archaeology – ArchaeoArtist

Monuments and Memory: Dionysius of Halicarnassus and the Story of Rome

When we think of ancient historians, names like Livy or Herodotus often come to mind. But Dionysius of Halicarnassus deserves a closer look. Around 30 BC, Dionysius was a Greek scholar who moved to Rome during the early days of the Empire. There, he produced Roman Antiquities, a sweeping history of Rome from its mythical beginnings up to the First Punic War. Though 15 titles of his work are known, 13 survived in one form or another; his work remains a crucial source for early Roman history, standing alongside Livy’s accounts.

Dionysius of Halicarnassus and ruins of Rome by Zofia Guertin

Theatre of Pompey plan and Dionysius of Halicarnassus. Illustration by Zofia Guertin.

Dionysius wasn’t just a historian—he was also a master of rhetoric. His writings aimed to explain and justify Roman culture to a Greek audience, blending historical detail with rhetorical theory. In fact, he often used his history as a practical showcase of rhetorical principles. Beyond history, he wrote insightful critiques of famous Greek orators like Demosthenes and Isocrates, praising Roman writers for returning to classical Greek ideals over more ornate styles.

In this episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia welcomes Stefano Carlo Sala, a PhD candidate at the University of St Andrews, to discuss Dionysius of Halicarnassus—a key figure in Roman historiography.

They explore how Dionysius, a Greek historian in Augustan Rome, used monuments and myths to present early Rome as a fundamentally Greek city. Through comparisons with Livy and Polybius, Stefano unpacks Dionysius’ unique approach to storytelling, monumentality, and cultural identity.

Brick and Marble. Illustration by Zofia Guertin.

While Dionysius of Halicarnassus and Livy both wrote about the early history of Rome, their approaches reveal striking differences—especially in how they describe the city’s monuments. Dionysius, writing for a Greek-speaking audience unfamiliar with Rome’s layout, offers detailed observations about buildings still visible in his time, even noting which ones he personally visited. Livy, on the other hand, paints a broader picture centered around familiar Roman landmarks like the Forum and Capitol, assuming a Latin-speaking readership already acquainted with the city. Dionysius’s attention to architectural detail connects to his larger ideological project: presenting Rome as the heir to Classical Greece. This vision runs through his historical work, where he draws frequent parallels between early Roman and Classical Greek monuments, values, and myths. By doing so, Dionysius not only makes Roman history more accessible to Greek readers but also argues that Rome deserves a central place in the Greek cultural tradition. His comparisons—even when archaeologically inaccurate—serve a deeper symbolic purpose, showing Rome as both the continuation and the future of Greece’s classical legacy.

💡 Topics covered:

Dionysius’ blending of rhetoric and history
Why monuments mattered in shaping Rome’s past
Connections between Classical Greece and Archaic Rome
How historians under Augustus crafted Rome’s legacy
The political and cultural stakes of memory

Whether you’re into ancient history, architecture, or historical narratives, this episode offers a rich perspective on the ways history gets written—and rewritten.

Sources

Edlund, I. (1980). Livy and Dionysios of Halikarnassos as Roman archaeologists in Rivista di Archeologia vol.4, pp. 26-30. You can download for free: Here.

Wiater, N. (2011). The Ideology of Classicism: Language, History, and Identity in Dionysius of Halicarnassus. (Untersuchungen zur antiken Literatur und Geschichte; Vol. 105). de Gruyter.

Stefano’s Academia Page and Publications:

Carlo Sala, S. (2025). Law as a catalyst and remedy for civic violence in early Rome : two examples from Dionysius of Halicarnassus, in Cahiers des études anciennes [En ligne], LXII | 2025. URL: READ HERE ONLINE.

If you would like to follow Stefano, you can join him on LinkedIn: HERE or Academia.edu: HERE !

🔗 Support the show on Patreon at Patreon.com/Archaeoartist
📸 Follow on Instagram @TwoFriendsTalkHistory

Invisible Chains: Human Trafficking in Antiquity with Florence Felsheim

What did it mean to be bought, sold, and sexually exploited in the ancient world? In this powerful episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia is joined by doctoral candidate Florence Felsheim to explore the hidden realities of sexual trafficking in ancient Greece and Rome. Drawing on literary texts, archaeological evidence, and cognitive science, Florence unpacks how systems of enslavement and exploitation operated in societies often romanticized in popular culture.

We examine the scale of the ancient slave trade, the gendered dimensions of exploitation, and how enslaved women were commodified—expected to provide not just labor, but sexual access. From Roman brothels to banquet halls, the episode reveals how normalized sexual violence was embedded in the fabric of ancient daily life.

As part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, this conversation sheds light on uncomfortable histories, connecting past systems of abuse to present-day conversations on power, consent, and human dignity. Listener discretion is advised.

Human Trafficking in the Ancient World: A Forgotten Reality

When most people think of human trafficking, they imagine a modern crisis. However, the practice of exploiting people for labor, sex, and servitude dates back thousands of years. In the ancient world, trafficking was not only common—it was institutionalized and deeply woven into the fabric of many societies.

In ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, slavery was a cornerstone of the economy. Prisoners of war, kidnapped foreigners, and even impoverished citizens were often sold into slavery. Unlike modern trafficking, which is largely illegal and hidden, ancient systems openly supported human trade. Markets for slaves were publicly established and legal codes could regulate their trade and treatment.

Women and children were particularly vulnerable. Many were trafficked for domestic service, labor, alongside sexual exploitation. In ancient Greece, for instance, women were commonly sold into brothels or forced to work as concubines. Rome’s vast empire relied heavily on enslaved people, many of whom were captured from conquered territories and transported long distances.

Though the term “human trafficking” didn’t exist in antiquity, the mechanisms of coercion, transport, and exploitation mirror modern patterns. Individuals lost autonomy, families were torn apart, and countless lives were shaped by violence and subjugation.

Understanding the ancient roots of human trafficking challenges the myth that it’s a purely modern problem. Instead, it reveals a tragic continuity in human history: the persistent commodification of people. While laws and attitudes have evolved, the underlying injustice remains disturbingly familiar.

By studying trafficking in the ancient world, we can better understand the cultural, economic, and political forces that continue to allow it today. Acknowledging its history is a step toward dismantling it in the present.

Speaking Through Objects

Moregine bracelet, illustrated by Zofia Guertin.

In 2000, archaeologists at Moregine, near Pompeii, uncovered a gold snake-shaped bracelet inscribed “dominus ancillae suae” (“the master to his very own slave girl”) on the body of a woman fleeing the eruption of Vesuvius. Found alongside other jewelry and coins, the bracelet, weighing about 500 grams, is crafted to coil three times around the arm. Its inscription has sparked debate: it may have been a gift to a domestic slave, a freedwoman, or a slave prostitute, or a metaphorical gift between lovers. The discovery highlights complex social dynamics and the harsh realities of slavery in ancient Roman society.

Resources

Levin-Richardson, Sarah. “Modern Tourists, Ancient Sexualities.” Pompeii in the Public Imagination from Its Rediscovery to Today. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Keuls, Eva C. Reign of the Phallus : Sexual Politics in Ancient Athens. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1994.
McClure, Laura. Phryne of Thespiae : Courtesan, Muse, and Myth. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2024.
Funke, Melissa. Phryne : a life in fragments. London : Bloomsbury Academic

🌍 Sexual Violence Support Resources

If you or someone you know needs support, here are trusted organizations offering help across the globe:

1. RAINN (USA/global support)
🔗 rainn.org
📞 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
💬 24/7 online chat

2. UN Women – End Violence Against Women
🔗 unwomen.org

3. The Survivors Trust (UK)
🔗 thesurvivorstrust.org
📧 info@thesurvivorstrust.org

4. Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE Network)
🔗 wave-network.org

5. Child Helpline International (for youth/caregivers)
🔗 childhelplineinternational.org

6. UNFPA – Global Helpline Directory
🔗 Global helpline list

7. Amnesty International – Gender & Sexuality Support
🔗 amnesty.org

💻 Online & Anonymous Support

8. Lifeline Chat (24/7, anonymous)
🔗 suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat

🔐 Tip: Use a VPN or private browser if privacy is a concern. Always contact local emergency services if in immediate danger.

TFTH Digital Archaeology with Florence Felsheim

In the latest episode of Two Friends Talk History, I invited the brilliant Florence Felsheim, a PhD candidate in Classics at the University of St Andrews, for a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of virtual reality (VR) and cultural heritage. Together, they explore how technology is transforming the ways we visualise and interpret the past—and why that matters for both academics and the general public.

The episode kicks off with Florence introducing her work and academic journey. As a scholar specializing in ancient history and human trafficking in ancient Greece and Rome, Florence brings a nuanced perspective to the conversation. But her passion for technological innovation in cultural heritage projects is what makes this discussion particularly captivating.

Florence and Zofia delve into the evolution of virtual archaeology—the application of VR and augmented reality (AR) to reconstruct and visualize historical sites, artifacts, and environments. They discuss how initiatives like the Seville Principles emerged to create ethical and methodological guidelines for these digital reconstructions. These principles emphasize historical accuracy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transparency, aiming to balance scientific integrity with the creative liberties of visual interpretation.

Why Do Digital Reconstructions Matter?

Throughout the conversation, Florence and I reflect on the “so what?” of VR in archaeology—why does it matter beyond the digital novelty? Florence makes a compelling case for the power of immersive reconstructions to democratize access to heritage. Through VR, people who might never visit physical archaeological sites can explore ancient cities, temples, or objects from the comfort of their homes or local museums.

The conversation also highlights how VR can provide new layers of interpretation. For example, by digitally reconstructing a ruined temple, researchers can experiment with lighting, architectural features, and hypothetical decorations, offering new insights into how these spaces might have appeared and been experienced by ancient people.

One of the most thought-provoking parts of the discussion is the tension between historical accuracy and artistic license. Florence discusses how art and accuracy can vary through different approaches, questioning where the line should be drawn between creative interpretation and factual representation. The episode explores whether reconstructions should prioritise strict accuracy or allow for some imaginative flair to engage wider audiences.

In our discussion , we touch on a few projects that are really interesting, that you should definitely check out:

(Photo: Smithsonian Online Magazine, September 11, 2017)

To read the Smithsonian article and find out more about the Tlingit Dakl’aweidi clan’s Killer Whale clan crest hat, or Kéet S’aaxw (photo below from isplayed together at the 2012 clan conference in Sitka, Alaska), click here.

For more information about the virtual environment analysis of the fantastically cool submerged Late Pleistocene cave site in Quintana Roo we discussed, click here.

(Photo https://hoyonegro.ucsd.edu )

Challenges and Opportunities in Virtual Heritage

Despite its immense potential, VR in cultural heritage is not without challenges. Florence and Zofia discuss several hurdles:

Resource Intensity: High-quality VR reconstructions require significant technical expertise, funding, and computing power, which can limit accessibility for smaller institutions.
Authenticity vs. Engagement: The challenge of making VR experiences both educational and entertaining without distorting historical facts.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Effective virtual archaeology demands teamwork between archaeologists, historians, engineers, and computer scientists—fields that don’t always speak the same language.

However, the conversation also highlights the exciting opportunities:

Public Engagement: Museums and educational institutions are increasingly using VR to create interactive exhibits, sparking new interest in ancient history.
Research Innovation: Scholars can use VR models to test theories about ancient structures, city planning, or daily life.

If you’re fascinated by history, technology, or the future of cultural heritage, this episode is a must-listen. Florence’s insights into the ethical and methodological complexities of virtual archaeology will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the ways technology is reshaping our connection to the past.

Tune in to Two Friends Talk History to explore how VR is breathing new life into ancient worlds—and what that means for historians, artists, and the curious minds who love to explore them.

(Photo: The fabulous Florence, meeting our Augustus and his amazing technicolour dream cuirass)!

Sources

Bendicho, V.M.LM., ‘International Guidelines for Virtual Archaeology: The Seville Principles’, in Corsi, C., Slapšak, B., Vermeulen, F. (eds), Good Practice in Archaeological Diagnostics. Natural Science in Archaeology, 2013, 269-283. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01784-6_16

Barcelo, J., ‘Visualizing what might be. An introduction to virtual reality in archaeology’, in Barcelo, Fonte and Sanders(eds), Virtual Reality and Archaeology, 2000, 9-36. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/200018330_Visualizing_What_Might_Be_An_Introduction_to_Virtual_Reality_in_Archaeology

Watterson, A., ‘Beyond Digital Dwelling: Re-thinking Interpretive Visualisation in Archaeology’, in Open Archaeology 1 (1), 2015, 119-130. https://doi.org/10.1515/opar-2015-0006

Tag: archaeology