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The Classics Library
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Classics news, resources & more. A hub for Classics teachers. http://theclassicslibrary.com | http://ow.ly/A70L304v7U9
JOB | Teacher of English, CF School, Cayman Islands

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November 13, 2025 at 3:13 PM
November 2, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Did the deceased die in Sulla’s siege? Does the art reflect this?
Has the artist produced a critical commentary on Sulla’s attack on the city and its effect on its population?

7/7
November 2, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The urn and presumably its resident date to the 1st century BCE, possibly even around the time of Sulla’s attack in the city.

Why would the sculptor choose to set Polynices’ siege at the gates of Volterra?

6/7
November 2, 2025 at 9:40 AM
However the former urn is remarkable. That’s because the gate of Thebes depicted in the scene seems to be the distinctive Etruscan gate of Volterra, with its three protruding heads.

5/7
November 2, 2025 at 9:39 AM
This moment in Greek mythology often features on urns at Volterra, along with many other well-known tales, such as Odysseus’ trial against the Sirens. Here’s an example from Volterra.

4/7
November 2, 2025 at 9:38 AM
A 1st century urn from Volterra depicts a scene from the Greek mythological siege by Polynices against Thebes, to remove his brother Eteocles from the throne and become king himself. Both brothers were sons of the late Oedipus.

3/7
November 2, 2025 at 9:37 AM
1st c BCE Volterra was a Roman municipium, a city of Roman citizens.

In the late ’80s BCE the Roman dictator Sulla besieged the city in a civil war which pitched Romans against other Romans, Roman allies against allies, brother against brother. Volterra stood against Sulla.

2/7
November 2, 2025 at 9:35 AM
This is the ancient Etruscan southern gate of Volterra. It’s a magnificent bit of architecture, not least because it has three stone carved human heads protruding across its top. They’re possibly the city’s protective gods.

1/7
November 2, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Deciphering the Herculaneum papyri (An SPHS Lecture)

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October 21, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Troy: Story, Archaeology and Legend: A Hellenic Society & Roman Society Online Course

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October 21, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Bloomsbury Classics Merch for Schools

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October 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
October 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Classical Association Competition: Verse and Voice, in collaboration with Sir John Soane’s Museum

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October 16, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Classics for All: Network Coordination for South West England

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October 9, 2025 at 2:31 PM
JOB | Head of Classics, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred

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October 9, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Warwick Ancient Drama Festival

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September 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM
GCSE Latin & Ancient World Olympiad

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September 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
JACT Greek and Latin Summer School: Registration is open!

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September 30, 2025 at 1:59 PM
September 30, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Wild Visions, Untamed Myth October 2025

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September 26, 2025 at 2:04 PM
The Adventures of Telemachus (Fénelon): A New Translation

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September 23, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Rich Archive of Greek Theatre Resources at Warwick University

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September 23, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Hadrian’s Wall Virtual Focus Day (KS2 Virtual Event)

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September 23, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Sisyphus’ nostalgia.

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September 19, 2025 at 2:10 PM