Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
@badancient.bsky.social
Ancient Historian: Global history, ancient disability, veteran studies, etc. Also runs Bad Ancient: Fact-checking common claims about the ancient world.
Website: www.badancient.com
Newsletter: https://owenrees.substack.com/
Website: www.badancient.com
Newsletter: https://owenrees.substack.com/
Pinned
🌎 Far Edges of the Known World - Owen Rees
Owen Rees explores powerful empires and diverse people beyond the reaches of Greece and Rome and in doing so offers us a new, brilliantly rich lens with which to understand the ancient world.
Read more - www.bloomsbury.com/uk/far-edges...
Owen Rees explores powerful empires and diverse people beyond the reaches of Greece and Rome and in doing so offers us a new, brilliantly rich lens with which to understand the ancient world.
Read more - www.bloomsbury.com/uk/far-edges...
It is publication day for The Far Edges of the Known World! If you love ancient history, global history, unusual stories from the past, or if you want some nice historical escapism about life at the edges of the ancient world - pick up a copy today! #AncientBlueSky #BookSky #Skystorians
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Two excellent ancient world books that are totally different from one another.
Owen Rees’s The Far Edges of the Known World: A New History of the Ancient Past
Jane Draycott’s Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome
5 stars each. Loved them both so much.
Owen Rees’s The Far Edges of the Known World: A New History of the Ancient Past
Jane Draycott’s Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome
5 stars each. Loved them both so much.
December 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Two excellent ancient world books that are totally different from one another.
Owen Rees’s The Far Edges of the Known World: A New History of the Ancient Past
Jane Draycott’s Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome
5 stars each. Loved them both so much.
Owen Rees’s The Far Edges of the Known World: A New History of the Ancient Past
Jane Draycott’s Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome
5 stars each. Loved them both so much.
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Been reading ‘The Far Edges of the Known World’ by Owen Rees. Favorite antidotes- 2000 BCE ‘Bronze Age’ Megiddo, Canaan.Tin for bronze from Cornwall.Evidence of the consumption of exotic plants for the region such as bananas, soybeans from the Far East (bananas not cultivated in Africa til later).
This.
one of my favorite things about this kind of post is how far-reaching the trade routes were, much longer ago than a lot of us think (me included)
December 28, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Been reading ‘The Far Edges of the Known World’ by Owen Rees. Favorite antidotes- 2000 BCE ‘Bronze Age’ Megiddo, Canaan.Tin for bronze from Cornwall.Evidence of the consumption of exotic plants for the region such as bananas, soybeans from the Far East (bananas not cultivated in Africa til later).
Behold my masculinity on display
December 26, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Behold my masculinity on display
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
18. Die goeie ouwe taal, Yoïn Van Spijk @yvanspijk.bsky.social
19. Wij, Jevgeni Zamjatin
20. De verre uithoeken van de bekende wereld. Een nieuwe geschiedenis van oude beschavingen, Owen Rees @badancient.bsky.social
19. Wij, Jevgeni Zamjatin
20. De verre uithoeken van de bekende wereld. Een nieuwe geschiedenis van oude beschavingen, Owen Rees @badancient.bsky.social
December 24, 2025 at 8:16 AM
18. Die goeie ouwe taal, Yoïn Van Spijk @yvanspijk.bsky.social
19. Wij, Jevgeni Zamjatin
20. De verre uithoeken van de bekende wereld. Een nieuwe geschiedenis van oude beschavingen, Owen Rees @badancient.bsky.social
19. Wij, Jevgeni Zamjatin
20. De verre uithoeken van de bekende wereld. Een nieuwe geschiedenis van oude beschavingen, Owen Rees @badancient.bsky.social
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Sokrates vs prejudice is timeless. Fill in the blank with any group you like.
(Plato, "Meno" 92b-c)
(Plato, "Meno" 92b-c)
![A screenshot of a dialogue between Socrates and Anytus.
Socrates
Tell me, Anytus, has any of the [blank] wronged you? What makes you so hard on them?
Anytus
No, heaven knows I have never in my life had dealings with any of them, nor would I let any of my people have to do with them either.
Socrates
Then you have absolutely no experience of those persons?
Anytus
And trust I never may.
Socrates
How then, my good sir, can you tell whether a thing has any good or evil in it, if you are quite without experience of it?
Anytus
Easily: the fact is, I know what these people are, whether I have experience of them or not.
Socrates
You are a wizard, perhaps, Anytus; for I really cannot see, from what you say yourself, how else you can know anything about them.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gtwso3sumvsvcqyey7ztec4m/bafkreig2kzb56ymqbzgove5o2wavkmwwkcrhmwus5pwskws3qi5zmnqvqu@jpeg)
December 21, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Sokrates vs prejudice is timeless. Fill in the blank with any group you like.
(Plato, "Meno" 92b-c)
(Plato, "Meno" 92b-c)
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Hey #ClassicsBluesky: drop your 2025 publications here ⬇️
December 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Hey #ClassicsBluesky: drop your 2025 publications here ⬇️
This a great listen. I made the decision to be open about my ADHD when I started my job - I am still not sure if it was a good idea, but the one group who have embraced it most are the students. And the key message they keep repeating is what Ellie mentions - there is no 'right' way to study.
Hey! The podcast I recorded with @luxmea.bsky.social and fellow guest Annais Wiltshire for the Classical Association podcast is out!
In which we talk about being Autistic (and other kinds of neurodivergence) and classics! #ClassicsBluesky
In which we talk about being Autistic (and other kinds of neurodivergence) and classics! #ClassicsBluesky
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:48 PM
This a great listen. I made the decision to be open about my ADHD when I started my job - I am still not sure if it was a good idea, but the one group who have embraced it most are the students. And the key message they keep repeating is what Ellie mentions - there is no 'right' way to study.
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Delighted to be interviewed for this @artsprofessional.co.uk piece about the progress and enduring challenges for disabled people in the UK's arts and cultural sectors.
Thanks to @drmaimusie.bsky.social for inviting me to contribute!
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...
Thanks to @drmaimusie.bsky.social for inviting me to contribute!
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...
Nothing Without Us: Disability in the arts and cultural sector - Arts Professional
Dr Mai Musié, senior manager at the National Centre for Academic and Cultural Exchange (NCACE), speaks to three leaders working at the intersection of research and the cultural sector about disability...
www.artsprofessional.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Delighted to be interviewed for this @artsprofessional.co.uk piece about the progress and enduring challenges for disabled people in the UK's arts and cultural sectors.
Thanks to @drmaimusie.bsky.social for inviting me to contribute!
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...
Thanks to @drmaimusie.bsky.social for inviting me to contribute!
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Pleased to announce we are celebrating a new leadership agreement for the Returning Solider Network with a 1-day symposium focusing on 'Forgotten Veterans', at Birmingham Newman University in April. Here is the CfP!
December 12, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Pleased to announce we are celebrating a new leadership agreement for the Returning Solider Network with a 1-day symposium focusing on 'Forgotten Veterans', at Birmingham Newman University in April. Here is the CfP!
Pleased to announce we are celebrating a new leadership agreement for the Returning Solider Network with a 1-day symposium focusing on 'Forgotten Veterans', at Birmingham Newman University in April. Here is the CfP!
December 12, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Pleased to announce we are celebrating a new leadership agreement for the Returning Solider Network with a 1-day symposium focusing on 'Forgotten Veterans', at Birmingham Newman University in April. Here is the CfP!
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Hey if you don’t already follow me on TikTok, and you like Ancient Greek art, history, and archaeology, then you should maybe. No worries if not. #ClassicsBluesky
www.tiktok.com/@elliemackin...
www.tiktok.com/@elliemackin...
Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts 🍉's Creator Profile
www.tiktok.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Hey if you don’t already follow me on TikTok, and you like Ancient Greek art, history, and archaeology, then you should maybe. No worries if not. #ClassicsBluesky
www.tiktok.com/@elliemackin...
www.tiktok.com/@elliemackin...
I believe strongly in having a duty to nurture new talent in history. So i was very humbled to receive this in an email from an UG student's supervisor in the USA after I helped do their viva:
'a rare demonstration of collegiality and encouragement for a young scholar from an expert in the field'
'a rare demonstration of collegiality and encouragement for a young scholar from an expert in the field'
December 5, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I believe strongly in having a duty to nurture new talent in history. So i was very humbled to receive this in an email from an UG student's supervisor in the USA after I helped do their viva:
'a rare demonstration of collegiality and encouragement for a young scholar from an expert in the field'
'a rare demonstration of collegiality and encouragement for a young scholar from an expert in the field'
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
The pseudoarchaeologists BRIGADED my latest video, The Hawara Hoax, with fraudulent mass reports of it violating YouTube rules
YouTube restricted it as suitable for only 18+. I didn't violate any of their guidelines. I appealed and now it is no longer restricted
YouTube restricted it as suitable for only 18+. I didn't violate any of their guidelines. I appealed and now it is no longer restricted
December 3, 2025 at 8:50 PM
The pseudoarchaeologists BRIGADED my latest video, The Hawara Hoax, with fraudulent mass reports of it violating YouTube rules
YouTube restricted it as suitable for only 18+. I didn't violate any of their guidelines. I appealed and now it is no longer restricted
YouTube restricted it as suitable for only 18+. I didn't violate any of their guidelines. I appealed and now it is no longer restricted
Love to see it!
Mail from @badancient.bsky.social. Thanks for your generosity! Should be a fascinating read.
December 2, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Love to see it!
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
If you're in striking distance of Chester on the 15th of January, come and hear me talk about the tangled topic of women and the Roman arena at the beautiful Grosvenor Museum. Tickets available below: visitcheshire.com/events/women...
Women of the Roman Arena | Visit Chester & Cheshire
Join ancient historian Alexandra Sills as she uncovers the forgotten story of female gladiators in Rome's most masculine arena.
visitcheshire.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
If you're in striking distance of Chester on the 15th of January, come and hear me talk about the tangled topic of women and the Roman arena at the beautiful Grosvenor Museum. Tickets available below: visitcheshire.com/events/women...
Past Owen was clearly taking the p!ss when he looked at a (rather rare) quiet teaching week and decided to fill it with *things*. On the plus side, Thursday will see me and @roelkonijn.bsky.social in the same place, recording an interview together about ancient Sparta - another very rare event!
December 1, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Past Owen was clearly taking the p!ss when he looked at a (rather rare) quiet teaching week and decided to fill it with *things*. On the plus side, Thursday will see me and @roelkonijn.bsky.social in the same place, recording an interview together about ancient Sparta - another very rare event!
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
“So, I wanted to write a #book that flipped the usual stories and narratives on their head.” – Owen Rees in his new @deborahkalb.bsky.social #book #author Q&A #writing #research
deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2025/11/q-wi...
@badancient.bsky.social
deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2025/11/q-wi...
@badancient.bsky.social
Q&A with Owen Rees
Owen Rees is the author of the new book The Far Edges of the Known World: Life Beyond the Borders of Ancient Ci...
deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:45 PM
“So, I wanted to write a #book that flipped the usual stories and narratives on their head.” – Owen Rees in his new @deborahkalb.bsky.social #book #author Q&A #writing #research
deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2025/11/q-wi...
@badancient.bsky.social
deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2025/11/q-wi...
@badancient.bsky.social
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
I am giving a talk about 'The Far Edges of the Known World' as part of Stony Words, a community and literature festival in Stony Stratford, on the 27th January 2026! Come along, say hello.
Owen Rees | Stony Words
stonywords.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 8:49 AM
I am giving a talk about 'The Far Edges of the Known World' as part of Stony Words, a community and literature festival in Stony Stratford, on the 27th January 2026! Come along, say hello.
I am giving a talk about 'The Far Edges of the Known World' as part of Stony Words, a community and literature festival in Stony Stratford, on the 27th January 2026! Come along, say hello.
Owen Rees | Stony Words
stonywords.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 8:49 AM
I am giving a talk about 'The Far Edges of the Known World' as part of Stony Words, a community and literature festival in Stony Stratford, on the 27th January 2026! Come along, say hello.
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
I guess I now have to do a thread on shoes in ancient Mesopotamia in response to this (which happens to be from one of my favourite accounts).
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
can't believe this ancient mesopotamia shoe wearing ass said people need to dress up at the airport
November 26, 2025 at 9:03 AM
I guess I now have to do a thread on shoes in ancient Mesopotamia in response to this (which happens to be from one of my favourite accounts).
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Many years ago, I helped set up The Returning Soldier Network, but circumstances meant that I had to step away for a few years as I tried to find secure work. Yesterday, I returned back into the fold as one of the project leads! So watch this space, plans are brewing... @milwelfhist.bsky.social
Who We Are
The Returning Soldier Network was established in 2018 to bring together researchers looking at the figure of the returning soldier from the ancient world to the modern day. The group includes acade…
returningsoldier.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Many years ago, I helped set up The Returning Soldier Network, but circumstances meant that I had to step away for a few years as I tried to find secure work. Yesterday, I returned back into the fold as one of the project leads! So watch this space, plans are brewing... @milwelfhist.bsky.social
Many years ago, I helped set up The Returning Soldier Network, but circumstances meant that I had to step away for a few years as I tried to find secure work. Yesterday, I returned back into the fold as one of the project leads! So watch this space, plans are brewing... @milwelfhist.bsky.social
Who We Are
The Returning Soldier Network was established in 2018 to bring together researchers looking at the figure of the returning soldier from the ancient world to the modern day. The group includes acade…
returningsoldier.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Many years ago, I helped set up The Returning Soldier Network, but circumstances meant that I had to step away for a few years as I tried to find secure work. Yesterday, I returned back into the fold as one of the project leads! So watch this space, plans are brewing... @milwelfhist.bsky.social
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Repatriating the Athenian War Dead - by Owen Rees
owenrees.substack.com/p/repatriati...
owenrees.substack.com/p/repatriati...
Repatriating the Athenian War Dead
I do not often write about my academic research on this newsletter - in part because it is not always pleasant reading.
owenrees.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Repatriating the Athenian War Dead - by Owen Rees
owenrees.substack.com/p/repatriati...
owenrees.substack.com/p/repatriati...
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Call for Statements of Interest - open now!
In 2026 the MWHN, in partnership with the JMVHR, will produce its second special issue. With the theme of 'Medical welfare and care of military communities: a collection of historical studies'. Full details attached #histmed #histnursing #milwelfhist
In 2026 the MWHN, in partnership with the JMVHR, will produce its second special issue. With the theme of 'Medical welfare and care of military communities: a collection of historical studies'. Full details attached #histmed #histnursing #milwelfhist
November 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Call for Statements of Interest - open now!
In 2026 the MWHN, in partnership with the JMVHR, will produce its second special issue. With the theme of 'Medical welfare and care of military communities: a collection of historical studies'. Full details attached #histmed #histnursing #milwelfhist
In 2026 the MWHN, in partnership with the JMVHR, will produce its second special issue. With the theme of 'Medical welfare and care of military communities: a collection of historical studies'. Full details attached #histmed #histnursing #milwelfhist
Reposted by Bad Ancient/ Owen Rees
Civilisation is vague term, I'll admit, but I dont think it could ever be used to describe 'the samurai'. Maybe I'm wrong? 🗂
BBC Arts on Instagram: "“No civilisation ever thinks it's going to fall.”
Four mighty civilisations: Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remain. What led them to fall into the ...
1,918 likes, 17 comments - bbcarts on November 13, 2025: "“No civilisation ever thinks it's going to fall.”
Four mighty civilisations: Rome, Egypt, Japan's Samurai and the Aztecs. Their legends remai...
www.instagram.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Civilisation is vague term, I'll admit, but I dont think it could ever be used to describe 'the samurai'. Maybe I'm wrong? 🗂