"Layer upon layer, Italy's storied past unfolds in Robert Kaster's captivating journey along the venerable Queen of Roads. I cannot imagine a more perfect guide to such a rich trove of ancient and modern memories. Illuminating, erudite, entertaining, and evocative."
About Adrienne Mayor
Adrienne Mayor — Life and Legacy
Adrienne Mayor is a distinguished historian and author, acclaimed for her innovative approach to ancient science and mythology. Her notable work, 'The Amazons', delves into the historical truths behind the legendary warrior women, highlighting how myths often reflect societal values and realities. Mayor's core thinking revolves around the idea that myths are not merely stories but are deeply embedded in human experience and understanding. She asserts that these narratives can illuminate contemporary issues, as seen in her assertion that 'myths are not just stories; they are the keys to understanding our past.' This perspective challenges the traditional view of myths as mere fiction, instead positioning them as essential tools for interpreting human behavior and culture. Mayor's insights remain relevant today, as they encourage readers to reconsider the narratives that shape our understanding of history and identity.
Quote collection
Adrienne Mayor quotes
3 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Although it is tempting to imagine an ancient era innocent of biochemical weaponry, in fact this Pandora's box of horrors was opened thousands of years ago. The history of making war with biological weapons begins in mythology, in ancient oral traditions that preserved records of actual events and ideas of the era before the invention of written histories."
"war with poison and chemicals was not so rare in the ancient world ... An astounding panoply of toxic substances, venomous creatures, poison plants, animals and insects, deleterious environments, virulent pathogens, infectious agents, noxious gases, and combustible chemicals were marshalled to defeat foes - and panoply is an apt term here, because it is the ancient Greek word for 'all weapons."