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This article sheds some new light on the often discussed problem of the end of Theocritus' fifth Idyll. By comparing this poem to other poetical contests, it can be shown that Theocritus associates the idea of weight to the replies of the speakers, using a structure similar to that found in other poetical contests, as for instance in the debate between Aeschylus and Euripides in Aristophanes' Frogs. In the comic play, the process of weighing the verses on a scale is made explicit, whereas in Theocritus it is not mentioned as such. The similarity of the setting, two poets confronting their answers, allows us, however, to compare the Aristophanean contest with the Theocritean. This article aims at explaining the reader's surprise when confronted with Theocritus' Idyll, rather than at providing another explanation for the abrupt end of the contest. The fifth Idyll could thus be taken as a kind of dialogue between the author and his audience, the latter being aware of the references used by Theocritus and of the additions made by him. We suggest that this poem is an enactment of Theocritus' poetical ideas through the attribution of the victory to the protagonist with the so-called lighter answers.

Avec ma gueule de meteque De juif errant de patre grec Et mes cheveux aux quatre vents ... Je viendrai ma douce captive Mon ame soeur ma source vive Je [...]

This article discusses the how certain events in ancient Greece were perceived by Diodorus. The author analyzes Diodorus' writings which portray certain matters, such as earthquakes and tidal waves, as acts of a divine power and at other times due to physical causes. The author attributes Diodorus' explanations to the sources he was using for his works.

Apuleius is highly admired for his expert use of style with both archaic forms and neologisms. His propensity for allusion has also been much commented upon as he openly engages in corrective or competitive allusions in the fish chapters of 'Apology.' He uniquely uses obscene names when referring to fish, explaining that he is trying to supplement and correct Greek biological writers like Theophrastus and Aristotle. Likewise, Sallust has also gained a good reputation as an archaist and word-smith.

The name of the chamberlain in the ninth book of Apuleius' novel appears incomprehensible and the text is consequently perceived corrupt, but the name should be read in F as Hypatafium, rather than Hypnophilum or Hypataeum, even though there is no identifiable pun to link the name to the profession or to a known mythological character. The emendations of the name Hypatafius have etymological significance as they focus on the issue of the importance of the position of the chamberlain next to his patron. The name Hypatafius may be translated to mean 'the master of the grave.'

An overview is presented on the works of Greek poet C.P Cavafy, whose creativity spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Topics include Cavafy's themes of unconventional love and its divinity, illusion, frustration and history.

The author discusses the best writers in contemporary Greek literature. They include Nikos Themelis, Petros Markaris and Nikos Panayiotopulos.

In adapting the story of the Great War to the taste of his own age Ephoros, himself a pupil of Isokrates and a professional historian, was led astray by the [...]