Neil has studied ancient history and archaeology up to master's level with a focus on ancient Greece. His particular areas of interest are the politics of the Greek world in the Classical and Hellenistic eras. After his studies, he has spent time living in Greece and France.
Areas of Expertise
Top 5 Battles That Shaped the Hellenistic World
The Hellenistic world was characterized by constant conflict between Alexander’s successors and their heirs. These five battles shaped the Hellenistic World.
How Ancient Greece Really Ended and Why Its Story Didn’t Stop There
Once celebrated as one of the world’s most sophisticated civilizations, what happened to classical Greece, and how exactly did it disappear?
How the Chremonidean War Shattered the Last Hope of Greek Freedom
In the middle of the Hellenistic period, the two great cities of ancient Greece, Athens and Sparta, united to free themselves from Macedonian influence.
How an Ancient Greek Colony Turned Into Marseille
The French city of Marseille began as an ancient Greek colony, later becoming a Roman colony and eventually one of France’s most renowned cities.
The Epic Battle of a Small Island Against Two Hellenistic Generals
The Siege of Rhodes (305-4 BCE) is one of the ancient world’s great David vs Goliath stories. It pitted Rhodes against two great Hellenistic generals.
The Great Greek Revolt Against Macedonia After Alexander’s Death
Philip II and Alexander the Great conquered Greece, but when the young general died, a Greek alliance revolted against the Macedonian successors in the Lamian War.
How the Antigonids Endured and Ruled Macedonia After Alexander
The Antigonids were the last ruling dynasty of Macedonia. While they lived in the shadow of Alexander the Great and their more famous rivals, they shaped the Hellenistic period.
Why Did the Romans Conquer the World? Here’s Polybius’ Explanation
In the 2nd century BCE, the Greek historian Polybius tried to explain how, in just half a century, the Roman Republic changed the world forever.
Demetrius “the Besieger” and the Epic Scramble for Alexander’s Empire
Demetrius Poliorcetes (the Besieger) was one of the Macedonian successors of Alexander the Great who battled for power after his death.
How Slaves Created the Free Greek State of Ancient Messenia
For centuries, the Messenians were suppressed by the Spartans as a slave underclass until they threw off their shackles and created their own free Greek city-state.
Why Did Pausanias Write His Travel Guide to Ancient Greece?
In the 2nd century CE, the Greek writer Pausanias traveled around Greece writing a guide to its cities and monuments, creating a snapshot of ancient Greece.
Battle of Cynoscephalae: Macedonian Phalanx vs Roman Legion
In 197 BCE, at Cynoscephalae, the Macedonian phalanx and the Roman legion clashed in a battle that marked a turning point in the ancient world’s history.