Shows / Instant Classics
Instant Classics
Join world-renowned classicist Mary Beard and Guardian chief culture writer Charlotte Higgins for Instant Classics — the weekly podcast that proves ancient history is still relevant. Ancient stories, modern twists… and no degree in Classics required. Discover The Odyssey and join the book club at: https://www.exploringtheodyssey.com
Episodes
Instant ClassicsUnderneath The Toga
Can it really have taken seven episodes of Instant Classics to get to everyone’s favourite Roman meme: the toga party? Mary and Charlotte grasp the thistle -…
Instant ClassicsCassandra: Prophet Of The Modern World?
Who was the mythical Cassandra and why have pop stars started singing about her? Mary and Charlotte turn sleuth and track the elusive Trojan princess through…
Instant ClassicsHow did Rome begin?
We all know what Rome became - largest empire of the ancient world, public bathing, gladiators, aqueducts, excellent roads and all that - but how did it begin?…
Instant ClassicsDecoding The Parthenon
The Parthenon is one of the most celebrated and recognisable buildings in the world, but what did it mean to the Ancient Greeks? What role did it play in Greek…
Instant ClassicsFree Speech - An Ancient History
In the wake of recent conflicts over free speech and acts of political violence, Mary and Charlotte discuss how - then as now - free speech dominated the…
Instant ClassicsThe Odyssey#2: "Tell Me About A Complicated Man, Muse"
Tell me about a complicated man, muse… In this episode of Instant Classics Book Club, Mary and Charlotte dwell on the first ten lines of The Odyssey (as…
Instant ClassicsWhat Sappho Still Teaches Us About Love
In Ancient Greece, the Iliad was the poem above all other poems - an epic full of war and bloodshed that tells of the great heroes who fought and died for…
Instant ClassicsA Day At The Races In Ancient Rome
Think ‘Roman sport’ and images of Kirk Douglas, Russell Crowe, Paul Mescal and other Hollywood gladiators may come to mind. But while the Romans were partial…
Instant ClassicsThe Odyssey#1: Journey Begins
In this first episode of the Instant Classics Book Club, Mary and Charlotte explain why The Odyssey is such a pleasure, as well as historically significant…
Instant ClassicsIntroducing the Instant Classics Book Club - The Odyssey
Sign up here: https://instantclassics.supportingcast.fm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Instant ClassicsWhich Roman Emperor is Donald Trump?
For a long time being a classicist didn’t exactly make you a hit at a party. Then along came Donald Trump and suddenly everybody wants to know: Which Roman…
Instant ClassicsInstant Classics - Trailer
A new podcast hosted by Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins. Ancient stories, modern twists… and no degree in Classics required. Episode 1 Available on Thursday…