The fourth in a series that explores cultural and ethical values in Classical Antiquity, this volume examines the negative foils, the anti-values, against which positive value notions are conceptualized and calibrated in Classical Antiquity. Eighteen chapters address this theme from different perspectives –historical, literary, legal and philosophical. What makes someone into a prototypically ‘bad’ citizen? Or an abomination of a scholar? What is the relationship between ugliness and value? How do icons of sexual perversion, monstruous emperors and detestable habits function in philosophical and rhetorical prose? The book illuminates the many rhetorical manifestations of the concept of ‘badness’ in classical antiquity in a variety of domains.

Tharnos, assistant to the High Priest of the Holy Mysteries at Karnak was disturbed when strange alternation appeared in the ritual. Was it Kakos the silent High Priest who was introducing these dark ceremonies....? If not was there a presence from Beyond lurking in the shadows of the great temple? A dying slave warned Tharnos of the plot that was being launched against him . . . Too late! There were other victims waiting in the secret cells below the temple; a retired Roman Centurion; a giant Nubian; a Greek mariner with the cunning of Odysseus. Only the sacred Temple Virgin could help them to escape. If she would help them, there was a slim chance that the Dark Powers could be held in check.... If not... the world was threatened with an Aeon of darkness such as it had never witnessed before.

The dialog in Greek with introduction, notes and appendices in English

The perfect reference book for everyday use, it provides definitions written in clear, jargon-free language readily accessible to every level of reader.

All myths skew the truth... From the age of five, Hades was imprisoned and tortured at the hands of his father, the Titan King. Every night he’d dream of freedom and the chance to seek his revenge. When Zeus saved him and their four siblings and declared war on the Titans, Hades thought his father’s days were numbered. Ten years later, Hades fears Cronus won’t face the consequences for his vile nature. The gods are struggling to maintain their early momentum. Lately, they lose more battles than they win. Morale is low, and many of their allies have abandoned them for the opposite side. The Fates propose a way for the gods to topple the Titans once and for all, and though apprehensive, Hades embraces the opportunity. His rash decision takes him to the Underworld to join forces with Kore, the Daemon Queen. Kore despises Cronus as much as the gods. She wants nothing more than to watch him suffer, and for the gods to reign in a new era. For ten years, she’s offered her assistance, and each time she’s been turned away. Finally, Zeus pushes Kore too far, and she vows to leave the gods to their inevitable demise. Her conviction doesn’t last long when Hades appears, begging for her help. Against her Council’ wishes and her own good sense, Kore agrees to lead Hades through her home, Tartarus, to search for the Hecatoncheires—the gods’ only hope to destroy Cronus. Their journey pushes them to their limits, in both body and mind. Along the way, their hearts get tangled in the mix; a more dangerous dilemma than defeating the Titans. For if they survive, to remain together, they may have to battle both the Underworld and Upperworld.