Barbara Graziosi

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the great epic poem attributed to Homer, telling the story of an intense episode in the Trojan War. It is framed by the wrath of the Greek hero Achilles, insulted by his leader Agamemnon and withdrawing from the battle that continued to rage, only returning when his close friend Patroclus is killed by the Trojan hero Hector. Achilles turns his anger from Agamemnon to Hector and the fated destruction of Troy comes ever closer. With Edith Hall Professor of Classics at King's College LondonBarbara Graziosi Professor of Classics at Princeton UniversityAnd Paul Cartledge A.G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Greek Culture at Clare College, CambridgeProducer: Simon Tillotson.

Barbara Graziosi, a classics professor at Princeton and author of The Gods of Olympus, dives into the evolution of ancient Greek religion. She explores the meaning behind rituals like sacrifice and the existence of skepticism and alternative religions in ancient times. The conversation also highlights the vibrant modern revival of Olympian deities in pop culture, examining their role as symbols of creativity. Additionally, Graziosi discusses the complexities of Greek morality depicted in mythology and the decline of the pantheon with the rise of Christianity.

Barbara Graziosi, a Professor of Classics and author, dives into the captivating world of Homer, discussing the complexity of the Iliad and the Odyssey. She highlights the unconventional nature of these epics compared to other ancient poetry. Graziosi explores themes of mortality and survival, contrasting Odysseus' choices in the Odyssey. She also examines how readers across time have constructed myths about Homer, revealing the enduring power of these narratives to resonate with audiences today.