Untangling Blackness in Greek Antiquity

This book explores the representations of blackness in Greek literature and visual culture from the fifth century BCE to the twenty-first century, challenging the ways in which it has been co-produced and misappropriated. It offers an anti-racist approach to depictions of black people, rejecting simplistic conflations or explanations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 271 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking and essential new book is the first comprehensive exploration of black skin color in ancient Greek literature and visual culture. Through meticulous analysis of representations of black Egyptians, Ethiopians, Indians, and Greeks, Sarah Derbew skillfully untangles the intricate and diverse ways in which blackness has been co-produced by ancient authors, artists, readers, audiences, and scholars. Delving into the fragile grip that race holds on skin coloration, the author uncovers the numerous silences, suppressions, and misappropriations of blackness within modern studies of Greek antiquity. Drawing upon performance studies and critical race theory, her book establishes an authoritative archaeology of blackness that reevaluates its significance. At the same time, it adopts a steadfastly anti-racist approach to depictions of black individuals, avoiding simplistic conflations or explanations.

The book's central argument revolves around the need to read and interpret articulations of blackness from the fifth century BCE to the twenty-first century in a nuanced and multifaceted manner. Derbew argues that blackness cannot be reduced to a singular or uniform phenomenon and that it must be understood as a complex and multifaceted construct shaped by a range of historical, social, and cultural factors. She emphasizes the importance of approaching representations of blackness with a critical eye and a willingness to challenge assumptions and stereotypes.

In the first chapter, Derbew provides a historical overview of the development of blackness as a concept in ancient Greek literature and visual culture. She traces the origins of blackness in ancient Egypt, where it was associated with the god Set and the concept of chaos. From Egypt, blackness spread to other parts of the ancient world, including Greece, where it was often depicted as a symbol of darkness, evil, or foreignness.

In the second chapter, Derbew explores the representations of blackness in ancient Greek literature, including works by Homer, Hesiod, and Sophocles. She analyzes how these authors depicted black characters and their relationships with other characters, and how they used blackness as a metaphor for various themes and ideas. Derbew also discusses the ways in which blackness was used to construct and reinforce social hierarchies and power dynamics.

In the third chapter, Derbew turns her attention to the representations of blackness in ancient Greek visual culture, including sculpture, pottery, and painting. She analyzes how these artists depicted black figures and their bodies, and how they used color and texture to convey different meanings and emotions. Derbew also discusses the ways in which blackness was used to promote or perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices.

In the fourth chapter, Derbew examines the ways in which blackness has been interpreted and understood by contemporary scholars. She discusses the various approaches and methodologies used by scholars to study blackness, including historical, cultural, and literary analysis. Derbew also highlights the challenges and limitations of these approaches, and the need for a more interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to understanding blackness.

In the final chapter, Derbew offers a series of conclusions and recommendations for how to read and interpret articulations of blackness from the fifth century BCE to the twenty-first century. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity and complexity of black experiences and the need to approach representations of blackness with empathy, respect, and a commitment to social justice. Derbew also calls for a more inclusive and diverse representation of black people in ancient Greek literature and visual culture, and for a greater recognition of the contributions of black scholars and artists to the field.

Overall, "Black Skin in Ancient Greek Literature and Visual Culture" is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the field of ancient studies. By providing a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of representations of blackness in ancient Greek literature and visual culture, Derbew challenges traditional assumptions and stereotypes and offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the complex and multifaceted nature of blackness. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of ancient history, literature, art, and race studies alike.

Weight: 445g
ISBN-13: 9781108817912