The Classics Podcast
Produced by The Classical Association, this podcast features content all about the ancient world - from revision material for students of ancient history to stories inspired by classical mythology, to interviews with famous voices and people from all walks of life discussing the classical past, there's something for everyone. Follow The Classics Podcast on Instagram at @theclassicalpod so you don't miss out on a single episode and @classicalassociation to keep up to date with our work. Out now: Classics & Careers Season 3.
Episodes
Classics & Careers S3, E8: Eleanor Crook, Sculptor
That's right, we couldn't conclude Season 3 without a bonus episode! It was a privilege to speak to eminent sculptor Eleanor Crook about her Classics degree, a life-changing experience at Hadrian's Wall, forging an unconventional career, immortalising the Queen's Lying in State, and backwards engineering the Riace Bronzes. Read our obituary for Tony Harrison here and do get in touc
Classics & Careers S3, E7: Sarah Rowley (Head of Comms at YouTube UK)
For the final episode of this season of Classics & Careers, Katrina meets Sarah Rowley, Head of Communications at YouTube in the UK, and discovers her love for Latin (join in with 'guess the song'), how she turned a lockdown project into a brilliant book, and how ancient rhetoric plays an influential role in modern comms.Follow Sarah on LinkedInRead Sarah’s blog about Latin Rocks OnYou
Classics & Careers S3, E6: Tracy-Ann Oberman (Actor & Writer)
Tracy-Ann Oberman, perhaps best known for playing Chrissie Watts in EastEnders, as well as her many stage and TV roles including Monroe, Doctor Who, New Tricks, It's A Sin and more, is a self-proclaimed Classics geek! Winner of 2021 Celebrity Mastermind, her chosen topic was the Women of Imperial Rome. In this episode, Katrina discovers Tracy-Ann's passion for Roman history and literature,
Expert in Residence: Q&A with Richard Kendall
We're back with Richard for part 2 in our Expert in Residence interview series - he answers your questions on Georgian caves, steppe nomads, ancient homelessness, lost heritage, the Scythians, Olbian pottery and gives some excellent PhD advice. David Braund book mentionedEnjoy Richard's Special Lecture for us this MayBrowse the CA Speaker ListDr Richard Kendall is a Lecturer in Class
Expert in Residence: Get to Know Richard Kendall
From Basildon to the Black Sea, explore Richard's classics journey, and, having listened to this episode, ask him a question to answer in Part 2!Dr Richard Kendall is a Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Exeter. He completed his doctorate, ‘Strategies of Cooperation’, at the University of Edinburgh in 2024, focusing on the meeting of Greeks, Romans and steppe nomads
Classics & Careers S3, E5: James Simpson MW (Pol Roger)
This week we're swapping A Level exams for something very different - the fiendish exams you have to take if you want to become a 'Master of Wine', which is exactly what James Simpson (Managing Director at Pol Roger) did after his Classics degree! In this episode, find out what ancient wine might have tasted like, the origins of champagne, what links Plato and Churchill and some secret
Classics & Careers S3, E4: Cosi's Odyssey (Historian & Presenter)
Cosi is an ancient historian, presenter and digital communicator - her engaging content and events have built a classics community and in this episode, we explore her proudest achievements, what she's learned on her journey through academia and her current PhD research, and her love for hot yoga and squashing tomatoes (not necessarily at the same time!)...Follow Cosi's OdysseyFollow Cosi o
Classics & Careers S3, E3: Scott Handcock (Director & Producer)
Scott Handcock is a TV and audio producer, writer, and director. Having recently worked as Assistant Producer on the BBC's 'The War Between the Land and the Sea', he has been Script Editor for Doctor Who and Head Writer on spin-off Torchwood.He discusses how his Classics degree at the University of Birmingham has influenced his writing and his career in drama, his favourite chocolate,
Classics & Careers S3, E2: Kamila Shamsie (Author of Home Fire)
In this episode, Katrina is joined by Kamila Shamsie, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and award-winning novelist, including of Home Fire, for which she won the Women’s Prize for Fiction and was long listed for the Booker Prize. Enjoy a deep-dive into this modern adaptation of the story of Antigone and Ismene, where we discuss translations by Anne Carson and Seamus Heaney, the ancient exp
Classics & Careers S3, E1: David Harry (Tour Guide and Magician)
Meet David Harry, aka 'The London Spy' and 'The Delusionist', a former Vice President of Deutsche Bank who went from photocopy-boy to member of the Magic Circle and social media star via ancient trade guilds and a love for Latin. This is an episode not to be missed! We talk flatulence, London's secrets, Fishbourne Roman Palace, the joys of Classics and forging your own path. Fo
TCP Talking Disability: Dyslexia and Classics
Joining Dr Chella Ward this week are Dr Marcus Bell and Ronnais Lloyd to explore how dyslexia and learning difference has influenced their studies of the ancient past. This UK Disability History Month, we're exploring experiences of disability and the study of the ancient world - follow us on Instagram and TikTok to enjoy clips and find all our episodes. Ronnais' profile at the Universit
TCP Talking Disability: Neurodiversity and Classics
Joining Dr Chella Ward this week are Annis Wiltshire and Dr Ellie Mackin-Roberts for an episode of Talking Disability on autism and neurodivergence. They discuss ancient sensory experiences, retrospective diagnoses and the reliability of accessible adjustments. This UK Disability History Month, we're exploring experiences of disability and the study of the ancient world - follow us on Instagra
TCP Talking Disability: Cerebral Palsy and Classics
Join Dr Chella Ward and her two guests, Alexandra and Danny, in this first episode of our Talking Disability mini-series, launching this UK Disability History Month, exploring experiences of disability and the study of the ancient world. Dr Alexandra F Morris (Queen’s University Belfast): https://alexandrafmorris.wordpress.com/ Dr Danny Pucknell (Cardiff and Vale College) Chair of the Cardiff and
Virgil's Aeneid: BONUS with Prof. Llewelyn Morgan
We lied - there's one final episode of the series and it's a special one with Oxford don and Virgil super expert, Prof. Morgan. Find out what he thinks about our traitor theories and Aeneas' character arc, his favourite passages, the importance of Hercules and enjoy the quick fire round!Llewelyn's music picks: Joan Armatrading (Down to Zero), Vaughan Williams (Fantasia on a theme o
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 12 fidus (Summary & Book 3)
Our final episode has a summary of the series to date and then jumps into Book 3 as Katrina explains why 'The Wanderings' is a bit of a misnomer, and Caroline takes us through the smellscape of Aeneas' voyage from Troy to Carthage. We meet Helenus and Achates, two 'fidus' (faithful) sidekick companions and rate Aeneas' powers of storytelling. Thanks so much for joining us o
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 11 - The Colour Purple
Virgil's Purple Prose? No, definitely not, but the Aeneid is replete with interesting uses of the word 'purpureus' and in this episode we look at purple as a colour of beauty, death, danger and eroticism - as well as shades of gold and the mystery of Lavinia's blush! 💜 Did you know that the colour purple in ancient Rome was a symbol of power and decadence but its origins are Phoeni
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 10 Lacrimae (Book 12)
Is the Aeneid fundamentally a melancholy poem? We revisit the Optimists and Pessimists whilst looking at examples of 'tears' and weeping, learning about the scholar Adam Parry, exploring Virgil’s use of apostrophes and brilliant half-lines, and taking a proper look at the closing scene of book 12, when Aeneas is enraged by sorrow to commit a terrible act...Enter our Verse and Voice Competi
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 9 Pater (Fathers and Sons)
In this episode, politics come to the forefront as Katrina explains the historical context to Augustus' principate and the grizzly proscriptions (cw: violence) and Caroline explains two different schools of thought about Virgil's poetic intentions: the Optimists and the Pessimists.To listen to our bonus content, become a CA member today and head to our member area: https://classicalassociation.
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 8 'Pius' - Traitors Edition
Was Aeneas a pious Faithful or a deceptive Traitor? Caroline and Katrina explore the importance of 'pietas' in the Aeneid, spill the tea on the latest episodes of Celebrity Traitors and discuss morality and heroism - is Aeneas perhaps more like Odysseus than we think?To listen to our bonus content, become a CA member today and head to our member area: https://classicalassociation.org/joi
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 7 Viscum ('The Golden Bough')
It’s Spooky Season and so this week’s episode is a trip to the Underworld, as imagined by Virgil in Aeneid Book VI. But what does ‘Viscum’ mean? A 'parasitic plant' (no, that's not a new description of Aeneas!) and have you ever heard of 'birdlime'? What links Meleager and Virgil? Would you trust the Sibyl? What's Plato’s The Myth of Er got to do with it, and which talisman
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 6 Cerva (Dido)
It's our Dido episode at last! In Book 4 Line 69 Virgil describes Dido as a 'cerva' - a 'doe', wounded by an arrow in one of his most impressive and ambiguous similes. But who is to blame in their 'doomed' relationship? We examine some other similes from books 1 and 4, with Aeneas as hunter (is he unknowing or just careless?) and Dido as Diana. Caroline has an interesti
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 5 Musa (Singers)
We're sticking with the theme of song and Katrina explains the relevance of some of the minor characters in the Aeneid from Iopas the bard to the unfortunate Cretheus from book 9, with some comparisons to Homer and the oral tradition. Caroline has been revisiting the Muses - just why does Erato come to inspire Virgil? Watch on YouTube to view the texts at the same time. The Sounds of Ancie
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 4 Cano (Book 1)
Cano - 'I sing'! We're heading back to the beginning and in this episode, Caroline and Katrina explore the opening lines of the poem, translation difficulties, Aeneas' heroism, and find out more about Virgil the man - as well as themselves! Watch on YouTube to view the texts at the same time. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and find out more about the CA: Join UsBrowse
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 3 Limen (Part 2)
Following straight on from our last episode, we're finding thresholds in Books 5-8 - featuring footraces, fatherly mentors, a fearsome Fury and The Shining. Tell us your favourite 'crossing the threshold' moments on screen or on the page! And watch on YouTube to view the texts at the same time. Up Next: Cano, 'I sing'Listen wherever you get your podcasts and find out more about
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 2 Limen (Part 1)
Starting with the word for 'threshold', Katrina and Caroline explore storytelling techniques and the stages of the Hero's Journey; the links between Paddington Bear and Aeneas; and dalliances with death, talismans, chihuahuas and K Pop Demon Hunters! Watch now on YouTube for the accompanying slides and make sure to come back for Part 2 of this bumper episode.In each episode, inspired b
Virgil's Aeneid: Ep. 1 - Lumen
In this brand new series, TCP host Katrina Kelly is joined by bestselling author Caroline Lawrence, to discuss Virgil's epic poem, The Aeneid. Inspired by a particular word (this week it's lumen, 'light') that acts as a springboard for each episode, Katrina and Caroline explore characters, themes and poetic techniques, their favourite Virgilian similes, hear the sounds of ancient l
Q&A with Louise O'Brien, our Expert in Residence
Featuring ancient sourdough, hippos, ritual instruments, obelisks in Rome, Hadrian’s lover Antinous, and Louise's favourite ancient god! Time stamps for this episode: 11 mins: what hieroglyphics sounded like 12 mins: if we didn’t have the Rosetta stone...14:10: the Egyptian money system 15:50: Egyptian crops and diet 18:30: funeral practices21:20: ancient embalmers22:21: marriage and mummifica
Expert in Residence: Louise O'Brien
Introducing Dr Louise O'Brien, our new Expert in Residence! Ask Louise a question for our next episodeTime stamps for this episode: 9.53 Intro to Roman Egypt 11.05 Mummy portraits14.22 Commissioning these portraits 18.15 What would you add to the curriculum?19.55 The most shocking thing about the ancient Egyptians 21:40 Louise’ work in museums 26.13 Day in the life of a PhD student 28.30 Why is Cl
Prof. Dame Sue Black, Forensic Scientist: Classics & Careers
We have a bonus episode for you... what better way to close out Season 2 than with an interview with one of the most fascinating people we've ever met - Baroness Black. Sue, as she prefers, is a trailblazing scientist and a champion for education and, indeed classical subjects. After graduating from the University of Aberdeen in human anatomy and forensic anthropology, Sue has had a varied and dis
Q&A with Jessica Clarke, our Expert in Residence
Before her Expert in Residence Special Lecture on Thursday 15th May, Jessica joins us to answer your questions: featuring discussion on layered cakes, Cestius' pyramid, the Appian Way, Roman London, ancient archaeologists and of course Pompey's Theatre, with a sneak preview of her lecture! To watch Jessica's lecture and participate in the Q&A, become a CA memberJessica is a histori
Claudian Inscriptions with Dr Abigail Graham
In the third and final episode of this mini series, Dr Abigail Graham (Institute of Classical Studies) explores the Emperor Claudius' use of epigraphy, focusing on four key monuments across the empire - from Greece to Egypt. Look out for these key timestamps:09:16 - Claudius' letter to the Alexandrians in AD 4113:00 - Claudius' extension of the pomeriumHuge thanks to Abigail, James
Tiberian Inscriptions with Dr Abigail Graham
In the second episode of this mini series, Dr Abigail Graham (Institute of Classical Studies) moves on from Augustus to explore how Tiberius presented himself and his imperial inheritance, via the two following inscriptions:1. Gythium inscription from AD 15, including discussion about the imperial cult and the role of Livia2. from 09:18, the genius of Tiberius' worship at Rome in AD 27Click
Mary-Ann Ochota, Anthropologist & Broadcaster: Classics and Careers
In the final episode of Season 2, Katrina chats to Mary-Ann Ochota, author of Hidden Histories and Secret Britain, anthropologist, broadcaster and President of the Countryside Charity. You might recognise Mary-Ann from Time Team or as a documentary maker and presenter for the BBC World Service.They discuss early adventures, her university experience, her favourite archaeological sites, and how she
Augustan Inscriptions with Dr Abigail Graham
After an introduction to Roman epigraphy (what do we mean by inscriptions and how can we go about reading them?), Dr Abigail Graham (Institute of Classical Studies) explores how we should analyse these types of sources and consider their limitations as well as the information they shed on the ancient past.She then hones in on the Augustan inscriptions that are part of the A Level Roman Period Stud
Tom Davey, Actor & Educator: Classics and Careers
Tom Davey, RADA trained actor, talks to Katrina about his favourite roles, playing in an adaptation of Antigone at the Edinburgh Fringe, his company Bright Torches inspiring young people and the power of storytelling to build resilience. Find out more about Bright Torches and on our blogFind more episodes of Classics and Careers Follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram Joi
Ancient Tokens - Revisited!
Katrina welcomes back Dr Clare Rowan from the University of Warwick to find out what brilliant ideas entrants had in her Tokens Competition - from gladiators to feasts, gambling to securing safe passage to the Underworld, these fascinating objects have a rich and still uncertain history so there were lots of creative responses! Listen to Episode 1 on Tokens hereEnter our Mythology Competition befo
Nimi Shephard-Patel, Fundraising Manager: Classics and Careers
In this episode, Katrina talks to Dr Nimisha Shephard-Patel, a fundraising manager for the Hyde Group, who also has a doctorate in Classics from King's College London. Nimi highlights the importance of curiosity and asking questions, discusses how she was inspired by one classicist in particular, and talks about her own experiences of neurodiversity in education. Find more episodes of Classics
Jessica Clarke: our new Expert in Residence
It's a big welcome to our new Expert in Residence, Dr Jessica Clarke, Roman historian and archaeologist! In this introductory interview, Katrina discovers Jessica's most exciting excavation; her first experience of archaeology as a child growing up on the Isle of Wight; how Roman magistrates were tasked with putting on public shows; and what a snarky Cicero thought about the theatre!It'
Erica Stevenson, Moan Inc YouTuber: Classics and Careers
From pulling pints to interviewing world experts, Erica tells Katrina how MoAn Inc was born, how she went from hating Latin to fangirling with Emily Wilson and Stephen Fry. She reveals the secrets behind some of her most popular videos, her plans for the future, and we have a very personal shoutout to one particular author…Pierce Brown we see you! Erica Stevenson is a self described 'Classicis
Matthew Rawcliffe, Dancer & Choreographer: Classics and Careers
In this episode, Katrina talks to former BBC Young Dancer of the Year (Contemporary), Matthew Rawcliffe, who is combining his love for dance and ancient art to retell myths such as Narkissos and Hades & Persephone for new audiences. Listen to other episodes in our Careers series hereSHOW NOTESWatch Matthew's Final performance from 2022 Young Dancer of the Year and follow Matthew on Insta
Rhodessa Jones, Activist & Performer: Classics and Careers
CW: in this episode, Rhodessa does talk about difficult themes including ab*se and dr*g-taking; the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker, and do not necessarily reflect those of the CA.
Performer, teacher, director Rhodessa Jones is Co-Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed, performance company Cultural Odyssey. She founded and directs The Medea Project: T
Peter Frankopan: Why is the Ancient World Important?
Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History and the Director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research and our 2024 CA Prizewinner shares why he thinks the ancient world is important. He and Katrina talk about what Byzantine studies involves, his interest in texts like the Alexiad , the place that resonates with him the most, his love for libraries, and why you should enter our CA Competition!
4. Nero: Roman Coins with Sam Moorhead
In the final episode of this mini-series, Sam discusses several coins that reflect the different periods of Nero's rule - from his accession through to the Vindex rebellion, covering his mother's influence and his relationship with the Roman people.
Look out for the following time stamps:
2.40 - the deification of Claudius
6.00 - Nero as lyreplayer
11.16 - Nero and Agrippina
14.19 - hando
3. Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius: Roman Coins with Sam Moorhead
In Episode 3, Sam tells James about how coin imagery developed across these three very different imperial reigns. Look out for the following time stamps:
6.05 & 9.08 Gaius Caligula's coins
12.01 Claudius - intro and the praetorians
15.50 The Drusus Aureus
17.35 - Claudius' Conquest of Britain
20.50 - Claudius' Dupondius about the corn supply
Sam Moorhead is a former staff
Flora Kirk, Jenks and Cora Beth Fraser, Illustrators: Classics and Careers
For the first time, Katrina welcomes three guests to the podcast with illustrators and classicists, Dr Cora Beth Fraser, Laura Jenkinson-Brown (aka Greek Myth Comix) and Flora Kirk sharing their perspectives on bringing the ancient world to life through art; their early encounters with classics; the influence of AI; the birth of ClassicsTober; being inspired by texts; and just how cold mural paint
2. Augustus: Roman Coins with Sam Moorhead
Episode 2 focuses on Augustus, and how his coinage changed to reflect his victory in the civil war, his creation of the principate, his military victories and self-image as ‘father of the homeland’. Sam and James discuss coins from the early part of his reign, including a victory coin with wreath and palm, as augur and celebrating his triumph in Egypt, as well as those where he asserted his religi
1. Introduction: Roman Coins with Sam Moorhead
Dr Sam Moorhead gives us the perfect introduction to Roman coins: what were they made from, where were they made, what did they depict and how were they spread across the empire? What is a coin legend, and how do different Emperors present themselves strikingly on their coins?
In this first episode, Sam and series host James Renshaw highlight two coins in particular, depicting Venus and Aeneas,
Charlie Covell, Writer & Actor: Classics and Careers
Welcome back to Classics and Careers! In Season 2, we're speaking to lots of new wonderful guests whose work has been influenced by the ancient world and we're kickstarting with none other than the creator of Kaos, Charlie Covell.
Katrina chats to Charlie about their inspiration for this Netflix drama, rehabilitating Helen of Troy, creating character playlists, casting Jeff Goldblum and advice t
9. Claudius and Nero: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
“That doesn’t work for an Emperor - you’ve got to be popular!”
In this final episode looking at the Julio-Claudians' impact on urban living in Rome, Andrew considers how Claudius had to fight to reject the ‘loser’ label and his building of the Portus, and weighs up Nero’s popularity with the masses with his poor PR and lack of an heir.
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambri
8. Augustus, Tiberius and Caligula: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
"Being an emperor is like holding a wolf by the ears"
In these summary sections looking at the Julio-Claudians' impact on urban living in Rome, Andrew explains Augustus’ transformation of the urban environment as a result of the profits of empire; describes the ‘cordially loathed’ Tiberius as a Scrooge-like figure and assesses the impact of the collapse of the theatre at Fidenae and the Varus dis
7. Who Benefitted? Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
A short summary for the thematic section of this mini-series, as Andrew shares whom he thinks benefitted from these developments in urban living that we’ve been exploring.
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney
6. Bread and Circuses: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
This is bitesize episode in our mini-series covers 'panem et circenses', entertainment for the people of Rome and the imperial response to ancient rioting.
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College.
5. Local Government: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
This is a super bitesize episode in our mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome, in which Andrew tells James about methods of local government.
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College.
Aimed at b
4. Housing and Fire: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
In part four of our bitesize episode mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome, it's time to talk fire hazards, life in the insulae, and the social impact of Roman housing.
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney
Q&A with Lee Baker, our Expert in Residence
Io Saturnalia! In this festive episode, Lee answers your questions and spills the tea on Ovid's exile, Horace's festival big number, how (not) to teach Gerundives and where you can visit Little Sparta.
Lee is a Classics teacher at St Aloysius’ College in Glasgow and the chair of the Scottish Classics Teachers’ Network; he also works closely with the Classical Association of Scotland and Classic
3. Water and Health: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
In part three of our bitesize episode mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome, it's time to talk aqueducts, daily baths, whether the Romans did their recycling, and just what was the Cloaca Maxima!
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project
2. Food: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) chats with James Renshaw in the second part of our bitesize episode mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome. Andrew is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College.
Aimed at both a general audience and A
1. Population: Urban Living in Rome with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) chats with James Renshaw in the first part of our bitesize episode mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome. Andrew is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College.
Aimed at both a general audience and An
TCP does Roman History: Josephus on Claudius
In this third and final episode focusing on the historian Josephus, Dr Jon Davies of Copenhagen University explores the presentation of Claudius in Books 19 and 20 of the Jewish Antiquities.
As the earliest source for the life and rule of the Emperor Claudius, this is a particularly interesting and important source for the Ancient History A Level syllabus.
To find further episodes of o
TCP does Roman History: Josephus on Caligula
In this second episode focusing on the historian Josephus, Dr Jon Davies of Copenhagen University explores the presentation of Caligula in Book 19 of the Jewish Antiquities, an important source for the Ancient History A Level syllabus.
Jon discusses with James Renshaw the events leading to Caligula's assassination, the key players and conspiracies he faced, and Josephus' assessment of his cha
TCP does Roman History: Josephus Introduction
Dr Jon Davies, Copenhagen University, gives a comprehensive overview of the life and times of Josephus, who wrote during the first century CE and is an important source for the Ancient History A Level syllabus.
Jon describes how a prophecy changed Josephus' fortune, explores why he wrote in Greek, his early role as a rebel commander, his purpose in writing history and some of the content of his
Lee Baker: our new Expert in Residence
What is the best thing about being a Classics teacher? Why is Classics important? Would you rather be mates with Ovid or Catullus? These are just some of the questions that Lee answers in this introductory episode and he's looking forward to answering your questions in the next episode. Ask him here!
Lee is a Classics teacher at St Aloysius’ College in Glasgow and the chair of the Scottish Classi
TCP does Roman History: Cassius Dio on Nero
All good things have to come to an end and this is our last episode with Dr Christopher Burden-Strevens (University of Kent). We're going out with a bang, though, with some expert analysis of Dio's treatment of the Emperor Nero, with all of his proclivities and dastardly behaviour.
Huge thanks to Christopher and James for a brilliant mini series on Cassius Dio.
To find further episod
TCP does Roman History: Cassius Dio on Claudius
Beginning with the assassination of Caligula and Claudius' accession, Dr Christopher Burden-Strevens (University of Kent) and James Renshaw discuss Dio's character study of Claudius.
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here and follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram.
To access exclusive classical benefits, join the Classical Association.
TCP does Roman History: Cassius Dio on Caligula
"He’s at once very conventional and yet also extremely distinctive - Dio repeats all of the standard criticisms we might find of Caligula, but, in this account, he tries to make his horse a priest, not a consul!"
Dr Christopher Burden-Strevens (University of Kent) and James Renshaw discuss the third Julio-Claudian emperor in this episode.
To find further episodes of our Roman History seri
TCP does Roman History: Cassius Dio on Tiberius
"Dio gives us a Tiberius that is extremely shrewd - and that's not necessarily a criticism!" Dr Christopher Burden-Strevens (University of Kent) and James discuss the second Julio-Claudian emperor in this episode.
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here and follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram. To access exclusive classical benefits, join the Classic
TCP does Roman History: Cassius Dio on Augustus
First up in this week's episodes, ‘the big Daddy of them all’ - Augustus - gets the Dio treatment in Books 53-56 and, as Dr Christopher Burden-Strevens (University of Kent) tells us, it makes for fantastic reading!
“It’s a sham...but Dio thinks it’s essential” - listen now to find out what this is referring to!
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here and follow the
TCP does Roman History: Suetonius on Nero
We've made it to the last of the Julio-Claudians! Professor Catharine Edwards (Birkbeck, University of London) talks to James Renshaw about Suetonius' biography of Nero, his interest in games, his 'quinquennium' and how things take a turn for the worse in the second half of the narrative...
To find other episodes of our Roman History series click here!
Follow Catharine on X, and th
TCP does Roman History: Suetonius on Claudius
Claudius - useless ruler or an effective administrator? Professor Catharine Edwards (Birkbeck, University of London) talks to James Renshaw about Suetonius' biography of the often misunderstood emperor.
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here!
Follow Catharine on X, and the Classics Podcast on Instagram. To access exclusive classical benefits, join the Cla
TCP does Roman History: Suetonius on Caligula
A short rule, but what a rule it was! Professor Catharine Edwards (Birkbeck, University of London) sheds light on Suetonius' invective against Gaius Caligula...
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here!
Follow Catharine on X, and the Classics Podcast on Instagram. To access exclusive classical benefits, join the Classical Association
TCP does Roman History: Suetonius on Tiberius
Tiberius is the focus of Professor Catharine Edwards (Birkbeck, University of London) and James Renshaw's conversation as they explore how Suetonius' account differs from that of Tacitus.
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here!
Follow Catharine on X, and the Classics Podcast on Instagram. To access exclusive classical benefits, join the Classical Associa
TCP does Roman History: Suetonius on Augustus
Professor Catharine Edwards (Birkbeck, University of London) talks to James Renshaw about Suetonius' biography of Rome's first emperor, the first part in our emperor-by-emperor look at the Julio-Claudians through the eyes of ancient historians.
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here!
Follow Catharine on X, and the Classics Podcast on Instagram. To access exclusive
TCP does Roman History: Tacitus on Nero
There’s so much to unpack when it comes to Nero - from the death of his mother Agrippina to the Great Fire of Rome, Tacitus lived through these years as a young boy, so how much did his personal experience impact his historical narrative? Listen to the final part of Hannah and James' discussion now.
Follow Dr Hannah Cornwell (University of Birmingham) on X here. To find further episo
TCP does Roman History: Tacitus on Claudius
Beginning at the end of Claudius' rule and the accession of Nero, Hannah looks back with James upon Tacitus’ treatment of Claudius, the role of freedmen and imperial wives, especially the machinations of Agrippina, and political and military affairs.
Follow Dr Hannah Cornwell (University of Birmingham) on X here. To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here and
TCP does Roman History: Tacitus on Caligula
As Hannah explains, not much survives of Tacitus' account of Gaius Caligula, but in this bitesize episode, there are still some conclusions we can draw...
Follow Dr Hannah Cornwell (University of Birmingham) on X here. To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here and follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram.
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TCP does Roman History: Tacitus on Tiberius
In this jam-packed episode, Hannah discusses Tiberius’ relationship with the Senate, the Germanicus situation, the trial of Piso, and Tacitus’ perspective on Sejanus and Drusus.
Follow Dr Hannah Cornwell (University of Birmingham) on X here. To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here and follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram.
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TCP does Roman History: Tacitus on Augustus
In this first emperor study, Hannah and James talk Augustus.
Tacitus only gives us a potted history of Augustus in his Annals - Hannah explores why Tacitus choses NOT to start with Augustus’ life, who the key players are and whether they should really be called the Annals...
Follow Dr Hannah Cornwell (University of Birmingham) on X here. To find further episodes of our Roman History series
TCP does Roman History: Cassius Dio Introduction
Is it Cassius Dio or Dio Cassius? Who was he, when was he writing and what was he writing about? Dr Christopher Burden-Strevens (University of Kent) spills the tea to James Renshaw on this enigma of an historian and how useful his source material is for understanding the Julio-Claudian Emperors!
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here and follow the Classics Podcast on
TCP does Roman History: Suetonius Introduction
In this introductory episode about the source material of Suetonius, Professor Catharine Edwards (Birkbeck, University of London) tells James Renshaw who Suetonius was, when and why he was writing, and what was his approach to writing history.
To find further episodes of our Roman History series click here!
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TCP does Roman History: Tacitus Introduction
Welcome back to a new season of TCP does Ancient History A Level: Roman Edition and we're kicking off with the OG historian, Tacitus!
Your favourite teacher, James Renshaw, is back to host the series and he'll be talking to a ream of experts, beginning with the wonderful Dr Hannah Cornwell (University of Birmingham) - you can follow Hannah on X here.
To find further episodes of our Roman History
