The Ancients How Greece Shaped Rome with Mary Beard
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Sep 4, 2025 
Join celebrated classicist Mary Beard, a Professor at the University of Cambridge, and Charlotte Higgins, Chief Culture Writer for The Guardian, as they delve into the dynamic relationship between ancient Greece and Rome. Discover how Roman tactics, philosophy, and literature were shaped by Greek influence while addressing complex cultural rivalries. Explore Virgil's Aeneid and its homage to Greek epics, alongside the moral dilemmas of conquest and cultural exchange that enriched both civilizations. Their insights unravel the rich tapestry of classical antiquity.
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Intertwined Admiration And Contempt
- Romans admired Greek culture while simultaneously disparaging Greek people, holding both views together.
- Mary Beard says this intertwined relationship shaped Rome from its mythical foundation onward.
Roman Foundations Borrow Greek Lineage
- Roman origin myths intentionally connect Rome to Greek figures like Aeneas and Evander to claim cultural legitimacy.
- Charlotte Higgins and Mary Beard show these myths blend Greek and Roman identities from the start.
Classical Status Comes From Continuity
- 'Classical' status rests partly on continuous readership, not exclusivity of value.
- Mary Beard argues texts like the Aeneid shaped centuries of European culture and survival grants special status.
