Spencer McDaniel
@spencermcdaniel.bsky.social
Studies ancient Greek cultural and social history, BA history and classical studies @IUBloomington, MA @BrandeisCLAS, she/her.
I'm sure that I'm not the only one who sees the striking similarities between this scene and the lead-up to the Boston Massacre.
With scenes like this unfolding, it seems virtually only a matter of time before ICE agents open fire on a crowd. This can't be leading anywhere good.
With scenes like this unfolding, it seems virtually only a matter of time before ICE agents open fire on a crowd. This can't be leading anywhere good.
January 10, 2026 at 2:23 AM
I'm sure that I'm not the only one who sees the striking similarities between this scene and the lead-up to the Boston Massacre.
With scenes like this unfolding, it seems virtually only a matter of time before ICE agents open fire on a crowd. This can't be leading anywhere good.
With scenes like this unfolding, it seems virtually only a matter of time before ICE agents open fire on a crowd. This can't be leading anywhere good.
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
"Greenland is critical to missile defense"
YES THATS WHY WE ALREADY HAVE EARLY WARNING RADAR SITES IN GREENLAND
YES THATS WHY WE ALREADY HAVE EARLY WARNING RADAR SITES IN GREENLAND
WATTERS: Greenland - how far as you willing to go?
VANCE: The president is gonna make the ultimate determination, but there's been a lot of bellyaching from Europe and Europe has failed to contend with the fundamental argument POTUS has made: Greenland is critical to the world's national security
VANCE: The president is gonna make the ultimate determination, but there's been a lot of bellyaching from Europe and Europe has failed to contend with the fundamental argument POTUS has made: Greenland is critical to the world's national security
January 8, 2026 at 3:36 AM
"Greenland is critical to missile defense"
YES THATS WHY WE ALREADY HAVE EARLY WARNING RADAR SITES IN GREENLAND
YES THATS WHY WE ALREADY HAVE EARLY WARNING RADAR SITES IN GREENLAND
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
We condemn ICE's killing of a Minneapolis woman today and call on federal agents to withdraw from Minnesota immediately.
This tragedy is further proof that ICE is out of control, endangering our communities, and must end its lawless operations before anyone else is brutally hurt or killed.
This tragedy is further proof that ICE is out of control, endangering our communities, and must end its lawless operations before anyone else is brutally hurt or killed.
January 8, 2026 at 12:05 AM
We condemn ICE's killing of a Minneapolis woman today and call on federal agents to withdraw from Minnesota immediately.
This tragedy is further proof that ICE is out of control, endangering our communities, and must end its lawless operations before anyone else is brutally hurt or killed.
This tragedy is further proof that ICE is out of control, endangering our communities, and must end its lawless operations before anyone else is brutally hurt or killed.
Greenland was part of Denmark-Norway from 1721, and it has been part of Denmark since the separation of Denmark and Norway in 1814. The people of Greenland have no interest in becoming part of the United States, and the U.S. has no legitimate claim to Greenland whatsoever.
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January 7, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Greenland was part of Denmark-Norway from 1721, and it has been part of Denmark since the separation of Denmark and Norway in 1814. The people of Greenland have no interest in becoming part of the United States, and the U.S. has no legitimate claim to Greenland whatsoever.
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Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
“The canton of the Durotriges of Lendiniae”a building stone from #HadriansWall mentioning the British tribe of the Durotriges based around Dorset inscribed on a reused altar. These Civitas stones survive showing the tribes of Britain contributed to the rebuilding of the wall.
January 4, 2026 at 12:27 PM
“The canton of the Durotriges of Lendiniae”a building stone from #HadriansWall mentioning the British tribe of the Durotriges based around Dorset inscribed on a reused altar. These Civitas stones survive showing the tribes of Britain contributed to the rebuilding of the wall.
The United States has never at any point in its history been a "defender of freedom."
"Defending freedom" is—and has always been—a thin rhetorical pretext for American imperialism, just as "ἐλευθερία τῶν Ἑλλήνων" ("freedom of the Greeks") was for ancient Athenian imperialism.
"Defending freedom" is—and has always been—a thin rhetorical pretext for American imperialism, just as "ἐλευθερία τῶν Ἑλλήνων" ("freedom of the Greeks") was for ancient Athenian imperialism.
When America abdicates its role as a defender of freedom and becomes the oppressor, it emboldens dictators everywhere.
We are about to learn some hard lessons.
One being how instrumental we used to be at preventing the world from descending into madness.
We are about to learn some hard lessons.
One being how instrumental we used to be at preventing the world from descending into madness.
January 3, 2026 at 3:54 PM
The United States has never at any point in its history been a "defender of freedom."
"Defending freedom" is—and has always been—a thin rhetorical pretext for American imperialism, just as "ἐλευθερία τῶν Ἑλλήνων" ("freedom of the Greeks") was for ancient Athenian imperialism.
"Defending freedom" is—and has always been—a thin rhetorical pretext for American imperialism, just as "ἐλευθερία τῶν Ἑλλήνων" ("freedom of the Greeks") was for ancient Athenian imperialism.
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
I am forever flogging ancient glass, because in my mind there’s nothing that shows so much beauty and color by simply aging. Once pure cobalt blue, this 3rd c. BCE bowl has gained golden iridescence over time. It now resembles lapis lazuli. 🏺 #ancientbluesky 1/
#BritishMuseum 📸 me
#BritishMuseum 📸 me
December 31, 2025 at 4:46 AM
I am forever flogging ancient glass, because in my mind there’s nothing that shows so much beauty and color by simply aging. Once pure cobalt blue, this 3rd c. BCE bowl has gained golden iridescence over time. It now resembles lapis lazuli. 🏺 #ancientbluesky 1/
#BritishMuseum 📸 me
#BritishMuseum 📸 me
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
December 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
For all the mums out there who've spent weeks obtaining and wrapping stocking presents. Santa Claus wasn't the first celebrity to drive a deer-drawn chariot. Artemis is #1 of a series of 12 gods for Christmas.
December 25, 2025 at 7:03 AM
For all the mums out there who've spent weeks obtaining and wrapping stocking presents. Santa Claus wasn't the first celebrity to drive a deer-drawn chariot. Artemis is #1 of a series of 12 gods for Christmas.
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
I wish a joyous Christmas to all who celebrate. May you have a truly wonderful time 🎄🎅.
This #Roman glass spherical bottle would make great #Christmas bauble, but it was used to hold perfume and loose powder. The contents were sealed inside the delicate cosmetic container, and...🧵1/2
📷 me
This #Roman glass spherical bottle would make great #Christmas bauble, but it was used to hold perfume and loose powder. The contents were sealed inside the delicate cosmetic container, and...🧵1/2
📷 me
December 24, 2025 at 6:43 AM
I wish a joyous Christmas to all who celebrate. May you have a truly wonderful time 🎄🎅.
This #Roman glass spherical bottle would make great #Christmas bauble, but it was used to hold perfume and loose powder. The contents were sealed inside the delicate cosmetic container, and...🧵1/2
📷 me
This #Roman glass spherical bottle would make great #Christmas bauble, but it was used to hold perfume and loose powder. The contents were sealed inside the delicate cosmetic container, and...🧵1/2
📷 me
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
How do you tune (or modulate) an instrument in ancient Babylonia?
Fragmentary instructions have survived that tell you how to go from one mode to another on a 9-stringed musical instrument called a sammû
Fragmentary instructions have survived that tell you how to go from one mode to another on a 9-stringed musical instrument called a sammû
December 23, 2025 at 7:41 AM
How do you tune (or modulate) an instrument in ancient Babylonia?
Fragmentary instructions have survived that tell you how to go from one mode to another on a 9-stringed musical instrument called a sammû
Fragmentary instructions have survived that tell you how to go from one mode to another on a 9-stringed musical instrument called a sammû
Did you know that the English word 'pander' comes from the name of Pandaros, a minor character who appears in the 'Iliad'? How we got from Pandaros to pandering is a fascinating tale of medieval reception (and revision) of Greek myth.
#history #myth #Iliad
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2025/12/21/h...
#history #myth #Iliad
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2025/12/21/h...
How an Obscure Character in the 'Iliad' Gave Us the English Word 'Pander' - Tales of Times Forgotten
In the Iliad, Pandaros, son of Lykaon, is a Lykian archer who is allied with the Trojans. In Book 4 of the epic, the goddess Athena tricks him into firing an arrow at the Akhaian king Menelaos, which ...
talesoftimesforgotten.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Did you know that the English word 'pander' comes from the name of Pandaros, a minor character who appears in the 'Iliad'? How we got from Pandaros to pandering is a fascinating tale of medieval reception (and revision) of Greek myth.
#history #myth #Iliad
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2025/12/21/h...
#history #myth #Iliad
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2025/12/21/h...
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
Ahead of Christmas, it feels fitting to share this Roman fibula - a decorative pin once used to fasten garments - shaped like a stag.
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
December 19, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Ahead of Christmas, it feels fitting to share this Roman fibula - a decorative pin once used to fasten garments - shaped like a stag.
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
No it’s ok we can cut all the area studies programs. We’ll just hire one “global studies“ Prof with a degree in English literature.
December 18, 2025 at 2:01 AM
No it’s ok we can cut all the area studies programs. We’ll just hire one “global studies“ Prof with a degree in English literature.
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
Exactly this. All these universities are talking a big game about ‘globalism’ will slashing and gutting the core of what global work is. By globalism they mean business and revenue, not educating people to excel in a global environment through intercultural understanding.
December 18, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Exactly this. All these universities are talking a big game about ‘globalism’ will slashing and gutting the core of what global work is. By globalism they mean business and revenue, not educating people to excel in a global environment through intercultural understanding.
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
Marjorie Taylor Greene is using her final moments as a politician to once again attack trans kids.
To every weirdo who tried to paint her as someone suddenly fighting fascism: this is who she always will be.
A fascist
www.huffpost.com/entry/marjor...
To every weirdo who tried to paint her as someone suddenly fighting fascism: this is who she always will be.
A fascist
www.huffpost.com/entry/marjor...
Marjorie Taylor Greene's Bill Punishing Doctors And Parents Clears House Floor
If passed, the bill would punish doctors and parents who provide or consent to a minor receiving gender-affirming care.
www.huffpost.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Marjorie Taylor Greene is using her final moments as a politician to once again attack trans kids.
To every weirdo who tried to paint her as someone suddenly fighting fascism: this is who she always will be.
A fascist
www.huffpost.com/entry/marjor...
To every weirdo who tried to paint her as someone suddenly fighting fascism: this is who she always will be.
A fascist
www.huffpost.com/entry/marjor...
Io Saturnalia to all who celebrate!
If you don't know how to celebrate, I wrote a blog post five years ago about how the holiday was celebrated in ancient Rome for your enjoyment.
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2020/12/18/h...
If you don't know how to celebrate, I wrote a blog post five years ago about how the holiday was celebrated in ancient Rome for your enjoyment.
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2020/12/18/h...
How Was Saturnalia Celebrated in Ancient Rome? - Tales of Times Forgotten
Saturnalia is an ancient Roman holiday in honor of the god Saturnus that began on December 17th. The Romans believed that, in very ancient times, before Iupiter became the king of the deities, the cos...
talesoftimesforgotten.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Io Saturnalia to all who celebrate!
If you don't know how to celebrate, I wrote a blog post five years ago about how the holiday was celebrated in ancient Rome for your enjoyment.
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2020/12/18/h...
If you don't know how to celebrate, I wrote a blog post five years ago about how the holiday was celebrated in ancient Rome for your enjoyment.
talesoftimesforgotten.com/2020/12/18/h...
In case there is any doubt, I want to state clearly and publicly that I am opposed to any war with Venezuela.
Also, it is insane how Trump constantly acts like he's starting a war with one country, then turns around and does the same thing to a different country, then to a different country.
1/
Also, it is insane how Trump constantly acts like he's starting a war with one country, then turns around and does the same thing to a different country, then to a different country.
1/
December 17, 2025 at 3:03 AM
In case there is any doubt, I want to state clearly and publicly that I am opposed to any war with Venezuela.
Also, it is insane how Trump constantly acts like he's starting a war with one country, then turns around and does the same thing to a different country, then to a different country.
1/
Also, it is insane how Trump constantly acts like he's starting a war with one country, then turns around and does the same thing to a different country, then to a different country.
1/
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
If Afghanistan and Iraq are any indication, soon we're going to start hearing from Very Serious People that we should keep our opposition to ourselves, that we should support our country and president during wartime.
Fuck that. War with Venezuela is a moral atrocity. I'll be silent when I'm dead.
Fuck that. War with Venezuela is a moral atrocity. I'll be silent when I'm dead.
December 17, 2025 at 2:22 AM
If Afghanistan and Iraq are any indication, soon we're going to start hearing from Very Serious People that we should keep our opposition to ourselves, that we should support our country and president during wartime.
Fuck that. War with Venezuela is a moral atrocity. I'll be silent when I'm dead.
Fuck that. War with Venezuela is a moral atrocity. I'll be silent when I'm dead.
Even after ten years of this, it is still so hard to believe that *this* man is somehow the ostensible champion of rural America—a man who doesn't even know the word "county."
"There's a thing that they have now, districts" -- Trump still hasn't figured out what counties are
December 15, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Even after ten years of this, it is still so hard to believe that *this* man is somehow the ostensible champion of rural America—a man who doesn't even know the word "county."
Reposted by Spencer McDaniel
Labour strikes aren’t new!
The first recorded strike in history took place in Egypt some 3,200 years ago!
The ‘Strike Papyrus’ records that tomb workers of King Ramesses III downed tools over pay and conditions circa 1157 BC!
Museo Egizio, Turin 📷 by me
#Archaeology
The first recorded strike in history took place in Egypt some 3,200 years ago!
The ‘Strike Papyrus’ records that tomb workers of King Ramesses III downed tools over pay and conditions circa 1157 BC!
Museo Egizio, Turin 📷 by me
#Archaeology
December 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Labour strikes aren’t new!
The first recorded strike in history took place in Egypt some 3,200 years ago!
The ‘Strike Papyrus’ records that tomb workers of King Ramesses III downed tools over pay and conditions circa 1157 BC!
Museo Egizio, Turin 📷 by me
#Archaeology
The first recorded strike in history took place in Egypt some 3,200 years ago!
The ‘Strike Papyrus’ records that tomb workers of King Ramesses III downed tools over pay and conditions circa 1157 BC!
Museo Egizio, Turin 📷 by me
#Archaeology
It's crazy that Ea-nāṣir has become so universally known that even 'The Atlantic' is now riffing on the meme.
It's also crazy that more people today have probably heard of Ea-nāṣir than of nearly all ancient Mesopotamian kings.
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
It's also crazy that more people today have probably heard of Ea-nāṣir than of nearly all ancient Mesopotamian kings.
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
December 13, 2025 at 12:55 AM
It's crazy that Ea-nāṣir has become so universally known that even 'The Atlantic' is now riffing on the meme.
It's also crazy that more people today have probably heard of Ea-nāṣir than of nearly all ancient Mesopotamian kings.
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
It's also crazy that more people today have probably heard of Ea-nāṣir than of nearly all ancient Mesopotamian kings.
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...