Shelby Brown
Education Specialist
Bio
Shelby is a classical archaeologist and classicist who decided at age 11 while visiting Mayan ruins that the past was going to be her future. There's nothing more interesting than trying to see through the eyes of someone who lived thousands of years ago. (She also likes science fiction, so ditto for thousands of years in the future.)
Shelby has spent most of her career teaching about the ancient Mediterranean world, and in 2011 she joined the Getty Museum at the Getty Villa as an education specialist for academic and adult audiences. Her research interests include Latin language and poetry, gender studies, violence in the ancient world, and ancient theater.
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Stories
Baking Bread the Roman Way
Article
Honor Ceres, the goddess of wheat, with this ancient recipe
Why Are Ancient Greek Phalluses Funny?
Article
Laughter, power, and protection in the ancient world
Where Did Writing Come From?
Article
The rise, fall, and rediscovery of cuneiform
The Enduring Stories of Homer’s Odyssey
Article
On the occasion of The Troubadour Theater Company’s comedic retelling of the Odyssey
A Non-Philosopher’s Guide to Plato
Article
An archaeologist-classicist introduces Plato’s ideas and shows how contemporary artists are exploring them today
The Getty Villa Guide to the Ancient Olympics
Article
Learn the essentials about nudity, oil, core events, and victory in the ancient Greek Olympics—plus where to read more
Potions and Poisons: Classical Ancestors of the Wicked Witch, Part 2
Article
Another powerful, formidable proto-witch from ancient Greek and Roman drama: Medea
Potions and Poisons: Classical Ancestors of the Wicked Witch, Part 1
Article
Our idea of an old witch making evil potions can be traced back to a more benign Greek origin (later morphed by the Romans)
Reclining and Dining (and Drinking) in Ancient Greece
Article
The practice of reclining to dine and drink spread throughout the Mediterranean
The Seven Plagues of the Ancient Roman City Dweller
Article
Think city living is a struggle today? The ancient Romans had it just as tough, giving their poets plenty to complain about