Epic Greek History

Embark on an epic journey through ancient Greece with history enthusiast Scott Emmons as your guide. From the Mycenaean warrior kings to the flowering of the Greek city-state, from the astonishing victories over the Persian invaders to the catastrophic power struggle between Athens and Sparta, each episode brings the past to life with vivid detail and compelling narrative. Along the way, there will be side trips to explore fascinating aspects of Greek culture, from art and literature to everyday life. Whether you're a history buff or new to the world of classical antiquity, this podcast is your gateway to the life and legacy of ancient Greece.

Publishes one full episode and one short episode per month.

See images for each episode at epicgreekhistory.substack.com

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Epic Greek History

Poetry Slam: Early Greek Politics in Verse

January 15, 2026 • Scott Emmons

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No one was writing history in Greece during the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. But that doesn't mean we have no voices speaking to us from that time. Fragments of works by early Greek poets can provide real-time commentary on the social and political upheaval of their times. In this episode, host Scott Emmons observes the struggles of the early polis through the eyes of two aristocratic poets, Theognis of Megara and Alcaeus of Mytilene.

For maps and images, check out Episode 17 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Reading Suggestions:

A History of Greek Literature by Albin Lesky (chapters on Theognis and Alcaeus)

Greek Lyrics, translated by Richmond Lattimore

Greek Lyric, Vol. 1: Sappho and Alcaeus, translated by David A. Campbell (Loeb Classical Library)

Greek Elegiac Poetry, translated by Douglas E. Gerber (Loeb Classical Library)

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