Rhakotis is the online magazine for exploring the classics beyond the classics.
It is the first place to go for information, reviews of exhibitions, new books and films, and discussion on the history, culture and legacy of the ancient world.
What does Rhakotis mean?
Rhakotis is the former name of the fishing village on which the city of Alexandria was built. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Greek. It was designed as a quintessential Greek city. Greek institutions predominated: councils, schools and temples.
Alexandria was the greatest City the ancient world knew. It was a thriving port and people from all over the known world could be seen there: from Indian merchants to Celtic mercenaries.
The library at Alexandria was the most comprehensive library ever. It contained, perhaps 400,000 books at its height. Scholars came from all over the world to consult the collection. The historical reality might have been less impressive, but the library of Alexandria still stands as an enduring symbol of cosmopolitanism and intellectual freedom.
Alexandria was never just a Greek city. It was deeply influenced by its Egyptian location. Just as its patron gods – Isis and Serapis – were not Greek, neither was the city.
Alexandria was a Classical city, but there was something different, something uncanny about it. Just like the ‘classics’. This magazine will interrogate this.
Rhakotis Prize
We also host the annual Rhakotis Prize which honours those who have analysed, celebrated or challenged the classics beyond the classics.
Copyright
Rhakotis endeavours to ensure that all content used on this site is free to use either by creating its own content or by using images shared through Creative Commons licenses or in the Public Domain, which we always check using tineye.
All images taken by Rhakotis can be used under the attributive Creative Commons license. Please check photo references on each page. If a photo does not have a reference this means that the photo is owned by Rhakotis and can be reused.
In some cases Rhakotis has used promotional images or items only for review purposes. We feel this is covered by the fair use purposes under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This is always stated at the bottom of the page.
If we have used an image that belongs to you, please let us know and we will remove it from the site.
Team
Simon Bralee (Editor)
Studying towards a PhD part-time at UCL which examines Anubis in the Greek and Roman World while working full time in a communications role. His other research interests are religion in Greek and Roman Egypt, animals in the ancient world and the legacy of ancient cultures in the modern day.
Contact him for article suggestions and submissions.
Rhakotis 