Hercules, Prometheus, Pandora. The compelling characters of Greek mythology continue to fascinate readers thousands of years after their stories were first told. For this edition of the podcast, leading classicist Sarah Iles Johnston comes to Intelligence Squared to discuss their enduring popularity, which is the basis of her recent book, Gods and Mortals: Ancient Greek Myths for Modern Readers. Joining her in conversation is fellow classicist and author Daisy Dunn, author of Gods and Men: 100 Stories from Ancient Greece and Rome.We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be about. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com. At Intelligence Squared we’ve got our own online streaming platform, Intelligence Squared+ and we’d love you to give it a go. It’s packed with more than 20 years’ worth of video debates and conversations on the world’s most important topics as well as exclusive podcast content. Tune in to live events, ask your questions or watch on-demand, totally ad-free with hours of discussion to dive into. Visit intelligencesquaredplus.com to start watching today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Daisy Dunn, a classicist and author, Armand D’Angour, a Classics professor at Oxford, and Paul Lay, Senior Editor at Engelsberg Ideas, dive into the relevance and future of ancient languages like Latin and Greek. They explore the decline of Latin studies and the cognitive benefits of learning classical languages. The trio also critiques traditional teaching methods and celebrates innovative approaches that make these subjects more engaging, advocating for classical studies' crucial place in today's educational landscape.

Daisy Dunn, an expert on heroic figures and their societal impact, delves into the allure of greatness shaped by ancient myths. She explores how legendary figures like Romulus and Aeneas influenced cultural identities. Dunn discusses the Aeneid as a foundational text and critiques its connections to Augustus's regime. The conversation also reveals how political leaders leverage ancestral myths for legitimacy, echoing timeless themes of heroism in modern politics. Finally, she critiques the modern perception of greatness, advocating for an understanding of flawed historical characters.

Daisy Dunn, an award-winning classicist and author of *The Missing Thread*, and Peter Stothard, a renowned ancient history author, dive into the often-overlooked roles of women in antiquity. They discuss how women like Aspasia challenged societal norms in ancient Athens and explore Hesiod's negative portrayals of women. The conversation also tackles the bizarre ancient medical theory of 'wandering wombs' and highlights Fulvia's political acumen in Rome, urging a reevaluation of women's significant contributions throughout history.

Dr. Daisy Dunn discusses the remarkable Roman women who shaped history, including Cornelia and Fulvia. They explore the challenges of studying women in a male-dominated narrative and spotlight the absence of female writers. The podcast delves into political intrigue, scandals, and the powerful influence of women like Clodia and Fulvia in ancient Rome.