Intelligence Squared Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins on how antiquity shapes the modern world (Part One)
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Aug 24, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, classicist Mary Beard, renowned for her accessible take on antiquity, teams up with Charlotte Higgins, chief culture writer at The Guardian, to discuss the modern implications of ancient history. They delve into how the Romans have been manipulated as a political tool, the essential role of female perspectives in understanding ancient narratives, and the relevant lessons Athenian democracy offers today. Their new venture, 'Instant Classics,' aims to bridge the gap between historical wisdom and contemporary issues.
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First Impression At Cambridge
- Charlotte recounts first seeing Mary Beard recruiting students at Cambridge in 1989 and being intimidated but impressed.
- The story establishes their long acquaintance and chemistry for the podcast.
Small Questions Reveal Big History
- The hosts will explore overlooked practical questions like literacy rates or how to wear a toga to reveal deeper historical truths.
- These small, curious questions open up important insights about ancient daily life.
Read The Odyssey Slowly Together
- Join the hosts' Odyssey book club to read the poem slowly and collectively.
- Engage with the text over time to uncover new meanings and experiences.
