Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics

Dive into the tumultuous life of Hera, the queen of the gods, who starts out being swallowed by her father and ends up marrying her brother, Zeus. Discover the drama of their infidelity and jealousy, as well as Hera's fierce retaliation against Zeus’s lovers. Her complex character shines through as she grapples with loyalty and betrayal during the Trojan War. From turning a peacock into a symbol of her fury to donning a magic bra for persuasion, this exploration raises the question: is she a monster or a victim of an awful marriage?

Dive into the vibrant world of ancient Greek women poets, where Sappho's emotional depth rivals Homer's narratives. Discover the humorous rivalry between Corinna and Pindar, alongside the innovative drinking songs of Praxilla. These poetic voices not only challenge traditional interpretations but also highlight the complexity of female experiences. Misunderstood and often overlooked, these poets are finally being celebrated for their contributions, reshaping our understanding of literature in a male-dominated era.

Join two esteemed professors as they unravel the captivating story of the Great Library of Alexandria. Discover how Alexander the Great envisioned this hub of knowledge, fueled by the relentless ambition of the Ptolemies. Learn about their controversial tactics for acquiring texts and the library's extensive collection goals. Venture into the vibrant intellectual life supported by scholars like Eratosthenes, and reflect on the irreplaceable knowledge lost to Julius Caesar's fire. It's a thrilling exploration of knowledge, power, and the legacy of an ancient wonder.

Discover the dazzling history of Alexandria, a city born from Alexander the Great's ambitious dreams. Learn about its founding and vibrant multiculturalism, and how Ptolemy's strategies brought prosperity and opportunities, particularly for women. Explore remarkable infrastructure projects like the Pharos lighthouse, a true wonder of the ancient world. The conversation also navigates the city’s decline amid political chaos, revealing the complex legacy of a metropolis that once shaped the world.

Dive into the wild world of Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival packed with cross-dressing, sweets, and anarchy. Experience its influence on modern pantomime through lively performances and historical connections. Discover the rich history, from agricultural roots to joyful rebellion, and reflect on how ancient traditions resonate today. Highlights include tales of youthful heroes who faced adversity, showcasing the courage it takes to challenge norms and inspire change. Get ready to celebrate in style with pointy hats and festive camaraderie!

Dive into the captivating world of Tacitus, the imperial Roman historian with a beautifully unsettling writing style. Discover surprising insights about Roman Britain, its geography, and Tacitus's glaring omissions, like the Druids. Explore the complex dynamics between Tacitus and Pliny, revealing the challenges of bias in historical writing. Laugh as they discuss the idealization of past political eras and the power dynamics at play in Tacitus's rhetoric. Reflect on imperialism’s contrasting narratives, especially during Boudicca's revolt, all while navigating history's murky waters.

Edith Hall, an expert in classics and ancient literature, and Adam Rutherford, a scholar of fables, dive into the enigmatic world of Aesop. They unravel the puzzles surrounding his origins and the dubious authenticity of his fables. The discussion ventures into the absurd moral lessons in Aesop's tales, critiquing how these animal stories influence our views today. They explore whimsical fables' themes of reciprocity and transactional relationships, connecting ancient narratives to modern storytelling's evolution.

Natalie stands up for the goddess Artemis. She's a predator, a hunter, an archer. Goddess of wild creatures, the moon to her brother Apollo's sun, she's not averse to the odd human sacrifice. And if you forget her in your prayers, she's liable to send a really big pig to dig up your orchards.'Rock star mythologist’ and reformed stand-up Natalie Haynes is obsessed with the ancient world. Here she explores key stories from ancient Rome and Greece that still have resonance today. They might be biographical, topographical, mythological or epic, but they are always hilarious, magical and tragic, mystifying and revelatory. And they tell us more about ourselves now than seems possible of stories from a couple of thousand years ago.Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery

Dive into the world of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, who is depicted naked and wet in various artworks. Learn about her birth from sea foam and visit her rock in Cyprus. Explore myths of love, deception, and passion, as well as her intriguing relationship with Ares. Discover how Aphrodite's stress-busting strategy involves a bath in Cyprus.

Professor Edith Hall and poet Alicia Stallings join Natalie to discuss the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who wrote about gods, farming, and pickling fish. Hesiod's autobiographical references reveal his struggles in life. The podcast explores Hesiod's poetry, grumpiness, and practical advice, as well as his influence on Greek mythology and human themes.