Episode 1: Seeing Ourselves Through Ancient Eyes: Mary Beard on the Utility of History

Classicist Dame Mary Beard (APS 2012)  joins host Patrick Spero to explore what “useful knowledge” means for understanding the ancient world—and ourselves. From Roman ideas of punishment and citizenship to the myths of freedom and democracy, Beard shows how history offers a new vantage point on the present. She also reflects on how emerging technologies like DNA analysis are reshaping what we know about ancient lives, while reminding us that the real breakthroughs come from asking new questions.

Mary Beard, Cambridge Professor Emerita, is one of Britain’s best-known Classicists. She has written numerous highly-acclaimed books including Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town, SPQR – A History of Ancient Rome, Women & Power and Twelve Caesars – Images of Power from the Ancient World to the Modern. Mary’s most recent book, Emperor of Rome, delves a little deeper into what it actually meant to be a Roman emperor, offering insights into the nature of the person and the role. 

Mary’s scholarship has been recognized on both sides of the Atlantic: by the British Academy, the American Academy and the American Philosophical Society amongst others. She was made a Dame in 2018 for services to Classical scholarship, is a trustee of the British Museum and has also been awarded the prestigious Getty Medal.

Mary is a regular broadcaster and media commentator and has written and presented television documentaries on history and culture as well as the highly-acclaimed TV series, Meet the Romans and Rome – Empire without Limit. Mary is Classics editor of the Times Literary Supplement, contributes regularly to the New York Review of Books and writes an engaging blog, A Don’s Life. She has recently launched a podcast, Instant Classics, where she discusses all things ancient (and modern) with her co-host, Guardian journalist Charlotte Higgins.