Neil Middleton
Neil has studied ancient history and archaeology up to master's level with a focus on ancient Greece. His particular areas of interest are the politics of the Greek world in the Classical and Hellenistic eras. After his studies, he has spent time living in Greece and France.
Articles by Neil Middleton
How an Ancient Greek Colony Turned Into MarseilleThe French city of Marseille began as an ancient Greek colony, later becoming a Roman colony and eventually one of France’s most renowned cities.
The Epic Battle of a Small Island Against Two Hellenistic GeneralsThe Siege of Rhodes (305-4 BCE) is one of the ancient world’s great David vs Goliath stories. It pitted Rhodes against two great Hellenistic generals.
The Siege of Rhodes (305-4 BCE) is one of the ancient world’s great David vs Goliath stories. It pitted Rhodes against two great Hellenistic generals.
The Great Greek Revolt Against Macedonia After Alexander’s DeathPhilip II and Alexander the Great conquered Greece, but when the young general died, a Greek alliance revolted against the Macedonian successors in the Lamian War.
Philip II and Alexander the Great conquered Greece, but when the young general died, a Greek alliance revolted against the Macedonian successors in the Lamian War.
How the Antigonids Endured and Ruled Macedonia After AlexanderThe Antigonids were the last ruling dynasty of Macedonia. While they lived in the shadow of Alexander the Great and their more famous rivals, they shaped the Hellenistic period.
The Antigonids were the last ruling dynasty of Macedonia. While they lived in the shadow of Alexander the Great and their more famous rivals, they shaped the Hellenistic period.
Why Did the Romans Conquer the World? Here’s Polybius’ ExplanationIn the 2nd century BCE, the Greek historian Polybius tried to explain how, in just half a century, the Roman Republic changed the world forever.
In the 2nd century BCE, the Greek historian Polybius tried to explain how, in just half a century, the Roman Republic changed the world forever.
Demetrius “the Besieger” and the Epic Scramble for Alexander’s EmpireDemetrius Poliorcetes (the Besieger) was one of the Macedonian successors of Alexander the Great who battled for power after his death.
How Slaves Created the Free Greek State of Ancient MesseniaFor centuries, the Messenians were suppressed by the Spartans as a slave underclass until they threw off their shackles and created their own free Greek city-state.
For centuries, the Messenians were suppressed by the Spartans as a slave underclass until they threw off their shackles and created their own free Greek city-state.
Why Did Pausanias Write His Travel Guide to Ancient Greece?In the 2nd century CE, the Greek writer Pausanias traveled around Greece writing a guide to its cities and monuments, creating a snapshot of ancient Greece.
Battle of Cynoscephalae: Macedonian Phalanx vs Roman LegionIn 197 BCE, at Cynoscephalae, the Macedonian phalanx and the Roman legion clashed in a battle that marked a turning point in the ancient world’s history.
In 197 BCE, at Cynoscephalae, the Macedonian phalanx and the Roman legion clashed in a battle that marked a turning point in the ancient world’s history.
The Story of Cleisthenes:, the Founder of Democracy in Ancient AthensThough considered one of the founders of democracy, little is known about the Athenian politician Cleisthenes. His story is integral to the origins of democracy.
The Controversial Story of Olympias, Alexander the Great’s Powerful MotherOlympias, wife of Philip II of Macedon and mother of Alexander the Great, stands out as one of the few women in Hellenistic politics.
Olympias, wife of Philip II of Macedon and mother of Alexander the Great, stands out as one of the few women in Hellenistic politics.
What Happened to Olympias, Mother of Alexander the Great?Olympias played a significant role in the years of conflict following the death of her son, Alexander the Great. History would not remember her kindly.
Olympias played a significant role in the years of conflict following the death of her son, Alexander the Great. History would not remember her kindly.