Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics

Dive into the powerful world of Agrippina the Younger, a formidable figure in Ancient Rome. Explore her incredible family ties, from Emperor Augustus to her son, Nero. Discover how she wielded financial prowess to shape the Empire and survived an assassination attempt involving a collapsible boat. The podcast critiques historical biases against ambitious women while examining Agrippina's ruthless strategies and complex relationship with Nero. It also draws intriguing parallels between her life and portrayals of maternal figures in 1960s cinema.

In this engaging discussion, Llewelyn Morgan, a literary expert, unveils the bold world of Ovid, a trailblazer of love poetry in ancient Rome. They dive into Ovid's playful subversion of romance, revealing his complex portrayal of women and the intertwined themes of beauty and violence. Morgan also sheds light on Ovid's dramatic exile, connecting it to the deep yearning found in his poetry. From metamorphosis tales to the artistic legacies that sprung from his work, this conversation is a captivating journey through Ovid's timeless influence on literature and art.

Dive into the antics of Aristophanes, the master of old comedy. Explore the hilarity of 'Lysistrata,' where women declare a sex strike against war. Delight in the quirky chorus of frogs and how it mirrors gender dynamics, connecting ancient issues to modern movements. Discover the sharp political satire that critiqued contemporary figures like Cleon, featuring absurd trials and family feuds. Finally, reflect on how Aristophanes' legacy intertwines with philosophy, showcasing the timelessness of comedy's exploration of societal woes.