A Wonder to Behold: Admiration as a Social Emotion in the Ancient World.

The article explores the concept of admiration as a social emotion in the ancient world, focusing on the Homeric phrase θαῦμα ἰδέσθαι, meaning "a wonder to behold." It analyzes how this formula is used in ancient Greek epic poetry to highlight crafted objects and scenes, often emphasizing works in progress and collective female labor, such as weaving or armor-making, rather than completed artifacts. The discussion connects these literary expressions of admiration to broader cultural values, including the role of wonder as a catalyst for learning and philosophy, and suggests that such poetic formulas may have been strategically employed to engage specific audiences, particularly women. The article also situates ancient admiration within a wider historical and social context, noting its complexity and its function in recognizing both visible and often overlooked contributions to cultural achievements.