Reflections on pop antiquity
Rhea Receptions is a new thematic series of reviews, essays, and other engagements with the ancient world in contemporary media.
Read our inaugural edition about teaching with (mytho)historical fiction book clubs below!
Find out more about our mission and this year’s theme, explore our recent posts, or submit a review!
Recent posts
Unforeseen Medusas
Patricia Galloway, Snake Dreamer (New York: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1998). ISBN 9780385322645. Nancy Springer, Dusssie (New York: Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2007). ISBN 9780802796493. Julie Berry, If Looks Could Kill (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2025). ISBN 9781534470835. Reviewed by Nava R. Cohen, Northwestern University, navacohen2007@u.northwestern.edu Our definition of a hero has expanded in recent decades to include figures not…
Keep readingPersepolis Reimagined
Getty’s “Persepolis Reimagined” virtual online experience (part of the “Persia: Ancient Iran and the Classical World” exhibit in 2022) curated by Timothy Potts, Jeffrey Spier, and Sara E. Cole Reviewed by Stacy Rose Henning, B.A., MLIS student, hensr75@gmail.com. Approaching the ancient site of Persepolis and walking up the entrance steps, one is immediately humbled and overwhelmed…
Keep readingTriumpher and Greek Heavy Metal’s Reclamation of Homer
Triumpher and Greek Heavy Metal’s Reclamation of HomerReviewed by Jeremy Swist, Michigan State University, swistjer@msu.edu Throughout its over half-century history, heavy metal music has frequently drawn inspiration from film. Black Sabbath had given birth to heavy metal itself by translating the occult themes of 60s horror movies into bluesy rock music, while 80s zombie and…
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