

Edith Hall
Professor of Classics at Durham University and a Fellow of the British Academy. Expert on ancient Greece and classical literature.
Top 10 podcasts with Edith Hall
Ranked by the Snipd community

110 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 56min
Aristotle: Ancient Greece’s greatest philosopher?
Professor Edith Hall, a leading expert on ancient Greece, and comedian Dan Schreiber explore the fascinating life of Aristotle. They discuss his transformation from student to philosopher, his groundbreaking contributions to biology, and the complexities of his mentorship of Alexander the Great. Their conversation is sprinkled with humor as they dissect Aristotle's philosophical ideas on ethics and happiness, while also critiquing his views on women and societal roles. This lively dialogue reveals Aristotle's immense impact on Western thought and invites reflection on his controversial legacy.

65 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 53min
The Iliad
Edith Hall, a Professor at Durham University and an expert on ancient Greek literature, dives deep into the world of 'The Iliad.' She discusses its rich themes of war, honor, and the heartbreaking impact of heroism through figures like Achilles and Hector. Their emotional connections are explored, particularly the bond between Achilles and Patroclus. Hall highlights how the epic reflects ancient values and resonates with today's environmental concerns, making it a timeless narrative that continues to influence modern culture.

42 snips
May 2, 2025 • 28min
Aristotle (Radio Edit)
In this lively discussion, Professor Edith Hall, a leading expert on ancient Greece, joins comedian Dan Schreiber to delve into the fascinating life of Aristotle. They explore his groundbreaking contributions across various fields, compare his practical philosophy to Plato's ideals, and uncover his deep love for nature, particularly through his studies of Lesbos' rich biodiversity. The trio confronts Aristotle's controversial views on ethics and the challenges of his legacy, making for an engaging exploration that highlights his profound impact on modern thought.

30 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 35min
Atlantis
Join Prof. Edith Hall, a Durham University expert on Atlantis and ancient Greek culture, as she unravels the intriguing story behind this legendary lost city. Hall discusses the origins of the Atlantis myth in Plato's dialogues, revealing its reflection on Athenian society, naval power, and moral lessons. The conversation delves into the governance and decline of Atlantis, linking it to ancient civilizations and the critique of imperialism. Discover how a fictional narrative transformed into a quest for historical truth over time.

12 snips
Oct 20, 2022 • 54min
Plato's Atlantis
Join Edith Hall, a Professor of Classics, and Christopher Gill, an expert in ancient philosophy, as they unravel Plato’s enigmatic tale of Atlantis. They delve into the story's potential truths and mythological roots, exploring the cautionary themes of imperialism and virtue that resonate with Athenian history. The conversation highlights the contrasting ideals of governance between Atlantis and Athens, the role of storytelling in shaping society, and the evolution of Atlantis in cultural narratives, making for a fascinating exploration of ancient thought.

11 snips
Apr 21, 2005 • 42min
The Aeneid
In this enlightening discussion, guests Philip Hardie, a Latin expert from Oxford, Catharine Edwards, a classicist from Birkbeck, and Edith Hall, a cultural historian from Durham, delve into Virgil's 'The Aeneid'. They explore how Aeneas embodies Roman identity amidst the chaos of war, linking it to Augustus's reign. The impact of Greek culture on Roman literature, the poignant themes of duty versus passion through Aeneas's trials, and the emotional depth of female characters like Dido are all examined, revealing the epic's enduring relevance.

6 snips
Apr 21, 2022 • 54min
Antigone
In this engaging discussion, guests Edith Hall, Oliver Taplin, and Lindsay Coo explore Sophocles' 'Antigone', a pivotal Greek tragedy. They delve into the intense conflict between Antigone and her uncle Creon, highlighting themes of morality versus authority and familial loyalty. The role of Tiresias as a prophetic figure offers profound insights into impending doom. The emotional fallout from loss and despair, particularly Eurydice's tragic reaction, is examined, alongside the play's enduring relevance as a symbol of resistance and its feminist interpretations in contemporary contexts.

Jul 6, 2023 • 55min
Oedipus Rex
Join Nick Lowe, Reader in Classical Literature, Fiona Macintosh, Professor of Classical Reception, and Edith Hall, Professor of Classics, as they dissect Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. They delve into the play's exploration of fate, identity, and power dynamics in ancient Athens. The discussion highlights Oedipus's tragic journey from a revered king to a tyrant who blinds himself, as well as the play's lasting legacy through psychological interpretations. Expect insights into audience participation and the complex relationships that make this tragedy a timeless masterpiece.

Feb 20, 2025 • 49min
Hubris and Nemesis
Edith Hall, a Professor of Classics at Durham University and expert on Greek tragedy, is captivated by Sophocles' works and offers critiques of modern adaptations of 'Oedipus.' Barnaby Phillips, a writer specializing in colonial history, discusses the absurdities of King Leopold's 19th-century expedition to the Congo, which aimed to exploit trained elephants. Their conversation dives into the complexities of interpreting ancient texts and the dark legacy of colonial ambitions, exposing the moral implications of such historical narratives.

Jan 10, 2025 • 57min
Knowing When To Stop
Join Andrew Doyle, a sharp satirist known for free speech advocacy, alongside classicist Edith Hall and comedian Rob Newman. They dive into the balance between indulgence and moderation, discussing ancient Greek concepts and modern implications of excess. Rupert Read addresses climate activism's urgent needs, while Naomi Paxton explores the suffragette movement. They tackle the challenges of political polarization, the complexities of free speech, and the evolving boundaries of satire, offering insights on when to know enough is enough.