Vespucci presents Instant Classics, the video podcast connecting ancient myths, figures and politics to today’s headlines, habits, and hypocrisies.
Mary Beard is a world-renowned professor of classics. Charlotte Higgins is The Guardian's chief culture writer and author of several books about the classical world. They are also good friends, determined to share their curiosity in the classical world, connect it to the most topical issues of the day, and show that history podcasting isn’t just a job for the boys.
Ancient stories. Modern twists. No Classics degree required.
Join Mary and Charlotte as they reveal all the ways ancient history is actually present, and why life imitates art. With trademark wit, sharp insight, and the occasional disagreement, each episode tackles big questions with a classical twist. Listeners will soon realise that maybe today's world has been a long time coming...
Yet not all episodes are topical. Some will shine a light on a big topic which we know a little about, but are forever curious - like the assassination of Julius Caesar, the epics of Homer, or the sex lives of ordinary Romans. Other episodes will give the inside track on phrases and concepts we frequently use, but aren’t always sure why. What on earth does ‘crossing the Rubicon' really mean? Did Nero really fiddle while Rome burned? Why are July and August named after Roman emperors? What’s an Oedipus Complex? Or a Midas Touch?
Instant Classics Book Club bonus episodes for subscribers will then dive deep into The Odyssey, in anticipation of Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster adaptation next year.
This is history with teeth – entertaining, surprising, and refreshingly un-macho. With Mary’s fearless refusal to stay in her academic lane and Charlotte’s cultural radar spanning ancient and modern, Instant Classics is for anyone curious about how the past illuminates the present and why it still matters.
We’re living through a boom time for history podcasts. Instant Classics is a chance to wallow in one of the most fascinating subjects of all: Ancient Greece and Rome. Together, Mary and Charlotte will give us high drama, salacious detail and topical relevance - and awaken our inner nerd for all things classical
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