My first post on Substack
Learning, and a little introduction about me, a historian and writer.
I am Sebastián Panatt, a historian and writer from Chile, with more than 8 years of studies that led me to specialise in Classical Antiquity, in particular in the history of Carthage, and among certain ravings, to publish two book sagas of fiction and science fiction, something that many would tell me (and have told me), that could not be further from the idea of what a historian does or should do. But to discuss how my academic training as a historian shaped me as a writer, even as a science fiction writer, we'll have plenty to talk about later.
This is a first post to see how the platform works (I'm just getting acquainted with this world) and to talk a bit to introduce myself and the topics that I am passionate about and that have shaped the last years of my life, and that I intend to share in the form of different reflections and articles with you.
First of all, I have already mentioned that I am a historian, from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, with a master's degree in history that I obtained after 8 years of studies that led me to specialise in Classical Antiquity and in particular in the history of Carthage, always from a historiographical approach –as our colleagues in the academy would so much like to say– cultural and military. I find the mix in both areas of historiographical study fascinating in that the relationship is organic. The great events that shaped the culture and military narratives shared by the peoples of Antiquity cannot be understood without the combined application of both concepts.
But let's not digress. This first post is not meant to get us fully into the discussion. We are left with cultural and military history. In that spectrum, politics are relevant, becoming a cornerstone of the issues we will be discussing. Thus, politics in general, especially in these turbulent times, can become part of my reflections and discussions that may pop up. In times like these, perhaps we will learn to put the study of History to new uses...
Thus, we are better defining this profile and what we can expect: to talk about the people of Antiquity, their cities and empires, daily issues that occupied them, warfare, politics, controversial issues and others related to the current reality in which we live. This will be accompanied by recommendations and reviews of books and other types of productions such as films set in the Ancient world (let's start by making it clear that I am not a big fan of the work and manipulation that Hollywood does with the collective imaginary of antiquity).
You can also expect reviews and recommendations for trips to places of archaeological value. In the last few years I have been fortunate enough to have travelled through great centres of the ancient Mediterranean world and I have a gallery of photos and a lot of experiences that I am eager to share with those who appreciate these subjects.
I certainly want to create a community and speak with you, and thus expand my passion for history, particularly a history that is so manipulated by the victors as that of the Carthaginians. I am writing a historical novel about the history of this beautiful city, and soon I hope to be telling you more about it, and even to be able to share some progress with you.
For those who read me, thank you very much! I welcome any kind of suggestions, from follow-ups to ideas on who I should follow, or how best to get this going.
We love Ancient History here and we have a lot to tell!
I’ll leave here a picture I took earlier this year (2024) in Carthage, at the ruins that can be seen on the Byrsa Hill, where the Tyrian settlers founded the city in the 9th century BC. In the background, in an easterly direction, the white buildings of modern Carthage can be seen.
Greetings and thank you very much!