The Aeneid, written by Virgil between 29 and 19 BC, is a monumental work of classical literature. It follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he navigates from the ruins of Troy to Italy, where he is destined to found the city of Lavinium, a precursor to Rome. The poem is divided into 12 books, with the first six detailing Aeneas' wanderings and the second six describing the war in Italy against the Latins. The epic incorporates various legends and mythological elements, glorifying traditional Roman virtues and legitimizing the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It explores themes such as duty, fate, and the relationship between the individual and society, and has had a profound influence on Western literature[2][3][4].
Plato's works represent a cornerstone of Western philosophy, encompassing a wide range of topics including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and politics. His dialogues, featuring Socrates as the central figure, are renowned for their engaging style and profound insights into human nature and the nature of reality. Plato's theory of Forms, his exploration of justice in The Republic, and his analysis of the soul in various dialogues have had a lasting impact on philosophical thought. His influence extends beyond philosophy, shaping discussions in areas such as political theory, aesthetics, and education. His writings continue to be studied and debated, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Western intellectual tradition.
Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, are foundational works of Western literature, shaping literary traditions and influencing countless writers and artists. The Iliad recounts the wrath of Achilles during the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, honor, and the consequences of war. The Odyssey follows Odysseus's long and perilous journey home after the war, focusing on themes of perseverance, cunning, and the importance of family. Both poems are characterized by their vivid imagery, memorable characters, and profound insights into the human condition. Their influence on Western literature, art, and culture is immeasurable, making them essential texts for understanding the development of Western civilization.
Sappho, a renowned Greek lyric poet, is celebrated for her intensely personal and emotionally resonant poems. Her work explores themes of love, loss, desire, and the complexities of human relationships with remarkable depth and sensitivity. While much of her poetry has been lost to time, the surviving fragments offer a glimpse into the life and emotions of a woman who dared to express herself with unflinching honesty. Sappho's influence on subsequent poets and writers is undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers centuries later. Her poems are characterized by their musicality, vivid imagery, and profound emotional impact, making her a pivotal figure in the history of Western literature. Her work continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic merit and its insights into the human condition.
Pliny the Elder's Natural History is an encyclopedic work that covers a vast range of topics from the natural world. It is a monumental achievement of Roman scholarship, encompassing geography, zoology, botany, astronomy, and mineralogy, among other subjects. The work is characterized by its comprehensive scope, detailed descriptions, and incorporation of a wide range of sources. While not always scientifically accurate by modern standards, it remains a valuable source of information about the ancient world's understanding of nature and its resources. Its influence on subsequent naturalists and scholars is undeniable, making it a significant contribution to the history of science and knowledge.
In the penultimate episode of season 1, “In Her Own Words: Ancient Women Authors,” we talk with historian and classicist Dr. Kate Cooper about gatekeeping, the privilege of individualism, and those rare surviving moments when women wrote for themselves.
The famous Greek poet Sappho, who wrote of love and loss.
Faltonia Betitia Proba, the elite Roman woman who adapted Virgil to tell Christian history.
The pilgrim Egeria who described her tour of the Holy Lands to her circle of female friends back home.
And of course we revisit Perpetua, the martyr from Carthage we first met in Episode 0.
Shownotes: https://womenwhowentbefore.com/in-her-own-words/
Women Who Went Before is written, produced, and edited by Emily Chesley and Rebekah Haigh.
The music is composed and produced by Moses Sun.
Sponsored by the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion, the Program in Judaic Studies, and the Stanley J. Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies at Princeton University
Views expressed on the podcast are solely those of the individuals, and do not represent Princeton University.
Women Who Went Before 
