Rome or Greece?

Ahhh, isn’t that the question that automatically comes to one’s mind when a Classicist presents themselves? I think I would have to say Greece. My first step into the Classics world was thanks to Percy Jackson and the Olympians which is mainly based on Greek myths and history (and Romans do come in later on but that is later on). So yeah, I would say Greece.

Do you have a favourite piece of literature? Favourite Artifact?

I think this is a no-brainer but gosh do I find so much comfort in The Odyssey by Homer (specifically the E.V.Rieu translation). Also, I really love Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings by Ferdowsi. As for my favourite artifact, I really do love the Achilles and Patroclus kylix and the Parthenon (if that counts?) also holds a special place in my heart.

Favourite mythical Creature?

Oh this is such a hard one! Hippocampus, Pegasus, Dragons (not in Ancient Greece or Rome but just in general), oh, I love them all! Well, all the pretty ones at least!

Book rating system?

Well, my book rating system is simple:

4 & 5 stars: LOML, will forever talk about it and will re-read it when I am stressed or anxious because it gives me comfort. The only reason it might be 4 stars is that I saw a twist coming or I felt something was missing.

3 stars: I feel neutral about it, it wasn’t the best, wasn’t the worst either. I would still recommend it to those who I think would love it.

1 & 2 stars: Likely will never read again and have probably forgotten what has happened already. Do not ask me anything else because I will probably not be able to give you many details

Book recommendations?

Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Send Tweet. Nah, not just PjO of course, I have read many wonderful books. The ones I really love are the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bargudo, the Poppy War trilogy by R.F.Kuang and I cannot recommend the E.V. Rieu translation of the Odyssey. That is definitely a book everyone has to read at least once in their lives.

Language aspect or culture aspect of the ancient world?

I honestly don’t think one could be a Classicist or work towards becoming one, without encountering both aspects, usually at the same time. Culture evolves because of language and vice versa but, if I have to answer this question, I do love the cultural aspect. I love reading the texts, finding out about the festivals and worship and of course, the archaeological artifacts!

Event from history to travel to/Travel anywhere right now

A historical event would probably be the (and I am partially biased I think) burning of the Library of Alexandria or the building of the pyramids.

I would want to travel to Greece and Italy of course and also back home to Tajikistan and visit the Pamir Mountains.

Auto-buy authors?

Rick Riordan, mainly his MG novels, not his adult ones. A few other favourites are June CL Tan, Hafsah Faizal, Janie Chang, Joan He, June Hur, Elizabeth Lim, Sabaa Tahir, Tahereh Mafi, R.F. Kuang, Chloe Gong, Roshani Chokshi, Amy Kuivalainen, P. Djeli Clark and Leigh Bardugo.