Dr. Alan Macniven, a senior lecturer and head of the Scandinavian Studies department at the University of Edinburgh, joins Lexie to discuss whether learning Old Norse is a requirement to study the Vikings, the importance of place names in Scotland & Ireland, and why Vikings have a bad reputation as raiding barbarians when everyone else did it too. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com!
Note: Dr. Macniven suggests a nice Laphroaig Islay malt as a good listening companion to this podcast and this episode in particular. Get a bottle of the suggested whiskey here: https://www.laphroaig.com/en/shop-global/whiskies. Just remember - don't drink it 'neat', or with ice. Remember to add a splash of water to help bring the flavour out!
As an expert in place-names, Dr. Macniven further explained, “While derived from a local Gaelic place-name meaning 'The Hollow of Proaig', it appears to build on an earlier Viking place-name, ‘Breiðvík’, meaning 'Broad Bay', which accurately describes the topography.”
Impress your peers with either of the following toasts: Slàinte Mhath (pronounced slanj-a-va) meaning 'good health' in Gaelic or the Scandinavian Skál (pronounced scowl). Cheers!
Learn more about Dr. Macniven: https://www.ed.ac.uk/profile/alan-macniven
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject
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Episode 24 - Dr. Alan Macniven
Ancient Office Hours
Ancient Office Hours
Dr. Perrine Poiron, an Egyptologist/historian and former historical consultant on Assassin’s Creed Origins, joins Lexie to discuss why she chose to focus on the cat goddess Bastet, why we should learn more modern languages when studying antiquity, tips & tricks for archaeogaming with younger kids, her experience consulting on Assassin’s Creed Origins. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey!
Note: At the time of this recording, Perrine was in the final stages of completing her doctorate. She has since successfully defended her dissertation. Brava Dr. Poiron!
Check out her work on the Assassin’s Creed Origins Discovery Tour: https://store.ubi.com/us/game/?lang=en_US&pid=5a7d728d0c8ee45b54018f23&dwvar_5a7d728d0c8ee45b54018f23_Platform=pcdl&edition=Ancient%20Egypt&source=detail
Learn more about Discovery Tour mode: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/discovery-tour?isSso=true&refreshStatus=noLoginData
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject
Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds.
Get exclusive bonus content (ad free episodes, early releases, and experimental content) on Patreon!