Classical Wisdom Speaks

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

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 COVEREDAncient 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

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 politicsLessons 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 democracyIf 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

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 

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 historyTIMESTAMPS00:00 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 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe for more deep dives into history and ideas. Learn More! Check out these LINKS 

An age of apocalyptic thinking, a clash of empires, and a legacy that still shapes the world today... Today Anya is joined by Professor Barry Strauss to discuss the Jewish Revolts against the Roman Empire. Discover what fueled these uprisings, and how their dramatic outcome has shaped centuries. Barry Strauss is the Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University as well as the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies Emeritus at Cornell University, where he is the former Chair of the Department of History as well as Professor of History and Classics. He is the author of many bestselling books, including most recently Jews Vs Rome, which you can buy HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Jews-vs-Rome-Centuries-Rebellion/dp/1668009595 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?coupon=b28f7da1 And access the extended version of this episode HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/jews-vs-rome 

Barbarian, witch, murderer… and mother.Today Anya is joined by author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes to discuss one of Greek mythology's most famous and dramatic characters, Medea. Discover the complex legends and legacy of Medea, from her daring love story with Jason to its dark aftermath… and how the Greek tragedian Euripides transformed her how her story is told, forever.Natalie Haynes is the author of several acclaimed books about women in Greek mythology, including Divine Might, Stone Blind, and most recently No Friend to This House, her own much-anticipated retelling of the myth of Medea. You can buy a copy HERE: https://www.amazon.com/No-Friend-This-House-Novel/dp/0063258447 Natalie Haynes is an author and comedian as well as a broadcaster for the BBC, and she has written for The Times, The Independent, The Guardian, and The Observer. 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/ 

What were the secrets of Roman warfare?What is the best way to defeat an enemy… and what does all this have to do with aqueducts?Today Anya is joined by George Thomas to discuss the life of Frontinus, an ancient Roman general and governor of Roman Britain. In particular, they're looking at Stratagems, his manual for war, which looked to ancient history to distil key lessons in military strategy and leadership. George Thomas, also known by his pen name, Quintus Curtius, is an acclaimed translator of ancient texts, including those by Cicero, Sallust, and Cornelius Nepos.He is an MIT graduate, a former officer in the US Marine Corps, a founding partner of the law firm, Phillips and Thomas.His most recent work is a translation Frontius' Stratagems, of which we speak about today.You can buy it HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Stratagems-Translation-Sextus-Julius-Frontinus/dp/B0FPBTNCY5Hosted 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/subscribeAnd access the extended version HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/a-forgotten-roman-masterclass-in

Long before crowds stormed Bastille or Winter Palace, Greek thinkers treated revolution as the ultimate civic nightmare. So how did an existential danger morph into a promise of liberation—and what happens when that promise curdles into violence? In this dynamic online forum, Dan Edelstein, Professor of French at Stanford University, is joined by classical-political heavyweights Josiah Ober, Professor of Political Science and Classics at Stanford University, and Melissa Lane, Professorship of Politics at Princeton University, to excavate the deep past of an idea that still jolts headlines and rattles parliaments. Hosted by Anya Leonard. 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/

Existing at the very edge of the Classical world, in both time and geography, Saint Augustine has proven to be immensely influential on the modern world… but not always in a good way.Today Anya is joined by Tony Alimi to discuss the life and philosophy of Saint Augustine, how he was influenced by Roman philosophers, and the ‘entanglements' that complicate his legacy. In particular, how his theology was used to justify slavery. Discover how philosophy has been abused by history, and why Augustine still isn't through with us today... Tony Alimi is assistant professor in the Sage School of Philosophy at Cornell University and author of Slaves of God: Augustine and Other Romans on Religion and Politics. You can buy it HERE: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691244235/slaves-of-god?srsltid=AfmBOoqe902LK8mqeBd3lUa4L8I9roc6Ouy7KmiNS3xrG-xnotPz5BRw 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 

What can Plato tell us about life TODAY?Quite a lot, it turns out…Today Anya is joined by Professor Angie Hobbs to discuss the essential and enduringly relevant nature of Plato's ideas. Discover how they are infused in our modern world, in everything from politics to our personal lives.Angie Hobbs is Professor Emerita of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield and author of Plato and the Hero, Plato's Republic: A Ladybird Expert Book, and most recently, Why Plato Matters Now.You can buy a copy HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Plato-Matters-Now-Interfaces/dp/1399403370Hosted 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.comAn extended version of this podcast is available to Members of Classical Wisdom. Become a Member HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribeAnd access the extended version HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/why-plato-matters-now-more-than-ever

Was King Arthur real?What can his story tells us about British history and identity? And what exactly happened to Britain after the Romans left? Today Anya is joined by Murray Dahm, an independent academic researcher and freelance historian based in Sydney, Australia. Discover how the era of post-Roman Britain is both a beginning and an ending, the thin line between history and myth, and how the dark age was MUCH shorter than commonly thought. Murray Dahm is the author of several books, including Finis Britanniae: A Military History of Late Roman Britain and the Saxon Conquest. You can buy it HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Finis-Britanniae-Military-History-Conquest/dp/1398118273 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 

How is Odysseus like the heroes of Indian literature?And how did two cultures, separated by vast time and distances, come to have such remarkably similar stories?Today Anya is joined by Roberto Morales to discuss the parallels between ancient Greek, Roman, and Indian literature. They discuss what caused these parallels, and what we can learn from them today...Roberto Morales is Associate Professor of Sanskrit and Head of the Department of Classical Philology at the University of Costa Rica, and author of The Embassy, the Ambush, and the Ogre, which they discuss. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Embassy-Ambush-Ogre-Greco-Roman-Influence/dp/1805113615Hosted 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/

What can Seneca, the Roman statesman and Stoic, teach us about life today? And how can we teach ourselves to do the right thing? Today Anya is joined by Robert Kaster, Emeritus Professor of Classics at Princeton to discuss the complex and rewarding legacy of Seneca's Stoicism.He is the author of many books including his most recent, How to Do the Right Thing: An Ancient Guide to Treating People Fairly, which is drawn from the writings of Seneca. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Do-Right-Thing-Treating/dp/0691238642 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/ 

How did ancient Greek culture accomplish so much? Especially across so many different fields, and in such a comparatively short period of time?It turns out, having a good debate every now and then is VERY important.Today Anya is joined by Reviel Netz, the Patrick Suppes Professor of Greek Mathematics and Astronomy in the Department of Classics at Stanford University.He is the author of many celebrated books, including the bestselling The Archimedes Codex: Revealing the Secret of the World's Greatest Palimpsest, The Shaping of Deduction in Greek Mathematics, as well as his most recent,Why the Ancient Greeks Matter: The Problematic Miracle that was Greece. You can buy it here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/why-the-ancient-greeks-matter/6C08DD345E62246E02BC0AAD89C3D37CHosted 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/

The West's greatest peril is forgetfulness, its loss of cultural memory. Without knowing where we came from, how can we know what to defend, or even what to value?In an age when history itself is contested...when the past is either dismissed or distorted...The Golden Thread reminds us why the study of civilization matters. Drawing on nearly three millennia of art, philosophy, politics, and faith, Hankins weaves the story of how our ideas of law, liberty, and virtue emerged...and why they still matter in the modern world.In this conversation, James Hankins of Harvard and Michael Fontaine of Cornell delve into the urgent question of understanding our history and inheritance, to determine what traditions of the West should be kept... or discarded.We ask: Was Alexander Great because he attempted to bridge the West and the East? Should armies have foreign soldiers? What happens when there is a breakdown in trust in the judicial system? How has the Islamic world shaped the western tradition?And is religion and spirituality necessary to revive Classics? You can find James Hankins' book, The Golden Thread, Here.Michael Fontaine's latest book, How to Have Willpower, can be found here. This discussion was 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/

Who were the women of the Odyssey? How have they been understood (and misunderstood) by history?And what is the secret of Calypso's sail?Today Anya is joined by Emily Hauser, to discuss both the famous and the overlooked women of Homer's epics.Emily Hauser, an award-winning ancient historian and author, and world-leading voice in rediscovering the women of Greek myth. She studied at Harvard, Yale and Cambridge, where she won the prestigious Chancellor's Medal for Classical Proficiency.She is the author of acclaimed novels rewriting Greek mythical women, including For the Most Beautiful, as well as her most recent book, Mythica: A New History of Homer's World, Through the Women Written Out of It, of which we speak about today.You can buy Mythica: A New History of Homer's World, Through the Women Written Out of It, HERE:  https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/457730/mythica-by-hauser-emily/978152993248Mythica was published under the title Penelope's Bones in the US, and is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Penelopes-Bones-History-through-Written/dp/0226839680Hosted by Anya Leonard. This discussion is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter, go to : https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Bridging the ancient and the urgent, historian James Romm and acclaimed author and translator Daniel Mendelsohn dive into the dramatic story behind Plato and the Tyrant. This is not the Plato of abstract thought, but a man deeply entangled in the brutal politics of his time...a philosopher who sought to reshape power itself. Romm and Mendelsohn explore how Plato's real-world entanglements with tyrants and revolutionaries in Syracuse directly influenced his philosophical masterpiece, Republic, and how the ideal of the philosopher-king emerged from a world teetering on the edge of chaos.With Mendelsohn's signature insight and Romm's vivid storytelling, this event is a dynamic exploration of one of history's greatest minds, revealing a Plato who was ambitious, politically engaged, and profoundly shaped by personal and political crisis. You can find James' recently released book,Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic Masterpiece, here. https://www.amazon.com/Plato-Tyrant-G... Also make sure to check out Daniel's acclaimed new translation of the Odyssey here. https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/... Hosted by Anya Leonard. This discussion is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter, go to : https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Sometimes stories have a life of their own... literally.Today Anya is joined by Joel Christensen to discuss how mythology acts as a living being in itself. Discover how stories shape the world around us... and why the movie versions never feel the same as the books.Joel Christensen is Professor in the Department of Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies at Brandeis University. He is the author of many books, including Storylife: On Epic, Narrative, and Living Things.You can buy Storylife here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0300269234This discussion is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter, go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

From specific dietary instructions to detailed systems to categorize foods and their health effects, ancient Greeks and Romans tried to optimize their health and well being through their diet. But what can we learn from their efforts? What foods were considered instrumental for good living, and likewise what should we avoid? Featuring Claire Bubb, Assistant Professor of Classical Literature and Science at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University and author of How to Eat to discover ancient ways for modern health. You can buy How to Eat here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Eat-Ancient-Healthy-Readers/dp/0691256993This discussion is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter, go to : https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Tell me about a complicated culture…From the Peloponnesian War to the women of ancient mythology, today Anya is joined by Jennifer T. Roberts to talk about the rich, complex, and contradictory nature of ancient Greek culture…Jennifer T. Roberts is Professor of Classics and History at the City College of New York and the City University of New York Graduate Center. She is author of many books, including most recently, Out of One, Many: Ancient Greek Ways of Thought and Culture.You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Out-One-Many-Ancient-Thought/dp/0691181470Hosted 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/

Centaurs, Snake-kings, Griffins, and Gorgons... ancient Greek mythology is filled with haunting hybrids. But how did these horrific monsters evolve? What is their purpose? And most intriguing of all...what do they reveal about ancient Greek history?Featuring Jeremy McInerney, Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Centaurs and Snake-Kings: Hybrids and the Greek Imagination.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/

They were two of Rome's most famous and powerful men.Both were respected statesmen and feared generals. Both were crucial figures in the final years of the Roman Republic.But you might not have heard of one of them...Today Anya is joined by Stephen Dando-Collins to discuss the complex rivalry between Julius Caesar and Pompey. Allies turned enemies, their battles would ultimately usher in the age of the Roman Empire. But why have their legacies so sharply diverged?Stephen Dando-Collins is the author of dozens of books on ancient history, including Caesar Versus Pompey: Determining Rome's Greatest General, Statesman & Nation-Builder.You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Caesar-Versus-Pompey-Determining-Nation-Builder/dp/1684428955/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/

What can Aristotle tell us about how we should live today? What are the ancient secrets to a flourishing life? And what is 'the art of the interesting?' Today Anya is joined by Lorraine Besser to discuss the ways Aristotle has influenced modern psychology, and how the path towards a richer life is always within us... Lorraine Besser is professor of philosophy at Middlebury College. She was a founding investigator on the research team studying psychological richness, and is the author of many books, including The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Interesting-What-Pursuit-Cultivate/dp/1538743205/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/ 

She was one of the most powerful women of the ancient world…Once mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Cleopatra and Helen of Troy. Yet today she is largely forgotten. Why did this happen?  Today Anya is joined by award-winning novelist Costanza Casati to discuss the ancient Assyrian queen, Semiramis, and the blurry boundary between history and myth.Constanza Casati is the author of the award-winning novel Clytemnestra, as well as her second novel Babylonia, which in inspired by the life of Semiramis. She also works as a screenwriter and freelance journalist.You can buy Babylonia by Constanza Casati here: https://www.amazon.com/Babylonia-Novel-Costanza-Casati-ebook/dp/B0CYKVCRP3Hosted 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/

What is the key to happiness? It turns out, the Stoics might just have the answer… Today Anya is joined by Christopher Gill to discuss ancient Stoic understandings of happiness, how some modern interpretations of Stoicism get it wrong, and what exactly fate has to do with it all.Christopher Gill is a British philosopher and Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at the University of Exeter. He is author of many books, including Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and its Modern Significance, and most recently Stoic Ethic: The Basics, with Brittany Polat. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Ethics-Basics-Christopher-Gill/dp/1032813598Hosted 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/

It's no secret that the American Founding Fathers were deeply inspired by the Classics. The words of the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers suffuse the original documents and ideas that built America.Today Anya is joined by Jeffery Rosen to talk about how ancient ideas of virtue inspired these pivotal figures in American history.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/Right now at Classical Wisdom, we're celebrating the 4th of July holiday with a special Founding Members deal: Founding Members can now receive our stunning 644 page hardback anthology, The Essential Classics, collecting the greatest ancient works in one beautiful new edition.Founding Members can read and be inspired by the very texts that moved and motivated the Founding Fathers. And to commemorate the occasion, you can now become a Founding Member for $50 OFF.So, take advantage of our special Founding Fathers, Founding Members Sale before this Monday to enjoy $50 off and to receive your own hardback Essential Classics anthology… Also, there is free shipping to anywhere in the world!Click here to become a Founding Member: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe***Important: The Essential Classics hardback is NOT available for the regular annual or monthly memberships. It is ONLY for Founding Members.***Jeffery Rosen is an American legal scholar who serves as the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. He has written frequently about the U.S. Supreme Court and is author of several books, including his most recent: The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.

There is a place, a narrow strip of land, where bravery and sacrifice became legendary... where the famed ‘300' laid down their lives to save Hellas in 480 BC...But that is not the only battle in which blood was shed at Thermopylae...Dr. Michael Livingston and Myke Cole discuss their recently released book "The Killing Ground: A Biography of Thermopylae" and discover the chilling stories found on this particular field...We not only look at the history of the ‘killing grounds' but also into the heart of warfare itself: the motivations of those who fight, the strategies they employ, and the horrifying price they have to pay.

From Penelope to Fulvia and beyond, discover the lives of ancient women. Today Anya is joined by Dr. Daisy Dunn, to discuss the ‘missing thread' of ancient history: the often-overlooked women who helped shape civilizations. Dr Daisy Dunn is an award-winning classicist and the author of several books, including The Missing Thread: A New History of the Ancient World through the Women Who Shaped It.You can buy it here: https://geni.us/TheMissingThread 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/

Discover the woman who brought Greek mythology to America… Today Anya is joined by Victoria Houseman to discuss the life and legacy of Edith Hamilton, the American Classicist who brought Greek mythology and ancient cultures to a vast new audience.Her books remain beloved classics in their own right, and illuminate not only the Greeks and Romans, but also how the ancients can help us understand the tumultuous twentieth century.Victoria Houseman is a historian and associate professor in the Department of History and Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.You can buy “American Classicist: The Life and Loves of Edith Hamilton” by Victoria Houseman here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691236186/?bestFormat=true&k=american%20classicist&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_di_k0_1_19&crid=3FOD5P0ESZB2JHosted 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/

While Stoicism is currently all the rage -and for good reason- it isn't the only philosophy to address some of life's toughest questions. From dealing with uncertainty, stress, grief and more, we have a wonderful toolbox of wisdom at our disposal, if only we know where to look.Renowned Stoics and philosophers, Massimo Pigliucci, Donald Robertson and John Sellars, take the lessons of Stoicism... and beyond... to see how we can approach life's difficulties and incorporate time-tested philosophies into our modern life. This event is hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and to sign up for the free newsletter, please go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

How did two different philosophies - that have seen a resurgence of interest in the Western world - both arrive at such similar conclusions for how to live a happy life?Despite being separated by hundreds of years and thousands of miles, Stoicism and Buddhism have striking similarities...so much so some have wondered if there was some exchange of ideas between the forefathers of each ideology.But how exactly are these philosophies alike? What are the critical differences? And perhaps most importantly of all, what can these philosophies teach us today so we can be better people?Watch Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom and Dr. Benjamin B. Olshin, Research Associate at Bryn Mawr College, discuss Stoicism and Buddhism and see if they are truly two sides of the same coin...You can find all of Benjamin's books and art here: https://benjaminbolshin.net/publicationsThis event was brought to you by Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

What happens AFTER an apocalypse?How did ancient societies rebuild after catastrophic events… and what can that teach us about our world now?Today, Anya is joined by DR ERIC H. CLINE, author of the bestselling history book 1177 B.C and its recent sequel, After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations. They'll be discussing what to do if your society collapses… and why the ancient 'dark ages' weren't so dark.Dr. Cline is Professor of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Anthropology, the former Chair of the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, and the current Director of the GWU Capitol Archaeological Institute. He is a National Geographic Explorer, a Fulbright scholar, an NEH Public Scholar, a Getty Scholar, and an award-winning teacher. You can buy After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations here: https://www.amazon.com/After-1177-B-C-Survival-Civilizations/dp/0691192138Hosted 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/

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental disorders. Considered pathology, it is the most diagnosed and medicated of all psychological disorders... but what if it isn't always or only a medical condition? From Greek tragedies and Buddhism to actual practices from famous doctors like Galen, there are a myriad of important lessons about anxiety that can be gleaned from the past. Indeed the ancients had a lot to say about anxiety and mental conditions in general... and their perspective and observations were at times very different from those found in our modern era. Perhaps it's time to rethink anxiety. With the help of both ancient philosophy and history, how can we see anxiety as a source not only of suffering, but also of insight? Featuring professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College and author of “Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide”, Samir Chopra, along with Vanderbilt professor and author of “How to Be Healthy”, Katherine D. Van Schaik, and Michael Fontaine, professor of Classics at Cornell University and author of “How to Grieve”.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/

Discover how the best physician is also a philosopher… From the gladiators' arena to the imperial court, the life and career of the ancient doctor Galen is among the most extraordinary in the ancient world.A Greek, a Roman, a doctor, and a thinker, Galen was also one of the most prolific of all ancient writers, having written ten per cent of all ancient texts from before 350CE.Today, Anya is joined by KATHERINE D. VAN SCHAIK, herself both a Classicist and an MD, to discuss Galen's immense legacy in medicine, what he got right and wrong about health… and how a dream may have changed the course of history.Katherine D. Van Schaik is a MD, PhD, MA and author of “How to Be Healthy: An Ancient Guide to Wellness”. She received her PhD in Ancient History from the Harvard Department of the Classics and her MD from Harvard Medical School. You can buy How to Be Healthy: An Ancient Guide to Wellness here: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691206271/how-to-be-healthyHosted 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/ 

It's philosophy's ultimate dinner party… and you're invited.On today's Classical Wisdom Speaks, Anya is joined by Professor Alex Priou to discuss Plato's most joyful and playful work, The Symposium.Discover how taking an unconventional approach to Plato can illuminate both this ancient text and how we live today.ALEX PRIOU is Associate Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Austin. He is the author of many books, including 'Musings on Plato's Symposium', as well as a number of articles on the history of philosophy. He is also the co-host of a philosophy podcast, The New Thinkery. You can listen here: https://thenewthinkery.com/You can purchase ‘Musings on Plato's Symposium” by Alex Priou here: https://www.amazon.com/Musings-Platos-Symposium-Alex-Priou-ebook/dp/B0CHZ3WS69/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/

Discover the ancient nomadic tribe that helped inspire the myth of the Amazons… and their legacy in the world today.On today's Classical Wisdom Speaks, Anya is joined by Professor Christopher Beckwith, an expert on the mysterious and compelling Scythians.Join them as they discuss the secrets of this influential yet overlooked people, their vanished empire, how Herodotus is a very reliable source after all. You can purchase ‘The Scythian Empire: Central Eurasia and the Birth of the Classical Age from Persia to China' by Christopher Beckwith here:https://www.amazon.com/Scythian-Empire-Central-Eurasia-Classical/dp/0691240531Christopher I. Beckwith is an American philologist and distinguished professor in the Department of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana.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/

They say all philosophy is but a series of footnotes to Plato. Yet the remarkable story of the great philosopher's life has remained untold—until now.On today's Classical Wisdom Speaks, Anya is joined by independent scholar and translator Robin Waterfield to discuss his latest book ‘Plato of Athens', the first ever full-length biography of Plato.Separate fact from fiction and discover if Plato really died from not knowing a riddle, whether the so-called letters of Plato are authentic or not… and how Plato was like Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien.You can purchase ‘Plato of Athens' by Robin Waterfield here.ROBIN WATERFIELD is the author of many books, including ‘Plato of Athens: A Life in Philosophy', as well as ‘Marcus Aurelius' Meditations: The Annotated Edition'.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/

Take a deep dive into three of ancient Greece's most fascinating women - both historical and mythological.  What can we discover about Sappho, Medea and Antigone by studying the original texts? Join Diane Rayor, an extremely talented and engaged translator as she takes you 'behind the scenes' of some of the most powerful works from the ancient world. DIANE J. RAYOR is Professor Emerita of Classics at Grand Valley State University, Michigan. She has published six book translations of ancient Greek poetry and drama: Sappho: A New Translation of the Complete Works (Cambridge University Press, paperback 2nd edition Feb.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/

In a world brimming with information and rapidly shifting beliefs, the lessons from Socrates resonate more than ever.How do we seek knowledge in an age of uncertainty? How can we engage in meaningful dialogue that encourages critical thinking? What can his ideas teach us about social justice, politics, education and our own minds?Enjoy this interdisciplinary discussion, looking at the relevance of Socrates today, drawing on the perspectives of classics, history, philosophy, and psychology and discover the life and legacy of one of history's most influential thinkers and why his ideas continue to inspire and provoke us today.Featuring prominent professors and renowned authors including: Armand D'Angour, Donald Robertson, Angie Hobbs and Massimo Pigliucci. Moderated and hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom.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/

The ancients had plenty of thoughts about animals... but are their insights helpful to us now? How did they treat animals? What did they think of them? And should we eat meat? Today's Classical Wisdom Speaks podcast is with Mark Usher, the Lyman-Roberts Professor of Classical Languages and Literature and a member of the Department of Geography and Geosciences at the University of Vermont. With his wife, he also built, owns, and operates Works & Days Farm in Shoreham, Vermont. Today we'll be talking about his most recent book, How to Care About Animals: An Ancient Guide to Creatures Great and Small. You can purchase his book hereThis podcast is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about the Classics and to sign up for our free newsletter, please go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Everyone knows Athens and Sparta...and yet, THEBES is not the common household name it should be.From its captivating mythology to its fantastic history, we'll look at the archeology, the military, the legends and the truth of this essential city state.Featuring Paul Cartledge of Cambridge University, James Romm of Bard College, Stephen Dando-Collins of Turner Publishing, Stephanie Larson of Bucknell University, Joel Christensen of Brandeis University and Elton Barker of The Open University. Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Should Ivanka Trump and Hunter Biden marry? Well, Plato might think that was a good idea... Today''s Classical Wisdom speaks podcast is with Melissa Lane, the Class of 1943 Professor of Politics and a faculty member of the Program in Classical Philosophy at Princeton University. She is author of many books, including most recently, “Of Rule and Office: Plato's Ideas of the Political.”We discuss Juvenal's conundrum, Plato's political views of rulers and the nature of rule and ask: did Plato believe in ancient Checks and Balances? You can find Professor Lane's book, “Of Rule and Office: Plato's Ideas of the Political.” here: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691192154/of-rule-and-officeIf you are interested in learning more about ancient Philosophy specifically and the Classics in general, check out Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter here: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

In the boom time in Roman Britain, 3rd century AD, one Roman Emperor made his mark on the chaotic island before he was canceled in his own time... and afterwards. But was the treatment of Magnus Maximus unfair? Was he just a usurper? Or absolutely pivotal in the history and mythology of Britain?Today's Classical Wisdom Speaks podcast is with Maxwell Craven, historian, archaeologist, and author of several books, including his most recent: "Magnus Maximus: The Neglected Roman Emperor and his British Legacy", of which we speak about today. You can buy Max's book on Magnus Maximus here.If you are interested in learning more about history specifically and the Classics in general, check out Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter here: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

What do the ancient Greek goddesses reveal about ancient Greek culture? Why did people craft such immoral and often unlikeable gods? And what should we really think about Hera? Today's Classical Wisdom Speaks Podcast is with  NATALIE HAYNES, author of several books, including Pandora's Jar, Stone Blind and A Thousand Ships, which was a national bestseller and shortlisted for the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction.  Natalie is a comedian— as well as a broadcaster for the BBC, and she has written for The Times, The Independent, The Guardian, and The Observer. Today we'll talk about her most recent book, Divine Might.You can also buy Divine Might here: https://www.amazon.com/DIVINE-MIGHT-author/dp/1529089484If you are interested in learning more about mythology specifically and the Classics in general, check out Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter here: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

The famed actor and comedian, Stephen Fry, discusses the ancient languages, etymology, and the joy of discovering the Classics through ancient Greek. We question whether Odysseus... or any of the other great names were really heroes and how these stories give us insight on AI and social media, among other things. Have a listen and let me know why YOU think myths are important...If you want to enjoy Stephen's regular witticisms, you can check out his newsletter here: https://stephenfry.substack.com/You can also buy his Mythos book here: https://www.amazon.com/Mythos-Stephen...If you are interested in learning more about mythology specifically and the Classics in general, check out Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter here: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Flavius Claudius Julianus turned the world upside down. Also known as Julian the Apostate as well as Julian the Philosopher, he ruled Rome as sole emperor for just a year and a half, from 361 to 363. Nonetheless, his impact was substantial. Despite the fact that he was the nephew of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome, Julian fought to return Rome to the old gods who had led his ancestors to build their vast empire. As emperor, Julian set about reforming the administration, conquering new territories, and reviving ancient religions. He was scorned in his time for repudiating Christianity and demonized as an apostate for willfully rejecting Christ. Through the centuries, Julian has been viewed by many as a tragic figure who sought to save Rome from its enemies... as well as a traitor to God and violent oppressor of Christians.But who was he... really? And how did his short time as ruler impact Western history? Featuring Philip Freeman, Professor of Humanities at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Classical Philology and Celtic Languages and Literatures. He is the author of numerous books, including, “Alexander the Great”, “How to Tell a Story”, “How to Grow Old”, “Julius Caesar” and most recently, “Julian: Rome's Last Pagan Emperor”. You can purchase Philip's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Julian-Romes-Pagan-Emperor-Ancient/dp/0300256647This event is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. You can learn more about our mission and subscribe to our free newsletter here:https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Is there evidence to the tales of Aeneas and the Trojan refugees migrating to Italian shores? Classical Wisdom presents Petros Koutoupis, as he explores this narrative and attempts to shed light on the archaeology of the region during the Late Bronze Age.Petros Koutoupis is an author and independent historical researcher, focusing predominantly on the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age periods of the Eastern Mediterranean and general Near East. Petros is also the author and host of the historical newsletter and podcast, Digging Up The Past. You can learn more by visiting https://diggingupthepast.net.This conversation is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and to sign up for our free newsletter, please go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Throughout the ages people have imagined “apocalypses”... but how they determined the end of the world shaped their philosophies... as is still the case. From natural disaster and moral revenge to our modern situation of increasing AI and anthropogenic concerns, contemplating the ‘end of days' can help us cope with the world as it is... or prepare us for difficult times ahead. In an actually not morbid at all conversation, Christopher Star, professor of classics at Middlebury College and author of Apocalypse and Golden Age: The End of the World in Greek and Roman Thought, discusses how the ancients thought about catastrophe and why we should think about it now.You can find Professor Star's book, Apocalypse and Golden Age: The End of the World in Greek and Roman Thought, Here.This conversation is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and to sign up for our free newsletter, please go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/ 

How aware are we when we make choices? From playing rock paper scissors and gambling to complex ethical decisions like the trolley problem and self-driving cars, game theory and choice theory are hugely important and impactful in our modern era... but so too did they play an essential role in the ancient world. Today's Classical Wisdom Speaks Podcast is with Josiah Ober, the Mitsotakis Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences, Professor of Political Science and Classics and Senior Fellow Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He is also the author of the recently released book, "The Greeks and the Rational: The Discovery of Practical Reason."You can find Josiah's book here: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520380165/the-greeks-and-the-rationalThis podcast is brought to you by Classical Wisdom. You can learn more about Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter here:  https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

In 45 B.C., the Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero embarked on an almost impossible task... He wrote a philosophical dialogue trying to understand the gods, their nature, how they interact with the world of human beings... and indeed, if they care about humans at all! On the Nature of the Gods (De Natura Deorum) tries to answer these eternal questions through the ancient philosophical approaches of Epicureanism, Stoicism and Skepticism. While Cicero is present in all the dialogues, he does not participate... instead three speakers represent the three differing perspectives and help illuminate his thoughts. Containing profound psychological and moral insights, this seminal text - recently translated by George J. Thomas (with the pen name Quintus Curtius) - is a compelling testament to the necessity of human agency in an indifferent universe.But what do these approaches say... and what can they teach us today?  Famed translator George J. Thomas and Professor of Classics at Cornell University, Michael Fontaine, discuss the Nature of Gods and how ancient philosophy can help us understand the divine. You can enjoy George's new annotated translation here: https://qcurtius.com/books/on-the-nature-of-the-gods/For more information about Classical Wisdom and to sign up for our free newsletter, please check out our website at: http://classicalwisdom.com