?Prof Philip Bosman from the Department of Ancient Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 delivered his inaugural lecture on Thursday 18 September 2025. The title of his lecture was “The Greeks and us: ancient texts in the academic quest".
Bosman spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about the enduring value of texts from Classical Antiquity, especially ancient Greek literature.
Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.
I am currently engaged in several projects centred on ancient Greek literature. The first explores the sources of Alexander the Great, and my contribution focuses on Onesicritus, a near-contemporary author who wrote a biography of Alexander emphasising his education. The second project examines imperial correspondence in Late Antiquity. I write on the letters of the emperor Julian, which represent the most extensive collection of letters by any Roman emperor.
The third project investigates the term 'cynic' – derived from the Greek word for 'dog' – for a volume on 'Humanimal Ecologies'. Finally, I'm part of a team in a joint project with the 中国体育彩票 of Ghent and the 中国体育彩票 of the Western Cape, entitled 'Responsive governance and population well-being in Late Antiquity'. For this, I am preparing a paper for an international conference in Stellenbosch in November, exploring whether the emperor Julian was a responsive ruler.
From a certain point in one's career you get involved in projects either because you are directly asked, or because you feel you have an important perspective to offer.
How would you describe the relevance of your work?
Classical Antiquity has been the inspiration behind some of the greatest periods of revival and renewal in history – just think of the role that an influx of ancient Greek texts played to awaken Europe from its medieval slumber!
Ancient intellectuals laid the foundations for most of the sciences, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, geography, literary criticism, philosophy, history, political science, and law. These works continue to influence architects, artists, musicians, and writers across various fields. I can go on like this for a while. The discipline still has so much to offer to our young and developing continent.
How would you describe the role of ancient Greek philology within modern tertiary education?
The ancient Greek authors address so many contemporary issues, and we attempt to make them speak while also taking serious account of their own contexts. Some of the most influential texts ever were written in Greek.
On the classical side, there is great literature like the Homeric epics and the Attic tragedy, but also the works of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, and the historiographers and biographers, to list the more obvious.
On the side of Christian literature, the New Testament with its really powerful texts was of course also written in Greek, as were the writings of the early Church. By offering profound insights into thought and culture, the study of ancient Greek texts remains central to the humanities.
What challenges does classical philology face in higher education today?
I think our greatest challenge is the widespread misunderstanding of what classical philology entails and why it is pursued at universities. Modern views on higher education often prioritise utilitarian outcomes, and because it's expensive, it is regarded as an investment from which financial dividends like a well-paying career is expected. The formative disciplines of the humanities in general share this challenge of not articulating directly into a career path.
We pride ourselves in producing graduates with a distinct set of graduate attributes, but in a small and developing economy like ours it's not easy to effectively communicate these benefits to the job market.
What are some of the unique rewards the discipline offers?
For students of theology, philosophy, or history, being able to read foundational texts in their original Greek is profoundly empowering. Classical philology is unique in its scope, encompassing an entire culture from its origins to its decline, offering unparalleled breadth and depth. This makes the discipline both challenging and endlessly engaging, ensuring that for a classicist there is never a dull moment.
You have spent many years in the challenging environment of higher education. What keeps you motivated when things get tough?
Firstly, there is always something new to focus on in the field of ancient studies – more than what one person can deal with in a lifetime. For the past few decades now, we have been experiencing an exciting discipline renewal.
Secondly, we have lovely students working in our field, and it's hugely rewarding just to see them developing and maturing into good scholars and well-rounded persons.
Thirdly, my research has over the years taken me to international conferences and inspiring institutions of intellectual accomplishment.
Finally, I had the opportunity to meet very special people: a focused research area fosters a sense of collegiality and camaraderie that motivates me to do my best whatever the challenges.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.
Well, some may find it surprising that I am a 'morfar' (the grandfather on the mother's side in Swedish). My daughter Charlotte lives in Vendels?, Sweden, and little Madeleine has just started walking and talking.
I also recently completed my tenth Cape Town Cycle Tour. I was an avid cyclist when I was younger and started cycling again three years ago. I now have a proper mountain bike and intend to branch out to gravel racing.
How do you spend your free time?
Mostly with my family, on our stoep with coffee or having a braai. We love walking our dogs in the Botmaskop woods above our neighbourhood. I also belong to a wine-tasting group and enjoy learning more about wine and the latest happenings on the wine scene. A good thing about wine is that it's so diversified (the most diversified product in the world, they say), and it changes with every vintage!
- Photo: Prof Philip Bosman at his inaugural lecture. Photographer: Ignus Dreyer
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