Rome was the biggest city in the West until 19th century London. The Romans were committed to make urban living modern style work. In modern style too they were committed to moaning about the tribulations of city life and here's the comogenally satirist juvenile complaining about not being able to get to sleep. Insomnia causes most deaths here. It is brought on by indigestion rich food lying on a stomach saw with heartburn. Show me the apartment that lets you sleep. In this city sleep costs millions and that's the root of the trouble.
In 2015, Intelligence Squared staged the ultimate clash of civilisations: Greece vs Rome. Boris Johnson, at that time Mayor of London and ardent classicist, made the case for Greece; while Mary Beard, today Lecturer in Classical Archaeology at the University of Sheffield and known for her extensive career as a broadcaster and writer, championed Rome. As we revisit this archive debate held in the pre-Brexit, pre-pandemic era, it's fascinating to observe how history would soon be shaped by some of the figures on stage and whose actions are the subject of much divisive debate today. Our host for the event was the journalist and broadcaster, Andrew Marr.
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