Adrienne Mayor, a renowned folklorist and historian of ancient science, delves into the realms of natural knowledge embedded in pre-scientific myths and oral traditions. Her exploration focuses on ancient “folk science” antecedents and parallels to contemporary scientific methodologies. Mayor’s scholarly pursuits have unveiled intriguing insights into historical oddities and scientific curiosities.
Mayor’s academic journey includes a tenure as a Berggruen Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University from 2018 to 2019. Her latest works, “Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws” and “Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs,” delve into the ancient origins of biochemical warfare and the interplay between myths, historical oddities, and scientific discoveries.
In her book “Gods and Robots,” Mayor investigates how ancient Greeks envisioned automatons, replicants, and Artificial Intelligence in myths, which later inspired the creation of self-moving devices and robots. She also delves into the historical and archaeological evidence surrounding warrior women in her book “The Amazons,” which earned her the prestigious Sarasvati Prize for Women in Mythology.
Mayor’s contributions extend to shedding light on pre-Darwinian fossil traditions in classical antiquity and Native America, pioneering a new field within geomythology. Her acclaimed biography “The Poison King” chronicles the life of Mithradates, Rome’s formidable adversary in the first century BC, earning her accolades such as the Gold Medal for Biography from the Independent Publishers’ Book Award.
Mayor’s impactful research and writings have garnered international attention, with her works translated into multiple languages, including French, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. She has been featured in various esteemed platforms such as NPR, BBC, the History Channel, the New York Times, Smithsonian, and National Geographic, amplifying the reach of her historical insights and scholarly contributions.
Mayor’s in-depth analysis of fossil legends is prominently featured in educational materials like the National Geographic children’s book “The Griffin and the Dinosaur,” showcasing her ability to make complex historical narratives accessible to a broader audience.
As a research scholar in the Classics Department at Stanford University, Mayor continues to enrich the academic landscape with her interdisciplinary approach that bridges ancient traditions with modern scientific inquiry. Her dedication to unraveling historical oddities and unearthing scientific marvels serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the realms of folklore, history, and science.
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