Adaptation

Salvete!  

Welcome to this Winter’s Edition of Achilles Reel, where we will be exploring the theme of adaptation in the Classical world.  

Whether it is metamorphosis in myth or the transformation of stories and art forms for new societies and cultures, Classics is replete with examples of innovations and reinterpretations of art forms, technologies and modes of thinking. This is partly due to the huge span of time that the Classical World occupies, but partly also to the vast range of perspectives that the ancients had access to, in a Mediterranean world that was defined as much by connection as variation. With a multiplicity of cultures interacting through trade and exchange of ideas and a willingness by ancient societies to assimilate as much as to differentiate, it is no small wonder that stories could acquire new contexts and layers of meaning or that numerous artistic, technological and political innovations were developed.

Furthermore, the reception of these tales, motifs, techniques and ideas has enriched our modern world in many and surprising ways, showing how they have an enduring power to captivate us, provide valuable insights and adapt to change.  

Apollo and Daphne by Bernini (1625) on display in the Galleria Borghese in Rome

We hope you enjoy what we have assembled here and are inspired to explore the other adaptations both within and of the Classical world that can be found! 

Dr Linscott