Instant Classics

Discover the fascinating history of Roman London in an actual amphitheatre beneath the Guildhall. Explore how the city became a multicultural hub after the Romans arrived in 43 CE. Learn about Boudica's fiery revolt and the archaeological evidence of her destruction. Unearth quirky fragments of Roman life, like wax tablets revealing daily transactions and the diverse origins of its inhabitants. The hosts also debunk myths about amphitheatre shows, emphasizing local entertainment instead of gladiators. This rich tapestry of history continues to shape modern London.

Explore the enigmatic world of Athena, the Greek goddess who defies strict definitions. Delve into her multifaceted roles—wisdom, a warrior, and a fashion icon—while questioning her status as a female role model. Discover the origins of phrases like 'under the aegis' and the surprising link between Athena and modern branding. Unpack her celibate nature and the implications of her relationship with patriarchal ideals. Ultimately, Athena emerges as a complex figure, both a helper of heroes and a mouthpiece for male authority.

Dive into the world of Athena, the multifaceted Greek goddess who defies stereotypes as a female role model and divine strategist. Discover her role as the patron of Athens and unearth intriguing questions about gender dynamics in ancient Greece. Explore the origins of phrases like 'under the aegis' and the connections between Athena and modern icons. Through captivating discussions, Mary and Charlotte unravel Athena's complexities, revealing why this goddess remains a symbol of empowerment and intrigue today.

Explore the fierce legacy of Boudica, Britain’s warrior queen, who led a revolt against Roman rule. Uncover how her story, largely shaped by Roman historians, straddles the line between myth and reality. Discover the intricate political landscape of first-century Britain and the events that ignited Boudica’s rebellion. From her dramatic rise as queen of the Iceni to the fiery destruction of Colchester, this intriguing narrative highlights her indomitable spirit and challenges the portrayal of powerful women in history.

Explore the mystical Underworld as Mary and Charlotte delve into ancient myths, examining heroic journeys and the eerie River Styx. They discuss the transformations heroes like Odysseus and Aeneas undergo, revealing deep meanings behind their descents. The hosts reflect on how these tales have shaped modern literature, from Dante to contemporary works. Discover the haunting imagery of Charon, ghostly shades, and the emotional struggles of unfulfilled encounters with loved ones, all while pondering what these myths say about death and desire.

Dive into the eerie world of ancient ghost stories from Greece and Rome. Discover Pliny the Younger's tale of a haunted house featuring a determined philosopher ghostbuster. Learn about a seductive vampire story that highlights the blurred lines between love and horror. Uncover the bizarre Roman exorcism method involving beans and the chilling connection of Remus's spirit to the founding of Rome. These timeless tales reveal a fascinating overlap between ancient and modern beliefs about the supernatural.

Get ready for a thrilling trip back in time! The hosts dive into the vibrant nightlife of Roman London, exploring everything from gladiatorial games to gossip in public baths. They reveal why the historic Guildhall is the perfect setting for this special live recording, nestled within the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Plus, there's a chance to meet the hosts in person and share a drink after the event. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience history where it all happened!

Diving into the infamous tale of Nero, the hosts unpack the truth behind the phrase 'fiddling while Rome burns.' They clarify that the fiddle didn't even exist then and shed light on Nero's actions during the devastating fire, including relief efforts and urban reforms. The episode questions the enduring scapegoating of individuals, like Nero and the Christians, amidst chaos. With fascinating historical context, they reveal how this story transformed into a powerful political metaphor, resonating through centuries and reflecting modern leadership crises.

Can it really have taken seven episodes of Instant Classics to get to everyone’s favourite Roman meme: the toga party? Mary and Charlotte grasp the thistle - or rather the sinus (fold at the front of a toga) - and ask what exactly is a toga? Who wore them and when? And how do you make one?  In this fact-filled episode, we discover that - despite the antics of students around the world today - a toga wasn’t a bed-sheet turned into a sort of cheap tunic for getting blind drunk in, but an elaborate, woollen garment more like a cloak or robe that signified power. We find out how many kilometres of woollen thread were necessary to make a toga, where the word ‘candidate’ (as in political candidate) comes from and which Roman emperor wore platform shoes to make himself look taller.  As they go deeper into the folds of the toga, Mary and Charlotte reveal how wearing one was about much more than looking smart but got to the very essence of what it meant to be Roman.  And… in case you’re wondering… one of our hosts has been to a toga party. But can you guess whether it’s Mary or Charlotte?  @instaclassicpod for Insta, TikTok and YouTube @insta_classics for X email: instantclassicspod@gmail.com Mary and Charlotte recommend some further reading Roman dress has been a bit of a boom area of study recently. Mary Harlow explains many of the practical aspects (including a fun video showing how to actually put one on) here: https://romanleicester.com/2020/06/30/dress-to-impress/ There is good, accessible stuff on the rights and wrongs of toga-wearing here: https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/unromantest/chapter/the-roman-man-and-the-toga/ More specialised:  Camilla Ebert, Sidsel Frisch, Mary Harlow, Eva Andersson Strand and Lena Bjerregaard (eds), Traditional Textile Craft: An Intangible Cultural Heritage? (Centre for Textile Research, University of Copenhagen, 2016) Judith Lynn Sebasta and Larissa Bonfante (eds), The World of Roman Costume (Wisconsin UP, pb, 1994)  Jonathan Edmondson and Alison Keith (eds), Roman Dress and the Fabrics of Roman Culture (University of Toronto Press, 2008)  If you want to follow up some ancient writers:  the phrase ‘the race that wears the toga’ is from Virgil, Aeneid 1, 282;  Augustus’ rules on wearing togas in the forum are mentioned at Suetonius, Augustus 40; Augustus keeping a handy toga at home at Suetonius, Augustus 73; Claudius’ rules in the court case at Suetonius, Claudius 15. There is a full translation of Tertullian’s (baffling) On the Pallium online here: https://www.tertullian.org/articles/hunink_de_pallio.htm Instant Classics handmade by Vespucci Producer: Jonty Claypole  Executive Producer: Natalia Rodriguez Ford Video Editor: Jak Ford Theme music: Casey Gibson   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the mythical figure of Cassandra, whose prophetic gifts were both a blessing and a curse. Explore how her warnings about the Trojan Horse highlight the tragedy of being unheard. From ancient texts to modern celebrity culture, her story reveals the complexities of communication and belief. Inspired by figures like Greta Thunberg, Cassandra transcends time, urging us to reflect on the nature of truth and understanding. The discussion delves into her tragic fate and the broader implications of her legacy in contemporary society.