History: Myth and Reality - General Arts and Science - History - Library Guides at Mohawk College Library

Featured Resource

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Rupert S. Holland
Publication Date: 2017
eBook
Immerse yourself in the earliest roots of English myth and culture in this captivating twentieth-century retelling of the Arthurian legends. In these thrilling tales, the courageous fifth-century leader and his loyal band of knights wage battle against enemies both foreign and domestic.

Resources

Joseph Campbell
Presents a biography on American writer Joseph Campbell, focusing on the impact that Campbell's writings have had on other writers and directors. Details on Phil Cousineau's film, "The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work"; Information on a mini-series about Campbell's writing; How Campbell delved into the meaning and telling of myths; Impact of his quote "Follow Your Bliss," on the baby-boomer generation.
Myths & Monsters, Heroes And Villains (Video duration 46 minutes)
Stories of heroes and the villains encountered on their adventures are among the most thrilling in all mythology. This episode examines the controversial theory that a common structure exists in such stories that transcends cultural and historical influences. That was the theory of American mythologist Joseph Campbell.

Amazons
A chapter in the book, "Reader's Companion to Military History" refers to Amazons. Defined as fierce warrior women who lived at the fringes of the civilized world, they were mythical enemies of the ancient Greeks. Their exploits and lifestyle represented a reversed image of Greek society in which men dominated weaker women and prided themselves on military prowess in well-disciplined hoplite phalanxes.
Archaeological Site of Troy
Troy, with its 4,000 years of history, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The first excavations at the site were undertaken by the famous archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1870.
Classical Mythology: Its Origins and Impact (Video duration 29 minutes)
In this program, classicists explore the origins of classical mythology and its relationship with other aspects of Greek culture, tracing subsequent influences on Western civilization.
Hannibal and Carthage (Video duration 32 minutes)
Twenty-three hundred years ago, Carthage was the pearl of the Mediterranean. This program explains something of the history of Carthage: its Phoenician origins, its economy, its religious practices, as well as its mythical relationship to Rome as detailed in the Aeneid.
Heinrich Schliemann
This entry from the Encyclopaedia Britannica describes the life of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who is often considered to be the modern discoverer of prehistoric Greece.
The Minoans of Crete
The article discusses archaeological excavations of the town of Gournia on the Greek island of Crete. Particular focus is given to an early 20th-century excavation by archaeologist Harriet Boyd and to a re-examination of the site by archaeologist Vance Watrous and colleagues.
The Odyssey of Troy (Video duration 46 minutes)
This episode of Ancient Mysteries brings us back more than 3,000 years to the legendary city of Troy. Scholars delve into the secrets of Troy by researching the Greek poet Homer, who related the city’s history in The Iliad.
The Roman Empire in the First Century (Sections 1-10)
Two thousand years ago, the world was ruled by Rome. From England to Africa and from Syria to Spain, one in every four people on earth lived and died under Roman law. This series focuses on the life and legacy of Augustus, who, through cunning, wealth, and military might, transformed the title of “Imperator” into a focal point of unprecedented power.
The Search for Amazons
By: A. Mayor- The article provides an overview of the duel between the young Amazon queen Penthesilea and the great Greek champion Achilles during the legendary Trojan War.
The Search for Cleopatra
The article reports on increased efforts which have been made in Egypt by archaeologists from across the globe since 1992 to discover the whereabouts of the tomb of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt. A discussion of Cleopatra's reign, influence in Egyptian society and international popularity is presented.
Atlantis: The Evidence (Video duration 50 minutes)
In his philosophical dialogues, Timaeus and Critias, Plato writes of an ancient but advanced society of unparalleled wealth that in "one grievous day and night" was "swallowed up by the sea and vanished". Brand new geo-archaeological evidence suggests that Plato's story was inspired by the greatest natural disaster of the ancient world: the eruption of the Thera volcano around 1620 BC.

The Real Robin Hood
Over the course of 700 years, the outlaw from Nottinghamshire who robs from the rich to give to the poor has emerged as one of the most enduring folk heroes in popular culture–and one of the most versatile. But how has the legend of Sherwood Forest’s merry outlaws evolved over time, and did a real Robin Hood inspire these classic tales?
Robin Hood and his Historical Context
What is the historical fact behind the legend of Robin Hood? Did this potent outlaw folk hero really harass Guy of Gisborne and live in Sherwood Forest, or was he a mythical creation designed to express dissatisfaction with unfair laws? Dr. Mike Ibeji reveals the real Robin.
King Arthur Biography
King Arthur, the mythological figure associated with Camelot, may have been based on a 5th to 6th century British warrior who staved off invading Saxons.

The Real Musketeers
The article discusses the differences between the characters Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and Charles de Batz-Castelmore d'Artagnan from the book "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas and their real life counterparts.
Marie Antoinette
Biographical entry of the Queen of France (r. 1774-1793), whose exaggerated public image as a frivolous and extravagant woman, did much to undermine popular respect for the French monarchy. As queen during the French Revolution, she opposed the revolutionary movement at every turn.
Reign of Terror
An encyclopedia entry on the Reign of Terror in French history.
Robespierre and The Terror
This History Today article reviews the life and career of revolutionary Maximilien Robespierre.
The Political Testament of Cardinal Richelieu: The Significant Chapters and Supporting Selections
A translation of the more important parts of the Political Testament.
Armand-Jean du Plessis, Cardinal et duc de Richelieu
A biography of the Cardinal de Richelieu, chief minister to King Louis XIII of France from 1624 to 1642. His major goals were the establishment of royal absolutism in France and the end of Spanish-Habsburg hegemony in Europe.