In the year 29 BC the great Roman poet Virgil published these lines: Blessed is he who has succeeded in learning the laws of nature’s working, has cast beneath his feet all fear and fate’s implacable decree, and the howl of insatiable Death. But happy too is he who knows the rural gods…They’re from his poem the Georgics, a detailed account of farming life in the Italy of the time. ‘Georgics’ means ‘agricultural things’, and it’s often been read as a farming manual. But it was written at a moment when the Roman world was emerging from a period of civil war, and questions of land ownership and management were heavily contested. It’s also a philosophical reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world, the ravages of time, and the politics of Virgil’s day. It’s exerted a profound influence on European writing about agriculture and rural life, and has much to offer environmental thinking today. With Katharine Earnshaw Senior Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Exeter; Neville Morley Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of ExeterandDiana Spencer Professor of Classics at the University of BirminghamProducer: Luke Mulhall

Diana Spencer, a 19-year-old engaged to the future King of England, faces the challenges of being a soon-to-be royal. Topics include the early stages of Diana and Charles' relationship, her struggles to win over the royal family, Diana's battle with bulimia and loneliness, and the revelation of Charles' infidelity. The podcast also explores the Australia tour where Diana discovers her own popularity and seeks control over her portrayal in the media.

Former members of the royal family, Diana Spencer and Meghan Markle, are the focus of this episode. Meghan's fascination with Princess Diana and her pursuit of Prince Harry are discussed. Prince Harry's background and reputation, as well as his concern for Meghan's safety, are explored. Meghan's efforts to charm the royals and her engagement to Harry are also highlighted.