From Mussolini to Beyoncé: Mary Beard talks Classics

'Rock star' classicist Mary Beard is back in the spotlight with a new book, Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old.' Reflecting on half a century spent teaching and studying the classics, the beloved British historian explains why revolutionaries, dictators and pop stars have all been transfixed by the ancient world. Mary also reveals how her own passion for classics was sparked by a close-up childhood encounter with a 4,000-year-old piece of Egyptian bread. Guest: Mary Beard, Professor Emerita of Classics at Cambridge, Classics editor of the Times Literary Supplement and trustee of the British Museum. Mary Beard co-hosts the Instant Classics podcast with Charlotte Higgins.