Classical Wisdom Speaks

Murray Dahm, independent academic and author of Finis Britanniae, explores post‑Roman Britain and the blurred line between history and myth. He discusses Roman military legacies, continuity after withdrawal, the rise of Saxon settlements, and how Arthurian legend may echo late Roman military imagery. The conversation examines identity, sources, and why the so‑called dark ages were shorter than we think.

In this engaging discussion, Roberto Morales, an Associate Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Costa Rica, explores the intriguing parallels between ancient Greek and Indian literature. Topics include deep narrative similarities between Achilles and Bhishma, and the shared ogre motifs of Cyclops and rakshasas. Morales also examines the complexities of cultural influence, the origins of Greco-Roman and Indian exchanges, and odd details suggesting literary borrowing. His insights invite listeners to reconsider the interconnectedness of ancient cultures.

In this insightful conversation, Robert Kaster, Emeritus Professor of Classics at Princeton and author of How to Do the Right Thing, delves into the impactful teachings of Stoic philosopher Seneca. He highlights the importance of magnanimity and empathy in today’s world, offering practical steps to expand our understanding of others. Kaster shares Seneca’s techniques for achieving calmness, like nightly self-reflection, and stresses the need for continual self-improvement. He also discusses the relevance of Stoicism beyond modern misinterpretations, encouraging us to judge ideas independently.

Reviel Netz, the Patrick Suppes Professor of Greek Mathematics and Astronomy at Stanford, dives into the cultural explosion of ancient Greece. He highlights how geography and the spirit of debate fostered creativity and innovation. Netz emphasizes the importance of individual authorship, linking it to personal reputation driving progress. He connects Greek mathematical advances, like proofs and conic sections, to modern science while arguing for the relevance of Greek studies today. The discussion also touches on the balance between productive tension and the value of teaching foundational texts like Euclid.

James Hankins, a Harvard historian and author of *The Golden Thread*, teams up with Michael Fontaine, a Cornell classicist, to explore the West's cultural memory. They discuss why knowing our history is vital for preserving democracy and virtue. Hankins emphasizes the fragility of cultural transmission, noting past losses of texts and the Islamic world's role in preserving knowledge. They debate how much we should cherish our traditions versus innovate, and whether a revival of the Classics requires spiritual renewal. A thought-provoking conversation on the delicate balance between past and future!

Who were the women of the Odyssey? How have they been understood (and misunderstood) by history?And what is the secret of Calypso’s sail?Today Anya is joined by Emily Hauser, to discuss both the famous and the overlooked women of Homer's epics.Emily Hauser, an award-winning ancient historian and author, and world-leading voice in rediscovering the women of Greek myth. She studied at Harvard, Yale and Cambridge, where she won the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal for Classical Proficiency.She is the author of acclaimed novels rewriting Greek mythical women, including For the Most Beautiful, as well as her most recent book, Mythica: A New History of Homer’s World, Through the Women Written Out of It, of which we speak about today.You can buy Mythica: A New History of Homer’s World, Through the Women Written Out of It, HERE:  https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/457730/mythica-by-hauser-emily/978152993248Mythica was published under the title Penelope's Bones in the US, and is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Penelopes-Bones-History-through-Written/dp/0226839680Hosted by Anya Leonard. This discussion is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and sign up for our free newsletter, go to : https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

James Romm, Bard classics professor and author, recounts Plato’s tangled real-world dealings with Syracusan tyrants. Daniel Mendelsohn, Bard humanities professor and noted translator, steers a lively conversation. They trace Plato’s trips to Syracuse, his bonds with Dion, court intrigue and exile, and how these dramas shaped the Republic and Plato’s later political thought.

Join Joel Christensen, a Classics scholar from Brandeis University and author of Storylife, as he dives into the fascinating world of narratives. He explores how mythology breathes life into stories, treating them as living beings that shape our culture. Discover the difference between collective tradition and authorship, how Homer immortalizes oral tales, and the ethical responsibilities of storytellers. They also tackle the dangers of archetypes in hero myths and the impact of language on narrative perception. A thought-provoking discussion on the power of storytelling!

Claire Bubb, an Assistant Professor at NYU and author of How to Eat Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers, delves into ancient dietary practices. She explores how Greeks and Romans meticulously crafted their diets, linking food choices to health. Discover the significance of starting meals with sharp foods and ending with sweets, as well as the importance of seasonal eating. Bubb highlights the fascinating interplay of culture, medical opinions, and personal health, offering timeless insights for modern living.

In this captivating discussion, Jennifer T. Roberts, a Professor of Classics and History, explores the multifaceted nature of ancient Greek culture. She reveals how Greeks embodied contradictions, from the contrasting ideals of Spartan valor and Sappho's views on beauty. Roberts delves into the geographical diversity of Greek communities and the intellectual debates that shaped their society. Additionally, she discusses the complexities of Athenian democracy and the central role of competition in Greek life, highlighting the enduring relevance of their shared values.