How the Greco-Persian Wars changed the way Athenians drank their wine | Curator's Corner S8 Ep4

The Greco-Persian wars are some of the most famous battles in history. The 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. The Greek phalanx at Marathon. The naval victory at Salamis. The end result? Athenian domination of the eastern Mediterranean, and the end of Persian aspirations to control Greece. But the failed invasion attempt by Persia wasn't entirely unsuccessful. While they didn't politically conquer Greece, culturally they were far more successful.
Join curator Jamie Fraser as he walks you through the Persian way of drinking wine with an Achaemenid rhyton, and how this very eastern way of drinking made it's way into the Athenian symposium (albeit in a different physical form).
Luxury and power: Persia to Greece
4 May 2023 - 13 Aug 2023
BOOK TICKETS: bit.ly/3p5EgYU
Supported by
American Friends of the British Museum
BullionVault
CONTENT WARNING:
Contains one most verile, manly, strapping, young servant.
#curatorscorner #greece #persia

[@peterbereczki4147]

That Irving Finkle cameo was pure joy 🤣🤣🤣

[@MikeClayton]

Upstaged by the master

[@imintheraindripdripdrop]

I mean he's got experience. He probably used to pour wine for these guys when he was a kid

[@kellyradtke4885]

Hilarious

[@n8vmilk]

@@imintheraindripdripdrophis younger image appeared in the tile mosaics under “virile, manly, young and strapping”

[@AlpenTree]

Fascinating history, excellent speaker. Demos cretos people power, this should be more widely-known.

[@lisalesinszki7536]

Irv Finkel played the part of manservant with the greatest display of manliness and virility that I have ever seen.

[@loolylooly81]

How can you mistake Irving Finkle of anything but youngest most virile?! He is amazing! Thank you so much Jeremy for the amazingly educational session 🥰🥰

[@igrim4777]

That strapping serving boy, keep an eye on him, he seems wise beyond his years. I've seen him rooting around the treasure rooms, playing board games when he should be working, and poking pointy sticks into mud. He's too smart and charismatic for his own good. A trouble maker and rabble rouser if ever I saw one.

[@googiegress7459]

There are many irresponsible youths in the palace these days.

[@carrie4696]

I died. Irving is a national bloody treasure.

[@patriciaoudart1508]

As if we don't see him he is present by tone and humor!, So, playing the servant , a new time he killed Us! Love those series by BM, unique in the World, and I m french🤗🙋

[@ecurewitz]

That guy is great, we need more of him

[@Terri_MacKay]

In he bounded. 😂❤

[@simonfuller4492]

Read the description 😉

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

How can you send comments from the grave?

[@8xMorladumx8]

4:52 What a strapping young lad xD

[@youremakingprogress144]

I could have just looked at those two vessels and thought, "Wow, those are impressive. Great craftsmanship," and gone about my day. I appreciate Jamie Fraser explaining the historical context of the objects and what they can tell us about the cultures they were made in. This is why we have curators like this. And yes, Irving Finkel's cameo appearance is a perfect example of why I love British humor.

[@professorsogol5824]

Note that both these vessels are designed so that the user cannot put them down until the wine has been entirely consumed. Also please note that in at least this case the volume of the bowl standing in for the Persian royal cup seems to be less than that the serving device. The inevitable result will be the Persian king will be sitting there with a partially filled device in his right hand and a full bowl of wine in his left. Does the king drink and refill his bowl? Does he serve those sitting beside him? If he slips up after a couple of bowls of wine, does wine run all over the table? And we are told that, at that time, people enjoyed their meals while reclining on couches. So 1) reclining on one's left elbow, 2) holding the cup in the left hand, 3) the dispenser in the right hand and 4) bringing the bowl to the lips and actually drinking must have be quite a trick.

[@lawrencecarlstrom3465]

I think the wine goes straight into his mouth without the second bowl. That seems like what would be done by someone who uses a drinking cup that can't be set down until you've drunk all your wine.

[@rabbitsforyang8273]

it would be the role of the king's cupbearer, not the king, to aim the wine and to keep it from being poisoned

[@blixten2928]

@@rabbitsforyang8273 Yes, I agree. And the King's cupbearer would be serving first the King, and then the next-in-line-to-be-specially honoured dignitary. Whereas the Greek vessel may be more one-person (unless you do like the Scandinavians, whose drinking-horns went from person to person until empty).

[@learrus]

This is like if Monty Python became an archeological education show and I love it. Crying from laughing

[@alocino96]

ahahahaha, irving's cameo was perfect, but this was a very interesting curator's corner aside from that, it's very interesting to think how an object could influence a society and change it, and naturally it's a very interesting story. also it's very interesting knowing that griphons existed already in the 450 b.c. , it would be interesting to see a series on mythological animals and artifacts associated to them.

[@myriamickx7969]

No, it's to think how a society could influence an object and remake it, by turning it upside down as it were.

[@vivz5592]

Im a Chinese, and it is fascinating to me listening to James' telling of these two objects. Thank you James Fraser, I am so going to see this exhibit

[@StudyWithParsi]

I love old Persia cultures and his arts ❤️😘💯.

[@RaminTork]

A fantastic episode ( although I don't ever recall one which was not interesting). As a Persian I always thought that we've had so much in common with the Greeks even though historically we were enemies. I never thought I would see Irving Finkle in a Ganymede role!

[@lawrencecarlstrom3465]

Personally, think luxury is being so respected at the British Museum that Irving Finkle is your wine servant. Also, luxury is drinking at work and no one says a word.

[@ruthcroft1766]

Thanks Jamie, I thoroughly enjoyed your talk/explanation. I studied Ancient History for 'A' level many moons ago, so was attracted to this topic. Sadly, we won't be able to visit the Museum while this is on, but if I ever get to the Museum, I will look for these wonderful items and remember your talk:-) Currently I'd be a good match for the 'most virile young servant'....Best wishes, Ruth in Brum.

[@IslandInteractions]

wonderful storytelling - with Irving Finkle as the icing on the cake! 🙂

[@TRAZ4004]

Looking forward to the new exhibit, Persia to Greece.

[@oulipolesceptique9449]

I can't recall being so completely absorbed by this sort of presentation before. Really well done, thank you!

[@anotherwesley7661]

I love this demonstration so much, I don't think I've ever fully seen a rhyton in action like that (with a surprise Finkle appearance, no less). Placing the objects in their social context, and in their comparative context, giving a sense of the transfer and transformation of ideas and values (especially that particularly enduring western phobia of eastern "decadence"), and makes them so much more meaningful than just interesting art objects on display. I live for any chance to see what can be sort of reverse-engineered of Achaemenid history by deconstructing Greek sources, I would love to see this exhibit, truly regret being on the wrong side of the Atlantic.

[@Gdsm9]

Terrific video, as usual. And the special guest appearance by the indomitable Dr. Finkel was tremendous. 😂

[@nazaninkhaksari3004]

I'm Persian and love the video

[@MKHobson]

The wine spouting out of the chest made me think of how blood might flow if an animal were sacrificed. Was that part of the iconography of these objects? Were they intended to evoke ritual connotations?

[@unknown.1043]

But that’s not a sacrificial animal such as a ram or a lamb. That’s a griffin. They’re semi-divine creatures.

[@ptonpc]

Good choice having Irving Finkle being the strapping virile one :D This was a fascinating video. Thank you Jamie Fraser and all involved.

[@jamestalbert3951]

Really fascinating analysis of history that goes deeper than what's written. Bravo!

[@beth12svist]

I don't know if anyone's commented on this, but I must say, I really appreciated how this particular presenter repeats his most important points so that they really stick in the mind and you know how it all fits together! And of course the practical presentation is also great.

[@mojosbigsticks]

Yay Prof Finkel!

[@EcceJack]

This was a really fantastic video! Some of the parallels and the differences between the two objects are quite striking at first glance already, but delving further reveals so much more not just about then, but about the times and the cultures overall. Really great work

[@lizziematteri4218]

How fun it must be to have Irving Finkle as a coworker!!!

[@merlapittman5034]

Fascinating video! The beauty and detail of those two artifacts are amazing, as are the talent and imagination of the artists who created them. And I loved the cameo by the wonderful Dr. Irving Finkel. He's marvelous!

[@Chrissileinen]

This is pure genius! What a way to educate us! Laughing and learning - love it!

[@_de_reve]

i always get happy when you guys upload!! ready to learn something new today as well. Loved the humorous and fun way you explained this! Oh, and the cameo of Mr. Finkle was absolutely delightful!✨

[@chrisball3778]

I'm almost certain that the Athenian drinking vessel represents an Eagle, most likely a Golden Eagle. The beak is too large for a falcon or a hawk, and the only vulture species in the Mediterranean region with a feathered head is the Lammergeier (also known as the Bearded Vulture), which is extremely distinctive and looks nothing like the artefact. Loved the Dr Irving Finkel cameo.

[@ianison9820]

And the Golden Eagle is an avatar of Zeus - here, the hooded figure almost seen at the end of the symposium in the empty rhyton.

[@chrisball3778]

@Nnnoon If you knew what species you meant, then I could look into it, but without that info, I just have no idea what you're talking about. That description doesn't seem to match any Eurasian Hawk species I know of... but I admit I'm just an interested amateur and not a real expert. If you're talking about some really obscure species, then it's still more likely that the drinking vessel represents a Golden Eagle, as they're one of the the largest avian predators in much of Eurasia and are a well-known species throughout their range.

[@mellie4174]

Omg! You two were hilarious! Ivring played it perfectly! Love you Mr. Finkle!

[@chaosPneumatic]

Clicked on this while having my evening wine. Perfect timing! I love learning how ancient cultures enjoyed the same mundane things we enjoy today but in such interesting and dramatic ways.

[@sabinaarroyo6717]

Loved the finest bowl you could find in the canteen and the awesome performance of both Jamie and Irving! hahahah this made my day

[@jaysmith8199]

Absolutely fascinating. I've never heard or seen these objects before so I've learnt a lot. The explanation was tremendous. Thank you Jamie

[@marianneb.7112]

Excellent! Thank you very much. ❤🎉

[@jayrich71]

I've grown to enjoy this channel very much. This channel never disappoints. ❤

[@rengarthedwarf4029]

This was wildly fascinating and extremely well-done!

[@schedelworld]

This was so fantastic! Thank you!

[@luisinlondon]

Fascinating. The objects in Jamie's hands really come to life and tell their tales. Having been to the exhibition, I really appreciate the depth of information he managed to fit in a few minutes. I hope we can see more of you in future, Jamie.

[@anooshs6689]

As a Persian I find this discussion to be fascinating. Thanks for sharing

[@patriciaoudart1508]

Very interesting with humor! I remember Irving about how greek medicine was considering the Levant one. I've never seen a democracy, ceramic or silver, this is always elite's luxury. The Anatolian Rython reminds me those found in Thracian's treasures. As I'm living in South East Bulgaria.

[@googiegress7459]

This was a lovely piece, thanks for all the hard work here.

[@annelambert9876]

Great insight and the Irving Finkel servant gig was superb! I love curators’ corners!

[@mellie4174]

Also just loved the whole video and especially the demonstration!

[@pepeabascal412]

Great work Jamie!

[@athenao4130]

Learned something new. Thank you for this.

[@edpark]

That. This was amazing. thank you.

[@marthavillegas6250]

The lovely Irving Finkel! Great addition to this video.

[@juliaconnell]

ok, far too busy right now - trying to find time to watch all this wonderful new content - was already enjoying immensely, thank you Jamie - before the young strapping servant bounded in... all my love to always wonderful Irving Finkle 💖💗💖 - to you both - *thank you* 🍷🥂🍷

[@HiharaKazukisan]

That was a very well presentation. Probably the most captivating historical story telling I’ve seen. Done give this man a documentary to direct!

[@creepinwhileyousleepin]

This is the deepest, art history style response Ive heard for why there's novelty drinking cups lol.

[@assya5937]

I was lucky enough to visit the museum and see the exhibition, I can't overstate how good it was, what an amazing job!

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Thank you. So interesting and so clearly expounded. Are there other examples of cross-cultural artisic influence?

[@amasulem]

Felt a bit Tomorrow's World (old UK tv series when demonstrations sometimes didn't go according to plan) when the demonstration kicked off. I liked this as it gives a bit of life behind the objects. Great job.

[@nemogotti4920]

That is some fantastic workmanship. The Persian wine rhyton was exquisite

[@streetographer]

Irving has never looked so strapping. 😂

[@melizen2]

Marvelous - thank you!

[@shannahenk1655]

Very cool! That bird cup, in particular, is amazing!

[@buzzyinurface]

WHAT a presentation! Amazing!

[@muddyfox50]

Brilliant, thank you

[@Myndness]

thanks for giving this great insight. My girlfriend and me just started doing some pottery and this was quite inspiring.

[@j__r0d]

these are the juicy details about history that I love the most! I want a bird mug now.

[@kuukeli]

thank you for the video

[@19cerni91]

this is most interesting thing i have seen this month. I am just an electritian, but i realy find it amazing. Good job

[@nancywysemen7196]

what a terrific teaching model.thank-you.

[@Boombox69in]

Excellent vibes, ty

[@pbingre]

A brilliant interpretation, James.

[@BlackReaper0]

This is very interesting, and the pouring moment was way too good.

[@dahak972]

I saw Irving talk in Newburgh, NY back in I think 2011 or 12. It was standing room only and everyone was completely enthralled.

[@gabrielsandoval4994]

Very interesting. Really enjoyed it. At 12:31 something you would find at a market in Tijuana 😊

[@jewel65]

This episode was hilarious! Good job guys!😂😂😂😂

[@wesleysanders8570]

Brilliant Video!

[@lwaldron9745]

@01:35 "... self-declared nemesis...." The Persian threat wasn't something the Hellenes just dreamed up.

[@dianafreeman3331]

Brilliant job as usual Jamie, you are a born educator, however keep an eye on that servant boy with a penchant for the contents of the rhyton Diana Freeman

[@girishgangan]

Sir, just marvelous 😊

[@borisdorofeev5602]

@4:52 I was lmao for real because that joke had layers and the timing was perfect.

[@OshinAttari]

قلبم میشکند وقتی میبینم میراث باستانی ایران در موزه های لندن ، پاریس و نیویورک است . ای کاش بتوانیم یک روز میراث اجدادمان را پس بگیریم!!!! 🇮🇷❤️

[@based-iranian]

نه اونجا بمونه بهتره چون نباید دست آخوندا بیوفته وگرنه همه رو می‌فروشن قاچاق میکنن یا خراب میکنن وقتی آخوندا رفتن بعدش پسشون میگیریم

[@lucasfrazee6562]

What a dope department to curate!

[@OzarksWildman]

I can pour box wine in a similar fashion 😂

[@davidcaldecoat7414]

Very informative

[@curtiswfranks]

Right on!

[@singing-sands]

Well done, Jamie Fraser!! Even though a certain "young professor" assisted in a most remarkable way!

[@joletapetty6706]

Not to overshadow your wonderful presentation, Jamie, well done mate! But that cameo from our resident crazy uncle Finkle was the gold plate on our silver wine pourer 😂

[@golDroger88]

He's a very good speaker.

[@98Zai]

Super cool video!

[@radicalrodriguez5912]

fun learning

[@acanthus_et_adonis8922]

The Irving Finkle cameo killed me oh my god--

[@abdullaho3008]

This was so awesome to watch to

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

It was kind of you to to give them credit.

[@catoelder4696]

AWESOME!

[@MSeanMcManus]

This video is fantastic.

[@tunafish_messiah4953]

My left ear had a great time listening to this video

[@ebybeehoney]

True comedic timing

[@ShawarMoni]

Das pretty dope yo!

[@robertdavenport6705]

There is no greater man of the world's nations than Irving ! Very instructive and entertaining session Jeremy.

[@finlayfraser9952]

Super!

[@twii6842]

the Irving is great

[@NickonStark]

The Irving is indeed great!

[@Akuryoutaisan21]

Amazing

[@nrm224]

Wow. Just wow.