-05-1200 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 39 (HD): Top 10 Myths: Tombs Depict Scenes from Daily LifeWe learn that the Ancient Egyptians surrounded themselves in death with idyllic scenes from everyday life. Are these truly scenes from daily life or is there more to it than that? Episode 39 delves deeper into the meaning and symbolism behind tomb decoration. We compare private and royal tombs, examining the evidence of what is and isn't represented. Included in this episode are Theban Tomb 36 (TT36), the 12th Dynasty tomb of Djehutihotep, a nod to the "hotep-di-nisw" and Book of the Dead, and we'll revisit our old friend Nebamun. Explore more at http://ancientartpodcast.org. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10...

2011-05-1205 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 38 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: Egyptians Were Obsessed with DeathEpisode 38 sets the story straight about the misconception that the Ancient Egyptians were obsessed with death. We delve into the Ancient Egyptian concept of Heaven, unearth some ancient grave goods, and take a close hard look at the themes and subjects decorating the walls of Ancient Egyptian tombs. The evidence reveals a culture obsessed not with death, but with life! Included in this episode are the famous wall paintings from the New Kingdom tomb of Nebamun, now in the British Museum, the solar boat of King Khufu at Giza, and a roundup of shabti figurines from the Art Institute of...

2011-04-0507 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 38 (HD): Top 10 Myths: Egyptians Were Obsessed with DeathEpisode 38 sets the story straight about the misconception that the Ancient Egyptians were obsessed with death. We delve into the Ancient Egyptian concept of Heaven, unearth some ancient grave goods, and take a close hard look at the themes and subjects decorating the walls of Ancient Egyptian tombs. The evidence reveals a culture obsessed not with death, but with life! Included in this episode are the famous wall paintings from the New Kingdom tomb of Nebamun, now in the British Museum, the solar boat of King Khufu at Giza, and a roundup of shabti figurines from the Art Institute of...

2011-04-0407 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)38: Top 10 Myths: Egyptians Were Obsessed with DeathEpisode 38 sets the story straight about the misconception that the Ancient Egyptians were obsessed with death. We delve into the Ancient Egyptian concept of Heaven, unearth some ancient grave goods, and take a close hard look at the themes and subjects decorating the walls of Ancient Egyptian tombs. The evidence reveals a culture obsessed not with death, but with life! Included in this episode are the famous wall paintings from the New Kingdom tomb of Nebamun, now in the British Museum, the solar boat of King Khufu at Giza, and a roundup of shabti figurines from the Art Institute of...

2011-04-0400 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 37 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: The Pyramids Were Built By SlavesComing in at number 8 in the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 37 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the age-old myth that the "Pyramids were Built by Slaves." From the tomes of ancient literature to the annals of modern media, the myth that slaves built the pyramids just can't seem to die. In this episode, we explore the ancient literary sources for the confusion, including The Bible, Herodotus, and Josephus. But current excavations on the Giza plateau tell a very different story. What can we learn from the graves of the pyramid builders? Who were they...

2011-02-2408 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 37 (HD): Top 10 Myths: The Pyramids Were Built By SlavesComing in at number 8 in the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 37 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the age-old myth that the "Pyramids were Built by Slaves." From the tomes of ancient literature to the annals of modern media, the myth that slaves built the pyramids just can't seem to die. In this episode, we explore the ancient literary sources for the confusion, including The Bible, Herodotus, and Josephus. But current excavations on the Giza plateau tell a very different story. What can we learn from the graves of the pyramid builders? Who were they...

2011-02-2008 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)37: Top 10 Myths: The Pyramids Were Built By SlavesComing in at number 8 in the countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 37 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the age-old myth that the "Pyramids were Built by Slaves." From the tomes of ancient literature to the annals of modern media, the myth that slaves built the pyramids just can't seem to die. In this episode, we explore the ancient literary sources for the confusion, including The Bible, Herodotus, and Josephus. But current excavations on the Giza plateau tell a very different story. What can we learn from the graves of the pyramid builders? Who...

2011-02-2000 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 36 (iPod): Top 10 Myths: The Orion MysteryNumber 9 in our countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 36 of the Ancient Art Podcast exposes the Orion Mystery, or the Orion Correlation Theory, the belief that the Ancient Egyptians were mapping out the heavens on earth. Do the pyramids of Giza correspond to the belt of the constellation Orion? Were hollow shafts in the Great Pyramid of Khufu designed to point to certain celestial bodies? Did generation after generation of pyramid-building Pharaoh follow a grand master plan for placing heaven on earth? Is the pyramid conceived as a stairway to heaven for the deceased king ... a...

2011-01-2604 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 36 (HD): Top 10 Myths: The Orion MysteryNumber 9 in our countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 36 of the Ancient Art Podcast exposes the Orion Mystery, or the Orion Correlation Theory, the belief that the Ancient Egyptians were mapping out the heavens on earth. Do the pyramids of Giza correspond to the belt of the constellation Orion? Were hollow shafts in the Great Pyramid of Khufu designed to point to certain celestial bodies? Did generation after generation of pyramid-building Pharaoh follow a grand master plan for placing heaven on earth? Is the pyramid conceived as a stairway to heaven for the deceased king ... a...

2011-01-2504 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)36: Top 10 Myths: The Orion MysteryNumber 9 in our countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 36 of the Ancient Art Podcast exposes the Orion Mystery, or the Orion Correlation Theory, the belief that the Ancient Egyptians were mapping out the heavens on earth. Do the pyramids of Giza correspond to the belt of the constellation Orion? Were hollow shafts in the Great Pyramid of Khufu designed to point to certain celestial bodies? Did generation after generation of pyramid-building Pharaoh follow a grand master plan for placing heaven on earth? Is the pyramid conceived as a stairway to heaven for the deceased king ... a...

2011-01-2500 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 35 (iPod): Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and MisconceptionsNumber 10 in our countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 35 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the truth behind the claim that the lotus flower in Ancient Egypt was used as an intoxicant, psychotropic stimulant, or form of sexual enhancement. We'll look at Ancient Egyptian medical texts and the latest scientific studies. We also briefly recap the symbolism of the lotus flower in Ancient Egyptian art, including works from the Art Institute of Chicago and the the magnificent wall paintings from the tomb of Nebamun at the British Museum. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10 for the...

2010-12-2906 min

Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds 35 (HD): Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and MisconceptionsNumber 10 in our countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 35 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the truth behind the claim that the lotus flower in Ancient Egypt was used as an intoxicant, psychotropic stimulant, or form of sexual enhancement. We'll look at Ancient Egyptian medical texts and the latest scientific studies. We also briefly recap the symbolism of the lotus flower in Ancient Egyptian art, including works from the Art Institute of Chicago and the the magnificent wall paintings from the tomb of Nebamun at the British Museum. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10 for the...

2010-12-2506 min

Ancient Art Podcast (audio)35: Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and MisconceptionsNumber 10 in our countdown of the Top 10 Ancient Egyptian Myths and Misconceptions, episode 35 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores the truth behind the claim that the lotus flower in Ancient Egypt was used as an intoxicant, psychotropic stimulant, or form of sexual enhancement. We'll look at Ancient Egyptian medical texts and the latest scientific studies. We also briefly recap the symbolism of the lotus flower in Ancient Egyptian art, including works from the Art Institute of Chicago and the the magnificent wall paintings from the tomb of Nebamun at the British Museum. Visit http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/top10 for the...

2010-12-2500 min