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Mesopotamia and the Making of the Modern World | The Ancient Civilization That Still Shapes Your Life
Mesopotamia changed the world.
Many of the systems you use every day began thousands of years ago between the Tigris and Euphrates.
Assyriologist Selina Winsome explains why Mesopotamia was far more than the "cradle of civilization." Discover how cuneiform writing, libraries, mathematics, literature, timekeeping, and the Epic of Gilgamesh helped shape the modern world.
If you're interested in ancient history, archaeology, ancient literature, or the origins of human civilization, this episode reveals why Mesopotamia remains one of history's most influential cultures.
🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED
What Mesopotamia actually was
Why it deserves more attention than it receives
The invention of cuneiform writing
How Mesopotamian knowledge shaped the modern world
The Epic of Gilgamesh and its enduring lessons
Ancient libraries and the preservation of knowledge
Learning cuneiform today
The origins of timekeeping, mathematics, and record-keeping
How ideas survive across thousands of years
What modern society still owes to Mesopotamia
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introducing Mesopotamia & Selina Winsome
01:27 Beyond the "cradle of civilization"
04:50 Cuneiform and the invention of writing
09:10 Why Mesopotamian literature matters
14:17 Learning cuneiform today
15:09 The Epic of Gilgamesh explained
19:56 Mesopotamia's impact on modern life
22:53 The Library of Ashurbanipal
24:24 How knowledge survives catastrophe
27:20 Preserving information in the digital age
30:30 The Memory of Mankind project
31:59 Final reflections & closing
If you enjoyed this conversation, please like and subscribe for more deep dives into ancient history, archaeology, mythology, philosophy, and the civilizations that shaped our world.
Comment below: What contribution from Mesopotamia do you think has had the biggest impact on modern life?
🔗 LINKS
👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1
👉 Full podcast: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/before-greece-and-rome-the-civilization
👉 Buy Selena’s book, The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of the Modern World: https://www.amazon.com/Library-Ancient-Wisdom-Mesopotamia-Making/dp/0226849295/
ALSO: Some of the fantastic resources mentioned in the conversation are:
Selena’s Website: www.selenawisnom.com
Including a guide to learning cuneiform: https://www.selenawisnom.com/learning-cuneiform
🎙️ GUEST
Selena Winsom: Assyriologist, lecturer in Ancient Middle Eastern History at the University of Leicester, and author of The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of the Modern World. Her research focuses on cuneiform literature, Mesopotamian culture, ancient libraries, and the intellectual legacy of the ancient Near East.
#Mesopotamia #AncientHistory #Cuneiform #EpicOfGilgamesh #Archaeology -
Do we truly have free will, or are our choices shaped by biology, habits, and unconscious forces?
This fascinating panel explores one of humanity's oldest and most important questions.
Join philosopher Tamar Gendler, psychologist Jeffrey Schaler, and classicist Michael Fontaine as they debate free will, consciousness, Aristotle, and what ancient wisdom can teach us about making better decisions today.
Whether you're interested in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, ethics, or personal development, this conversation offers thought-provoking insights into how we become the people we choose to be.
KEY TOPICS COVERED
What free will actually means
Philosophy vs. psychology on human choice
Are our decisions determined by biology?
Consciousness and self-awareness
Addiction, habits, and responsibility
Aristotle, Plutarch, and ancient ideas of character
Can neuroscience explain behavior?
Moral responsibility and the justice system
Building better habits and exercising self-control
Ancient philosophy for modern life
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction & panel introductions
06:40 What is free will?
17:45 Ancient philosophy on choice
30:10 Habits, character & Aristotle
42:05 Neuroscience vs. free will
56:20 Addiction, agency & responsibility
01:10:35 Ozempic, habits & behavior change
01:12:32 Do we really choose our actions?
01:15:03 Audience Q&A begins
01:20:55 Consciousness & self-awareness
01:25:58 Plutarch on becoming better
01:27:08 Final reflections & closing
If you enjoyed this discussion, subscribe for more conversations exploring ancient wisdom, philosophy, psychology, and the ideas that continue to shape the modern world.
Comment below: Do you believe we truly have free will, or are our choices determined by factors beyond our control?
🔗 LINKS
👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1
👉 Buy Michael Fontaine's book 'How to Have Will Power': https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691220345/how-to-have-willpower
👉 Buy Jeffrey Schaler's book 'Addiction is a Choice': https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Choice-Ph-D-Jeffrey-Schaler/dp/081269404X
👉 Buy Tamar Gendler's book 'Thought Experiment: On the Powers and Limits of Imaginary Cases': https://www.amazon.com/Thought-Experiment-Powers-Limits-Imaginary/dp/1138990337
🎙️ GUESTS
Michael Fontaine: Classicist and professor whose work connects ancient philosophy with contemporary questions about ethics, choice, and human behavior.
Tamar Gendler: Philosopher and cognitive scientist whose work explores belief, reasoning, habits, and the philosophy of mind.
Jeffrey Schaler: Psychologist, author, and leading voice on addiction, personal responsibility, and human agency.
#FreeWill #Philosophy #Psychology #Consciousness #Neuroscience -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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The Amarna Letters: Love, War & Diplomacy in the Bronze Age World | Eric Cline
What 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 COVERED
What the Amarna Letters are and why they matter
The discovery of the tablets in Egypt
Akhenaten, Amenhotep III, and Bronze Age diplomacy
International trade and globalization in the ancient world
Royal marriages, gifts, and political alliances
How historians deciphered the Amarna archive
The Late Bronze Age international system
Proxy wars, misinformation, and political intrigue
Why the Bronze Age feels surprisingly modern
What the letters reveal about human nature
The world before the Bronze Age Collapse
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction & the discovery of the Amarna Letters
01:48 Why Eric Cline wrote this book
03:00 How the tablets were found in Egypt
05:06 The archive of Akhenaten & Amenhotep III
09:07 Why the letters changed ancient history
11:15 Akhenaten and the Bronze Age world
12:39 The Late Bronze Age international network
14:24 A prosperous world before collapse
16:28 Deciphering the tablets
18:18 Surprising insights from the letters
20:54 Proxy wars & Bronze Age politics
23:24 The reality behind royal correspondence
28:00 Diplomacy, trade & international relations
33:03 Why the Bronze Age still matters today
35:08 Human nature across 3,000 years
37:22 Final thoughts & closing
If 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/0691274088
GUEST
Eric 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 -
What 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 COVERED
The psychology of Homer's Odyssey
Why Odysseus still resonates with modern readers
Resilience, trauma, and post-traumatic growth
What refugees can teach us about the meaning of home
Why flawed heroes are more inspiring than perfect ones
Penelope's hidden psychological strength
Telemachus and the journey to adulthood
Grief, loss, and personal transformation
Ancient wisdom for modern mental health
Community, loneliness, and the Greek concept of xenia
Finding purpose and defining your own Ithaca
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introducing Dr. Sam Akbar & The Odyssey Mindset
01:40 Psychology meets Classics
05:06 What Homer understood about human nature
07:42 Why Odysseus still resonates today
12:18 Trauma, refugees & reading Homer differently
16:10 The Odyssey as a post-war story
20:00 Resilience, acceptance & psychological growth
22:07 Penelope and quiet resistance
24:00 What does “home” really mean?
30:00 Telemachus, mentorship & growing up
34:50 Grief, loss & personal odysseys
41:20 Community, loneliness & modern life
45:00 Catharsis, collective healing & ancient wisdom
50:10 Final reflections
If 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/9781035090549
GUEST
Dr. 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 -
Intellectual Slaves in Ancient Rome: The Hidden Minds Behind Roman Literature & Power
What 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 COVERED
What an “intellectual slave” was in ancient Rome
How educated slaves differed from common perceptions of slavery
Why Roman elites invested heavily in slave education
The connection between slavery, literature, and cultural prestige
How scholars, poets, editors, and philosophers lived within elite households
Famous intellectual slaves and freedmen of the Roman Republic
The economics of highly educated slaves
Why some learned slaves were worth enormous fortunes
How freedmen influenced Roman politics and publishing
The role of education, authorship, and intellectual labor in Roman society
What these forgotten lives reveal about power and culture in the ancient world
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 What is an intellectual slave?
00:55 Educated slaves & freedmen in Rome
02:50 How intellectuals became enslaved
06:43 Why Romans educated slaves
08:58 Philosophy, literature & elite culture
10:12 Educated slaves as luxury assets
13:07 Roman attitudes toward slavery
15:16 Jobs performed by intellectual slaves
18:35 The most expensive slave in Rome
21:18 Intellectuals as status symbols
22:23 Atticus and his scholarly household
25:13 Captured scholars as war prizes
27:00 Archimedes and the value of genius
30:05 Rome's intellectual ecosystem
33:22 Speechwriters, advisers & hidden influence
37:03 Which intellectual slave deserves a movie?
39:26 Final thoughts & closing
If 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
🎙️ GUEST
Harriet Flower
Andrew 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 -
Why 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
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction & Stephen Palmer
01:12 Why the bull became a sacred symbol
03:45 Bull worship in prehistory
06:18 Bulls in ancient mythology and religion
09:52 Taurus and the zodiac explained
13:40 The Minotaur and Minoan symbolism
18:07 Bulls, kingship, and political power
22:31 Fertility rituals and sacred sacrifice
27:46 Why ancient cultures relied on symbols
31:12 Myth, storytelling, and oral traditions
35:25 Shamanism and animal spirit guides
40:18 Nature as the source of ancient symbols
41:53 Losing our connection with nature
42:46 Why studying mythology still matters today
43:01 Bull symbolism and modern culture
45:20 Why storytelling shapes human identity
46:29 The danger of symbols we don’t understand
46:54 “Question everything”
47:04 Final reflections & closing thoughts
If 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/B0CTJJGSCG
GUEST
Stephen 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 1970s
HASHTAGS
#AncientHistory #GreekMythology #Taurus #Mythology #AncientCivilizations -
Should 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 COVERED
Why philosophy should be taught to children
Philosophy for Children (P4C) explained
Teaching curiosity, questioning, and critical thinking
How dialogue improves empathy and communication
Philosophy and emotional resilience
Learning how to disagree respectfully
Confidence, vulnerability, and intellectual humility
The role of parents and teachers as role models
Social media and the decline of meaningful conversation
Why philosophy matters in modern education
Helping children think independently
Philosophy as preparation for citizenship and life
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Should we teach philosophy to children?
00:31 Introduction to Dr. Maria Kasmirli
00:51 Why philosophy for children matters
01:17 What philosophy for children actually looks like
01:51 Questioning, reasoning, and analysis skills
02:12 Why children naturally enjoy philosophical thinking
03:42 Building confidence through discussion
05:11 Philosophy and emotional intelligence
07:04 Why disagreement is valuable
09:26 The importance of listening and dialogue
11:48 Philosophy beyond the classroom
14:17 Can philosophy make us better citizens?
16:45 Social media, distraction, and modern communication
18:56 Intellectual humility and vulnerability
20:42 Teaching through example
23:16 Why role models matter in education
24:27 Final reflections
If 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-why
GUEST
Dr. 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 -
What 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=b28f7da1
Buy 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/1668009595
GUESTS
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
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What 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 COVERED
Ancient 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/0691266174
GUEST
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
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This 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 politics
Lessons 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 democracy
If 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
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What 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
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What 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 history
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 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
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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.
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Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
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And access the extended version of this episode HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/jews-vs-rome
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You can buy it HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Stratagems-Translation-Sextus-Julius-Frontinus/dp/B0FPBTNCY5
Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
An extended version of this podcast is available to Members of Classical Wisdom.
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And access the extended version HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/a-forgotten-roman-masterclass-in
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Brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. Learn more about our mission and sign up for the free newsletter here: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
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Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
An extended version of this podcast is available to Members of Classical Wisdom. Become a Member HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe
And access the extended version HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/slave-of-god-rethinking-augustine
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You can buy a copy HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Plato-Matters-Now-Interfaces/dp/1399403370
Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com
An extended version of this podcast is available to Members of Classical Wisdom. Become a Member HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe
And access the extended version HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/why-plato-matters-now-more-than-ever
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Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
An extended version of this podcast is available to Members of Classical Wisdom. This can be found here: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/roman-britain-origin-or-decline
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Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/ - Visa fler
