Professor of Classics
College of Letters & Science | Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Hometown: Monona, WI
Jeff Beneker earned his BS in Industrial Engineering and Computer Science from UW-Madison, and his PhD in Classics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His research is on biographical and historical literature written by ancient Greeks and Romans, especially Plutarch of Chaeronea. He has published a book on Plutarch’s Lives (Oxford 2012) and translations of Plutarch’s essays on politics and education (Princeton 2019, 2026), in addition to numerous articles and translations of medieval texts. He teaches courses in ancient civilization, religion, and mythology.
Talks:
Should Old Men Engage in Politics?
This talk draws on modern examples, such as Leo Messi and Joe Biden, to illustrate ancient Greek and Roman advice about the role of elders in leadership positions. Ancient authors encouraged experienced politicians to remain engaged, but also warned them of the pitfalls of refusing to relinquish power.
Truth and Fiction in Greek and American Mythology
A myth is usually assumed to be false, but myths also convey important truths about the past and present. This talk demonstrates the power of myth, in both ancient Greece and modern America, to communicate deeply held beliefs about important historical figures, such as Alexander the Great and George Washington.