If you talk about the Romans, you have to talk about the Greeks…and if you talk about the Greeks, eventually you have to talk about the Trojans.
–Rob Cain, Ancient Rome Refocused
The artwork of Eric Shanower
I always wanted to ’quote’ myself.
The next Ancient Rome Refocused has an interview with Eric Shanower who is the author illustrator of THE AGE OF BRONZE. This is a fantastic graphic novel of the adventures of the ancient heroes of Ancient Greece, and has a very realistic take on the story of Ancient Troy.
His website can be found on: http://ericshanower.com
Episode 8 deals talks how enduring the story has been over the ages. Most great artists, authors and playwrights have tried their hand at telling the tale of Ancient Troy. It has everything: sex, betrayal, love, hate, magic, the Gods and Man in conflict. Can you ask for more? There is even the most beautiful woman in world, and the great warriors of the age.
This story always had appeal. Remember John McClane of the Die Hard Series? Remember Rambo? What of Matt Damon in the Bourne Series? Our modern fiction is filled with memories of the heroic age. While modern day Homers use the classics as inspiration, the story Troy itself is retold and retold to audiences of every generation that never seem to tire of it.
Is it the way it’s told, or are we hardwired to be thrilled by such stories?
Watch for Episode 8 coming soon to this site, hipcast and itunes.
Rob Cain has traveled extensively through Europe, Italy, and Egypt. He was formerly on active duty with the United States Army. He is a fan of history, and enjoys reading books on the history of Rome. He currently has a podcast presentation on itunes and hipcast. The blog is for the free and open discussion of Ancient Rome based on Mr. Cain's observations noted in his podcast. Most episodes start out with an original dramatic narration written by Mr. Cain. In the podcasts he will include his own unique commentary, and interviews with subject matter experts. Comments are welcome and will be highlighted on the show. 
Episode 10, “Nothing New Under the Sun. Get Over it”, features the book, “The Ancient Guide to Modern Life” written by author, comedian, and TV commentator Natalie Haynes.” Whether political, cultural, or social, there are endless parallels between the ancient and modern worlds. Whether it's the murder of Caesar or the political assassination of Thatcher; the narrative arc of the hit HBO series, The Wire, or that of Oedipus; the popular enthusiasm for the Emperor Titus or President Obama – over and over again we can be seen to be living very much like people did 2,000 or more years ago. It's time for us to re-examine the past. Our lives are infinitely richer if we take the time to look at what the Greeks and Romans have given us in politics and law, religion and philosophy and education, and to learn how people really lived in Athens, Rome, Sparta and Alexandria. 
This is a book with a serious point to make but the author isn't just a classicist but a comedian and broadcaster who has made television and radio documentaries about humor, education and Dorothy Parker. This is a book for us all, not for an elite.
I just wanted to let know how much I enjoy your podcast and that they never fail to cause me to re-think how much the past has shaped the present and will echo in the future. thanks for your hard work.
Wm.