Podcast
Classical Wisdom Speaks
Hosted by Classical Wisdom · EN
A Podcast dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. This podcast is provided by Classical Wisdom, to learn more check out www.classicalwisdom.com
25episodes
Episodes
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Secrets of Forgotten Pharaohs
1w ago00:39:07Tap to summarizeThe Amarna Letters: Love, War & Diplomacy in the Bronze Age World | Eric ClineWhat can 3,400-year-old diplomatic letters teach us about international politics, trade, misinformation, and human nature?Archaeologist and historian Eric Cline reveals the extraordinary story of the Amarna Letters: hundreds of clay tablets that uncovered a thriving, interconnected Bronze Age world. From royal marriages and diplomatic rivalries to trade networks, proxy wars, and political intrigue, these ancient letters offer a rare window into life before the collapse of the Late Bronze Age.If you're fascinated by ancient history, Egypt, the Bronze Age, archaeology, diplomacy, or the origins of globalization, this episode will transform how you think about the ancient world, and its surprising similarities to our own.KEY TOPICS COVEREDWhat the Amarna Letters are and why they matterThe discovery of the tablets in EgyptAkhenaten, Amenhotep III, and Bronze Age diplomacyInternational trade and globalization in the ancient worldRoyal marriages, gifts, and political alliancesHow historians deciphered the Amarna archiveThe Late Bronze Age international systemProxy wars, misinformation, and political intrigueWhy the Bronze Age feels surprisingly modernWhat the letters reveal about human natureThe world before the Bronze Age CollapseTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction & the discovery of the Amarna Letters01:48 Why Eric Cline wrote this book03:00 How the tablets were found in Egypt05:06 The archive of Akhenaten & Amenhotep III09:07 Why the letters changed ancient history11:15 Akhenaten and the Bronze Age world12:39 The Late Bronze Age international network14:24 A prosperous world before collapse16:28 Deciphering the tablets18:18 Surprising insights from the letters20:54 Proxy wars & Bronze Age politics23:24 The reality behind royal correspondence28:00 Diplomacy, trade & international relations33:03 Why the Bronze Age still matters today35:08 Human nature across 3,000 years37:22 Final thoughts & closingIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more deep dives into ancient history, archaeology, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the civilizations that shaped our world.Comment below: What surprised you most about the Amarna Letters? Do you think the Bronze Age world was more connected than most people realize?LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1👉 FULL podcast: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/when-the-world-was-already-global👉 Buy Eric Cline's book on the Amarna Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Love-War-Diplomacy-Discovery-Revealed/dp/0691274088GUESTEric Cline: Professor of Classics and Anthropology at George Washington University, archaeologist, and bestselling author of 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed, After 1177 B.C., and Love, War, and Diplomacy: The Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Reveal. His research focuses on the Late Bronze Age, ancient Egypt, archaeology, and the interconnected civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean.#AmarnaLetters #BronzeAge #AncientEgypt #Archaeology #AncientHistory
Transcribe →Life Lessons From the Odyssey: Strength, Resilience, and Purpose
2w ago00:51:32Tap to summarizeWhat can Homer's Odyssey teach us about resilience, trauma, grief, purpose, and living a meaningful life in the modern world?Clinical psychologist Dr. Sam Akbar joins Classical Wisdom Speaks to explore why The Odyssey remains one of the most powerful guides to human psychology ever written. Drawing on her work with trauma survivors and refugees, she reveals how Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus offer timeless lessons on resilience, emotional growth, identity, belonging, and finding your way home, both literally and psychologically.Whether you're interested in Greek mythology, psychology, mental health, personal growth, Stoicism, or Homer's epic poetry, this conversation will change how you read The Odyssey.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe psychology of Homer's OdysseyWhy Odysseus still resonates with modern readersResilience, trauma, and post-traumatic growthWhat refugees can teach us about the meaning of homeWhy flawed heroes are more inspiring than perfect onesPenelope's hidden psychological strengthTelemachus and the journey to adulthoodGrief, loss, and personal transformationAncient wisdom for modern mental healthCommunity, loneliness, and the Greek concept of xeniaFinding purpose and defining your own IthacaTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introducing Dr. Sam Akbar & The Odyssey Mindset01:40 Psychology meets Classics05:06 What Homer understood about human nature07:42 Why Odysseus still resonates today12:18 Trauma, refugees & reading Homer differently16:10 The Odyssey as a post-war story20:00 Resilience, acceptance & psychological growth22:07 Penelope and quiet resistance24:00 What does “home” really mean?30:00 Telemachus, mentorship & growing up34:50 Grief, loss & personal odysseys41:20 Community, loneliness & modern life45:00 Catharsis, collective healing & ancient wisdom50:10 Final reflectionsIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more discussions on Ancient Greece, philosophy, psychology, mythology, and the timeless lessons hidden in classical texts.Comment below: What is your personal “Ithaca”? What lesson from The Odyssey has stayed with you the most?🔗 LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1👉 Buy The Odyssey Mindset by Dr. Sam Akbar: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/dr-sam-akbar/the-odyssey-mindset/9781035090549GUESTDr. Sam Akbar is a clinical psychologist, a Classics graduate from University of Oxford, and author of The Odyssey Mindset: Seven Timeless Lessons on Resilience, Strength, and Purpose. Her work combines psychology, trauma research, resilience, and classical literature to uncover practical lessons from the ancient world.#TheOdyssey #GreekMythology #Psychology #AncientWisdom #PersonalGrowth
Transcribe →The Secret Legacy of Rome's Scholar-Slaves
3w ago00:40:22Tap to summarizeIntellectual Slaves in Ancient Rome: The Hidden Minds Behind Roman Literature & PowerWhat is an intellectual slave, and why did some of the most educated people in ancient Rome live in bondage?In this fascinating conversation, Princeton classics professor Harriet Flower reveals the overlooked world of learned slaves and educated freedmen in Republican Rome. Discover how enslaved scholars, poets, editors, teachers, and philosophers helped shape Roman culture, literature, politics, and intellectual life, and why some were worth fortunes to Rome’s elite.If you're interested in Roman history, slavery in the ancient world, classical literature, or the hidden figures behind great civilizations, this episode offers a completely new perspective on how knowledge, power, and status worked in ancient Rome.KEY TOPICS COVEREDWhat an “intellectual slave” was in ancient RomeHow educated slaves differed from common perceptions of slaveryWhy Roman elites invested heavily in slave educationThe connection between slavery, literature, and cultural prestigeHow scholars, poets, editors, and philosophers lived within elite householdsFamous intellectual slaves and freedmen of the Roman RepublicThe economics of highly educated slavesWhy some learned slaves were worth enormous fortunesHow freedmen influenced Roman politics and publishingThe role of education, authorship, and intellectual labor in Roman societyWhat these forgotten lives reveal about power and culture in the ancient worldTIMESTAMPS00:00 What is an intellectual slave?00:55 Educated slaves & freedmen in Rome02:50 How intellectuals became enslaved06:43 Why Romans educated slaves08:58 Philosophy, literature & elite culture10:12 Educated slaves as luxury assets13:07 Roman attitudes toward slavery15:16 Jobs performed by intellectual slaves18:35 The most expensive slave in Rome21:18 Intellectuals as status symbols22:23 Atticus and his scholarly household25:13 Captured scholars as war prizes27:00 Archimedes and the value of genius30:05 Rome's intellectual ecosystem33:22 Speechwriters, advisers & hidden influence37:03 Which intellectual slave deserves a movie?39:26 Final thoughts & closingIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more deep dives into ancient history, classical philosophy, and the hidden stories that shaped civilization.Comment below: Which aspect of Roman slavery surprised you most? Were intellectual slaves collaborators, status symbols, victims of circumstance... or all three?LINKS👉 FULL EPISODE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/the-price-of-knowledge-in-ancient 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Buy Harriet Flower's Book on Educated Slaves: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691266169/intellectual-property?srsltid=AfmBOor5mD_3-q-hH28k8MpgzGhPMS3qVKSFtkJwak5seb7ryczBzu8x🎙️ GUESTHarriet FlowerAndrew Fleming West Professor of Classics at Princeton University and author of Intellectual Property: Learned Slaves and Educated Freemen in Republican Rome. Her research explores Roman history, slavery, political culture, and the intellectual networks that shaped the ancient world.#AncientRome #RomanHistory #Classics #AncientHistory #SlaveryInRome
Transcribe →The Power of the Bull
4w ago00:47:52Tap to summarizeWhy Did Ancient Civilizations Worship Bulls?From the Minotaur to Taurus, explore how bull symbolism shaped mythology, religion, power, and identity across the ancient world.This episode is for anyone fascinated by ancient mythology, symbolism, religion, and the hidden meanings behind ancient cultures.Author and researcher Stephen Palmer explores the history of bull worship in the ancient world, from prehistoric cave art and fertility rituals to Greek mythology, and the enduring cultural power of the bull. The conversation dives into why bulls became such important symbols of strength, masculinity, divinity, sacrifice, and cosmic order across civilizations.You’ll also discover how ancient myths and symbols still influence modern culture today: from astrology and storytelling to politics, identity, and human psychology.If you’ve ever wondered why the bull appears everywhere in mythology and history, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into one of humanity’s oldest symbols.KEY TOPICS COVERED• Why bulls were worshipped in ancient civilizations • Bull symbolism in Greek mythology and religion • Taurus and the zodiac explained • The Minotaur and Minoan Crete • Bulls as symbols of masculinity, power, and fertility • Ancient rituals, sacrifice, and sacred animals • Mythology, storytelling, and oral cultures • Nature, stars, and symbolic thinking in prehistory • Shamanism and animal spirit symbolism • Why ancient myths still shape modern culture • The psychological power of symbols and stories • What mythology teaches us about human nature TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction & Stephen Palmer01:12 Why the bull became a sacred symbol03:45 Bull worship in prehistory06:18 Bulls in ancient mythology and religion09:52 Taurus and the zodiac explained13:40 The Minotaur and Minoan symbolism18:07 Bulls, kingship, and political power22:31 Fertility rituals and sacred sacrifice27:46 Why ancient cultures relied on symbols31:12 Myth, storytelling, and oral traditions35:25 Shamanism and animal spirit guides40:18 Nature as the source of ancient symbols41:53 Losing our connection with nature42:46 Why studying mythology still matters today43:01 Bull symbolism and modern culture45:20 Why storytelling shapes human identity46:29 The danger of symbols we don’t understand46:54 “Question everything”47:04 Final reflections & closing thoughtsIf you enjoy conversations about ancient mythology, history, symbolism, and philosophy, subscribe for more deep dives into the ancient world.Why do you think the bull became such a powerful symbol across so many civilizations? Let us know in the comments.LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1👉 Guest links: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Taurus-Stephen-Palmer-ebook/dp/B0CTJJGSCGGUESTStephen Palmer is the author of twenty genre novels, ranging from eco-SF through dark fantasy to steampunk. His short stories have been widely published, and he is the author of the book Tangerine Dream In The 1970sHASHTAGS#AncientHistory #GreekMythology #Taurus #Mythology #AncientCivilizations
Transcribe →Should We Teach Philosophy to Children?
May 2100:25:15Tap to summarizeShould philosophy start in childhood?Discover how philosophy for children can improve critical thinking, empathy, communication, and emotional resilience in the modern world.This episode is for parents, teachers, students, and anyone interested in philosophy, education, psychology, and child development.Dr. Maria Kasmirli explores why philosophy should be introduced to children from an early age—not as abstract academic theory, but as a way of encouraging curiosity, dialogue, reasoning, and deeper thinking. The conversation looks at how philosophical discussion helps children develop confidence, communication skills, empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate disagreement constructively.The episode also examines the growing importance of these skills in an age shaped by social media, polarization, distraction, and shallow conversation. Rather than teaching children what to think, philosophy teaches them how to think: how to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and engage thoughtfully with other people.If you’ve ever wondered whether philosophy belongs in schools, or why critical thinking matters more than ever, this conversation offers a powerful and practical answer.KEY TOPICS COVEREDWhy philosophy should be taught to childrenPhilosophy for Children (P4C) explainedTeaching curiosity, questioning, and critical thinkingHow dialogue improves empathy and communicationPhilosophy and emotional resilienceLearning how to disagree respectfullyConfidence, vulnerability, and intellectual humilityThe role of parents and teachers as role modelsSocial media and the decline of meaningful conversationWhy philosophy matters in modern educationHelping children think independentlyPhilosophy as preparation for citizenship and lifeTIMESTAMPS00:00 Should we teach philosophy to children?00:31 Introduction to Dr. Maria Kasmirli00:51 Why philosophy for children matters01:17 What philosophy for children actually looks like01:51 Questioning, reasoning, and analysis skills02:12 Why children naturally enjoy philosophical thinking03:42 Building confidence through discussion05:11 Philosophy and emotional intelligence07:04 Why disagreement is valuable09:26 The importance of listening and dialogue11:48 Philosophy beyond the classroom14:17 Can philosophy make us better citizens?16:45 Social media, distraction, and modern communication18:56 Intellectual humility and vulnerability20:42 Teaching through example23:16 Why role models matter in education24:27 Final reflectionsIf you enjoy conversations about philosophy, education, psychology, and the big ideas shaping society, subscribe for more episodes exploring timeless questions and modern challenges.Do you think philosophy should be taught in schools from an early age? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Full podcast: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/from-plato-to-the-playground-whyGUESTDr. Maria Kasmirli – Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield specializing in philosophy, education, and Philosophy for Children (P4C). Her work focuses on helping young people develop critical thinking, dialogue, and reflective skills through philosophy.HASHTAGS#Philosophy #Education #CriticalThinking #PhilosophyForChildren #ChildDevelopment
Transcribe →Does Ancient History Have A Future?
May 1401:18:51Tap to summarizeWhat Is the Future of Ancient History? In this deep, thought-provoking discussion, leading historians and philosophers explore what “ancient history” really means, how it’s taught today, and why it matters more than ever. If you’re interested in history, philosophy, education, or the future of the humanities, this episode will challenge how you think about the ancient world—and your place in it. KEY TOPICS COVERED • What ancient history actually means (and what it doesn’t) • Why it’s not just about Greece and Rome • The global vs. local debate in studying the ancient world • How ancient civilizations shaped modern society • The difference between “ancient history” and “classics” • Why academic institutions teach history the way they do • The decline of classics departments and what it means • How studying the past expands imagination and future possibilities • The importance of comparative history across cultures • The future of history, education, and universities If this changed how you think about history, hit subscribe for more deep conversations.Drop a comment: What does “ancient history” mean to you? LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1Buy Books by the Guests: 👉 Angie Hobbs’s “Why Plato Matters Now” https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/why-plato-matters-now-9781399403412/👉 Walter Scheidel's “What is Ancient History?” https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691236650/what-is-ancient-history👉 Barry Strauss’ “Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire” https://www.amazon.com/Jews-vs-Rome-Centuries-Rebellion/dp/1668009595GUESTS Walter Scheidel – Stanford professor, historian, and author of What Is Ancient History? Barry Strauss – Historian and bestselling author on ancient Rome and military history Angie Hobbs – Professor of Philosophy and expert on Plato and ancient thought HASHTAGS #AncientHistory #HistoryExplained #Classics #Philosophy #Humanities
Transcribe →The Ancients and the Afterlife: Mythology, Mourning, and Mummies
May 701:08:22Tap to summarizeWhat Did Ancient People Believe About Death and the Afterlife?Robert Garland explores how Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and other ancient cultures understood death, grief, burial, and the afterlife. This episode is for anyone fascinated by ancient history, mythology, religion, and the human experience of death. Classicist Robert Garland discusses how ancient civilizations approached mortality: from Greek ideas of Hades and the afterlife to Egyptian burial practices, reincarnation, grief, cremation, and ritual. Drawing from his book What to Expect When You’re Dead, he reveals how ancient beliefs about death shaped culture, religion, and everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered how the ancient world dealt with life’s biggest mystery, this conversation offers a fascinating and surprisingly human exploration of death across civilizations. KEY TOPICS COVEREDAncient Greek beliefs about the afterlife Homer’s Odyssey and the underworld Egyptian burial rituals and mummification Reincarnation and Pythagoras Greek funeral customs and expressions of grief The Eleusinian Mysteries and salvation beliefs Roman views of death and punishment after death Ancient cremation and burial practices The psychology of grief in the ancient world What ancient cultures can teach us about mortality today.If you enjoy conversations about ancient history, mythology, and philosophy, subscribe for more deep dives into the ancient world. Which ancient belief about death or the afterlife surprised you most? Let us know in the comments. LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1👉 Buy Robert Garland's book "What To Expect When You're Dead": https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-When-Youre-Dead/dp/0691266174GUEST Robert Garland is the Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Professor Emeritus of the Classics at Colgate University. He’s written extensively about ancient life and death in books like The Greek Way of Death, Wandering Greeks, and What to Expect When You're Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife. #AncientHistory #GreekMythology #Afterlife #RobertGarland #AncientGreece
Transcribe →The Man Who Tried to Save Athenian Democracy
Apr 3000:32:15Tap to summarizeThis episode is for anyone interested in ancient Greece, democracy, political history, and rhetoric, especially if you want to understand how the past connects to modern political challenges. You’ll learn who Demosthenes was, how he rose to power through oratory and persuasion, and why he became known as democracy’s defender during the rise of Macedon under Philip II. This conversation explores the fragility of democracy, the role of speech in politics, and the dangers of misinformation: issues that feel just as urgent today. If you want a deeper understanding of how **ancient political systems worked AND failed** this episode offers powerful insights.KEY IDEAS Who Demosthenes was and why he matters Ancient Athenian democracy explained The rise of Macedon and Philip II Democracy vs monarchy in ancient Greece The power of rhetoric and political persuasion Rivalry between Demosthenes and Aeschines The Battle of Chaeronea and Athens’ defeat How misinformation and emotional speech shaped politicsLessons from ancient democracy for today’s world Why Demosthenes remains a controversial figure TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & James Romm 00:50 Setting the stage: Athens in the 4th century BC 04:08 Rise of political oratory in Athens 05:20 Democracy and the power of speech 08:06 Rise of Philip II and Macedon 10:31 Democracy vs monarchy 12:07 Why Athens was treated differently 14:24 Demosthenes’ early life and speech training 19:08 Political rivals and propaganda 20:19 Fake news and attacks in ancient politics 22:30 Athens decides to fight Macedon 23:29 The Battle of Chaeronea 24:06 Did Demosthenes fail? 25:13 His legacy and historical debate 26:31 What we can learn from ancient democracy 27:05 Misinformation and political chaos 28:03 Trust, leadership, and public decision-making 29:32 Final reflections on democracyIf you’re fascinated by ancient history and its connection to modern politics, subscribe for more deep dives like this. What do you think: was Demosthenes a hero or a misguided idealist? Share your thoughts below. LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Watch the FULL episode: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/democracys-last-defender 👉 Buy Demosthenes: Democracy's https://www.amazon.com/Demosthenes-Democracys-Defender-Ancient-Lives/dp/0300269382 GUEST James Romm is Professor of Classics at Bard College and acclaimed author of multiple books on ancient Greece, specializing in Greek history, politics, and biography. He will also be speaking at our upcoming LIVE event "Why Myth Matters", as part of an incredible group of prestigious philosophers, preeminent professors and best-selling authors.Learn more and register to join us HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/why-myth-matters-tickets-1988334531107?aff=oddtdtcreator #AncientGreece #Demosthenes #GreekHistory #Democracy #PoliticalHistory
Transcribe →The Misunderstood Myth: Persephone, Hades & Demeter
Apr 2301:19:20Tap to summarizeWhat does the story of Demeter really tell us about loss, power, and the human experience? In this episode, renowned translator and classicist Diane Rayor unpacks the Homeric Hymn to Demeter: one of the most powerful and enduring myths from ancient Greece. Far more than just a story about gods, this hymn explores grief, motherhood, identity, and the fragile balance between life and death. Diane Rayor brings her deep expertise and fresh translation work to the conversation, revealing layers of meaning that are often missed in traditional readings. Together, we explore how this ancient text speaks to universal human emotions, and why it still resonates thousands of years later. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The core story of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and its significance How Demeter’s grief shapes the natural world and human experience The role of Persephone and what her story represents Why this hymn was central to ancient Greek religion and ritual How translation choices affect our understanding of ancient texts What this myth can (and can’t) tell us about life today TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Diane Rayor 01:30 What is the Homeric Hymn to Demeter? 04:10 The story of Demeter and Persephone 08:45 Themes of grief, loss, and motherhood 12:20 The Eleusinian Mysteries and religious context 16:00 Translation choices and interpretation 20:10 Why this myth still matters today If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about ancient texts and their meaning, subscribe for more episodes with leading scholars and translators. What does this myth mean to you? LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Diane's Translations of the Homeric Hymns: https://www.amazon.com/Homeric-Hymns-Translation-Introduction-Literature/dp/0520282116 👉 Audio Recordings of Sappho: A New Translation of the Complete Works: cambridge.org/sappho 👉 No Reply Press: https://www.noreplypress.com/ Featuring guest Diane Rayor: Diane J. Rayor, Professor Emerita of Classics, Grand Valley State University, Michigan and acclaimed translator known for her accessible and poetic translations of ancient Greek works, including Homer and Sappho. #AncientGreece #GreekMythology #Demeter #Persephone #Classics #DianeRayor
Transcribe →Mary Beard: Why You Should Argue With the Ancients
Apr 1700:27:15Tap to summarizeWhat is the point of studying Classics today? Mary Beard explains why the ancient world still shocks, challenges, and reshapes how we think. Discover how Greek and Roman history can change your perspective, without offering easy answers. In this conversation, renowned classicist Mary Beard explores how ancient Greece and Rome remain deeply relevant today, not as a guidebook for life, but as a way to see modern problems differently. You’ll learn how to approach classical history without intimidation, why “the shock of the old” still matters, and how anyone can join the conversation.If you’ve ever wondered how ancient history connects to today’s world, this episode will change how you think about the past and the present. KEY IDEAS: • Why studying Classics isn’t about finding “answers” • The idea of “The Shock of the Old” and why it still matters • How ancient texts like Medea continue to unsettle us • The danger of over-revering Greek and Roman history • How Classics helps challenge modern “presentism”• Can the ancient world teach us anything useful today? • How to get into Classics without knowing Latin or Greek • Why Classics has no single political agenda • How the past has been used by both left and right movements • Finding wonder (“thauma”) in ancient historyTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Mary Beard & Talking Classics 00:23 Why the Classics still matter 01:24 Why we should revere the ancient world less 02:39 The “shock” of ancient culture (Medea example) 04:48 Wonder and awe in the ancient world 05:44 The Egyptian bread story (first encounter with history) 07:29 Making Classics accessible to everyone 08:43 Do the Greeks and Romans offer life lessons? 10:06 Using Classics to rethink modern problems 11:37 Presentism vs learning from the past 13:22 How to start engaging with Classics 15:04 Podcasts, media, and entry points into history 16:20 Seeing the classical world all around us 19:08 Technology (VR) and experiencing the past 21:05 Is Classics political? 22:25 How different ideologies use ancient history 24:48 Classics and democracy, revolution, and reform 25:38 Who “owns” the past? 26:18 Final thoughts If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe for more deep dives into history and ideas. Learn More! Check out these LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Watch the full episode: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/mary-beard-why-you-should-argue-with 👉 Mary Beard's "Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old:: https://profilebooks.com/work/talking-classics/What do you think: can the ancient world still teach us something today? Let me know in the comments. GUEST Mary Beard – One of the world’s most influential classicists, Professor Emerita at Cambridge, and bestselling author of SPQR and Twelve Caesars. Known for making ancient history accessible, relevant, and thought-provoking. #Classics #AncientHistory #MaryBeard #GreekHistory #RomanHistory
Transcribe →