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?
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Watch on YouTube to view the texts at the same time.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts and find out more about the CA: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-classics-podcast
Browse Caroline's work: https://carolinelawrence.com/
Enjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestions
Read the Aeneid in Latin and English
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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 would you take?
To listen to our bonus content, become a CA member today and head to our member area: https://classicalassociation.org/join-us/
Watch on YouTube to view the texts at the same time.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts and find out more about the CA: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-classics-podcast
Browse Caroline's work: https://carolinelawrence.com/
Enjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestions
Read the Aeneid in Latin and English
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
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 interesting theory about 'the horse in the bedroom' and we talk funeral pyres, everlasting curses, young Ascanius, and a hunting dog...
To listen to our bonus content, become a CA member today and head to our member area: https://classicalassociation.org/join-us/
Watch on YouTube to view the texts at the same time.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts and find out more about the CA: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-classics-podcast
Browse Caroline's work: https://carolinelawrence.com/
Enjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestions
Read the Aeneid in Latin and English
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
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.
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Browse Caroline's work: https://carolinelawrence.com/
Enjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestions
Read the Aeneid in Latin and English
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
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 Us
Browse Caroline's work: https://carolinelawrence.com/
Enjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestions
Read the Aeneid in Latin and English
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
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 the CA: Join Us
Browse Caroline's work: https://carolinelawrence.com/
Enjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestions
Read the Aeneid in Latin and English
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
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 by a particular word, Katrina and Caroline explore characters, themes and poetic techniques, their favourite Virgilian similes, hear the sounds of ancient languages, and dive into the rich imagery and literary heritage of the Aeneid. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and find out more about the CA: Join UsBrowse Caroline's work: https://carolinelawrence.com/
Enjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestions
Read the Aeneid in Latin and English
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
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 languages, and dive into the rich imagery and literary heritage of the Aeneid. In Episode 1, they jump straight to Book 8 - in medias res, as Virgil would say - and a simile that has caught Caroline's attention. They'll discuss wheelie bins and copper bowls, Aeneas' shield, the theories of intromission and focalisation, Apollonius of Rhodes, time travel, and a very hard stare...Listen to more TCP episodes and catch us on YouTubeFind out about the Classical AssociationBrowse Caroline's workEnjoy the rest of the series and our reading suggestionsRead the Aeneid in Latin and English
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
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 practices
21:20: ancient embalmers
22:21: marriage and mummification
23:52: Neithhotep
26:08 which famous figure you’d like to meet
27:30: life under Roman rule
Join us now to listen to Louise's online lecture on 16 September!
Louise recently completed her PhD in Egyptology at the University of Liverpool, having gained her MA Egyptology and BA(hons) in Egyptology & Classical Studies from the same institution.
Her thesis ‘Portraits of Hybridity’ focused on mummy portrait panels from Roman Egypt, and investigated how cultural hybridity and identity was displayed through artistic culture in the Roman Fayum.
Coming from a working-class background, she also has a passion for outreach and widening participation, and is particularly interested in getting more state school students involved in ancient history and inspiring younger people to study subjects they may not have been aware they could. Follow Louise on Instagram.
Introducing Dr Louise O'Brien, our new Expert in Residence!
Ask Louise a question for our next episode
Time stamps for this episode:
9.53 Intro to Roman Egypt
11.05 Mummy portraits
14.22 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 Classics important?
Louise recently completed her PhD in Egyptology at the University of Liverpool, having gained her MA Egyptology and BA(hons) in Egyptology & Classical Studies from the same institution.
Her thesis ‘Portraits of Hybridity’ focused on mummy portrait panels from Roman Egypt, and investigated how cultural hybridity and identity was displayed through artistic culture in the Roman Fayum.
Coming from a working-class background, she also has a passion for outreach and widening participation, and is particularly interested in getting more state school students involved in ancient history and inspiring younger people to study subjects they may not have been aware they could. Follow Louise on Instagram.
Follow our Celebrating Classics Campaign and become a CA member, using your exclusive discount from this episode
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 distinguished academic career, lecturing in Anatomy at St Thomas’ Hospital London and working as a consultant in forensic anthropology for both the Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, undertaking forensic investigations in Iraq, Sierra Leone and Grenada.
She was the lead forensic anthropologist during the international war crimes investigations in Kosovo and in 2024, she was appointed to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland.
Sue is currently the President of St John's College, Oxford and a crossbencher peer in the House of Lords, where she is a part of the Classics All Party Parliamentary Group.
In this episode, she explains to Katrina what a Day in the Life is like for a Peer and President of an Oxbridge college, talks about the careers classicists go into, her own experiences with forensic archaeology, her love for Roman roads, and using her Latin in everyday life!
Find out more about the APPG here
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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,
Jessica is a historian and archaeologist, specialising in ancient Roman theatre and entertainment. She grew up on the Isle of Wight and moved to London to study at University College London in 2019, where she received her BA, MA, and PhD. She currently works as an Archaeologist for the Museum of London Archaeology. Her first academic book, entitled A New History of Ancient Roman Theatre, is being published by Liverpool University Press, and her first trade book, entitled Julius Caesar: Murder at the Theatre, is being published through Nurnberg Literary Agents. As well as academic publications, Jessica’s writing has appeared most recently in the BBC History Magazine, History Today, La Repubblica, The Ancient History Magazine, and The History News Network. You can find her on X (formerly known as Twitter) @drjessicaclarke
Please note: the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker, and do not necessarily reflect those of the CA.
Find out more about our Expert in Residence scheme
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 41
13:00 - Claudius' extension of the pomerium
Huge thanks to Abigail, James and all of our contributors for sharing their wonderful expertise.
Click here for the Inscriptions Booklet designed to support teachers and students of OCR A Level Ancient History.
Click here for other episodes in our Roman History series.
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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 Livia
2. from 09:18, the genius of Tiberius' worship at Rome in AD 27
Click here for the Inscriptions Booklet designed to support teachers and students of the OCR A Level Ancient History.
Click here for other episodes in our Roman History series.
Follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram and to access exclusive classical benefits, including our online lecture series, join the Classical Association.
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 got into the world of broadcasting, from work experience to the freelance hustle.
Listen to Ancient Greek Music being performed
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Follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram
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Follow the CA on Instagram (podcast), LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
And lots more at classicalassociation.org
The views and opinions in expressed are those of the interviewee and not necessarily of the Classical Association
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 Study syllabus, considering both victory monuments and smaller religious inscriptions.
08:10: Actium Triumphal Arch and Nicopolis Victory Monument
25:00: intro to religious inscriptions
27:09: Augustan Lares at Tiber Island
34:00: Altar to the Numen at Narbo (Gaul)
Click here for the Inscriptions Booklet designed to support teachers and students of the OCR A Level Ancient History.
Click here for other episodes in our Roman History series.
Follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram and to access exclusive classical benefits, including our online lecture series, join the Classical Association.
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 blog
Find more episodes of Classics and Careers
Follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram
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Follow the CA on Instagram (podcast), LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
And lots more at classicalassociation.org
The views and opinions in expressed are those of the interviewee and not necessarily of the Classical Association
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 here
Enter our Mythology Competition before 9 May 2025
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.
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Watch the CA's Anniversary Film feat. a host of famous faces!
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And find out more at classicalassociation.org
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's now your time to ask Jessica a question so please do so here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=THyQHm_hgUCNzPS6f8RgumBajqZzGFNNmsrdI0K0H-FUOFlPVEhaREhYUlBCWkZZV0JFUDBLOFg4Sy4u
Jessica is a historian and archaeologist, specialising in ancient Roman theatre and entertainment. She grew up on the Isle of Wight and moved to London to study at University College London in 2019, where she received her BA, MA, and PhD. She currently works as an Archaeologist for the Museum of London Archaeology. Her first academic book, entitled A New History of Ancient Roman Theatre, is being published by Liverpool University Press, and her first trade book, entitled Julius Caesar: Murder at the Theatre, is being published through Nurnberg Literary Agents. As well as academic publications, Jessica’s writing has appeared most recently in the BBC History Magazine, History Today, La Repubblica, The Ancient History Magazine, and The History News Network. You can find her on X (formerly known as Twitter) @drjessicaclarke
Please note: the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker, and do not necessarily reflect those of the CA.
Find out more about our Expert in Residence scheme