"Plague bad, light good"

Mary Beard discusses  the complications that can arise when filming on the ancient Acropolis:

The script vetting [by the Greek authorities] comes right down to the interpretation of classical history and culture. Try saying that the god Apollo was a god of plague as well as of light and purity and, I'm told, you'll have a struggle on your hands. You'll need to go armed to the vetting meeting with a copy of the Iliad (which says just that) under your arm, and be prepared for a fight. (The fact is that Greek authorities dont like nasty aspersions being cast on their ancient gods. Plague bad, light good.)

I'm reminded of our Greek tour guide who defended Heinrich Schliemann on a daily basis. But, as I came to find out, so does Michael Wood (In Search of the Trojan War). Pin It