Was Rome a slave society? Did Caesar really take a million Gauls captive? And what is the real story of Spartacus? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Mary Beard to discuss slavery in Ancient Rome.***Tickets for the live show can be bought at the following link from 9am on Wednesday 10th May: https://robomagiclive.com/empire-podcast-live/.Sign up to The Knowledge here: www.theknowledge.com/empire/LRB Empire offer: lrb.me/empireThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/empirepod.Twitter: @EmpirepodukGoalhangerpodcasts.comProducer: Callum HillExec Producer: Jack Davenport + Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Greg Jenner for a fun Homeschool History lesson on life in Roman Pompeii, as we share what archeologists have discovered from the town that was frozen in time 2000 years ago. How did they brush their teeth? What was the name of the local pub? And just how do we know so much about what they ate? Historical Consultant: Professor Mary Beard. Produced by Abi Paterson Scripted by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research Assistance by Hannah MacKenzieAn Athletic production for BBC Radio 4

Mary Beard, a specialist in Roman History, joins the podcast to explore the captivating world of Roman Emperors. They discuss the similarities among emperors and the responsibilities of the role, including the intricate dynamics of the Senate and dinner parties. The podcast also covers the expectations of everyday citizens and the complex relationship between emperors and their subjects. From power dining to the influence of successors on reputation, this episode reveals the fascinating realities of life for those at the top of Roman society.

Mary Beard, Britain’s best-selling historian of the ancient world, explores the lives of Romans, from slaves to emperors. Topics include a young bride's fight for inheritance, a cross-cultural love story, a boy reciting poetry to the Emperor, and the multifaceted role of an emperor as a farmer and priest.

Mary Beard, Britain's best known classicist, and Rory Stewart discuss power and politics. They explore the limitations of power in modern politics, reflect on power and its perceptions in British life, discuss the challenges of communication for those in power, delve into the bureaucracy and power dynamics in the civil service, and examine the phenomenon of Deepfakes and historical attempts to discredit emperors.

Mary Beard, renowned historian and author, discusses the nature of unaccountable power in ancient Rome and today. They explore the governance of the Roman Empire, double standards in Roman society, Mark Zuckerberg's fascination with Augustus, parallels between tech titans and Roman emperors, Caesarism in contemporary democracy, and the absurdity of Roman emperors being deified.

Mary Beard, a renowned classicist and public intellectual, dives into the extraordinary life of Jane Ellen Harrison, Britain’s first female career academic. They discuss Harrison's legacy, her cunning ability to shape her own narrative, and the hurdles women face in academia. Beard also reflects on the complexities of writing Harrison's biography and how these challenges highlight the broader fight for women's rights in education. Expect a lively examination of history, gender dynamics, and the importance of self-perception in empowering future generations.

Peter McIlvenna, a commentator on contemporary British issues, and Mary Beard, a distinguished scholar of Roman history, dive into pressing societal topics. They discuss Andrew Tate's potential designation as the UK's first misogyny terrorist, examining the broader implications for free speech and public safety. Mary Beard critiques modern historical narratives and explores biases in how ancient figures are represented. The conversation questions the effectiveness of current justice policies, particularly regarding violence against women and the influence of social media on perceptions of gender.

Listen to Mary Beard, popular historian, author, and broadcaster, discuss the intriguing lives of Roman emperors. From their extravagant antics and legends to the challenges of governing the Roman Empire, Beard explores the perception of power and the rise of influential emperors like Julius Caesar and Octavian. She also reflects on the power dynamics of Roman society and the misconceptions surrounding the assassination and reputation of emperors. Delve into the fascinating world of Roman emperors with Beard's insights.

In 2015, Intelligence Squared staged the ultimate clash of civilisations: Greece vs Rome. Boris Johnson, at that time Mayor of London and ardent classicist, made the case for Greece; while Mary Beard, today Lecturer in Classical Archaeology at the University of Sheffield and known for her extensive career as a broadcaster and writer, championed Rome. As we revisit this archive debate held in the pre-Brexit, pre-pandemic era, it's fascinating to observe how history would soon be shaped by some of the figures on stage and whose actions are the subject of much divisive debate today. Our host for the event was the journalist and broadcaster, Andrew Marr. 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