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Instant Classics

Vespucci
The Odyssey
Greek Literature
Homer
Parthenon
Ancient Literature
Homer's Odyssey
Roman Empire
Ancient Greece
Odysseus
Classical Studies
Athena
Epic Poems
Christopher Nolan
Epic Poetry
Rome
The Iliad
Translation
Athens
Virgil
Trojan War

Join world-renowned classicist Mary Beard and Guardian chief culture writer Charlotte Higgins for Instant Classics — the weekly podcast that proves ancient history is still relevant. Ancient stories, modern twists… and no degree in Classics required. Become a Member of the Instant Classics Book Club here: instantclassics.supportingcast.fm/

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes48Founded7 months ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Latest Episodes

In 430 BCE, Athens was hit by a terrible plague that ultimately claimed around a third of the population. All the social niceties we associate with Ancient Athens collapsed. Citizens turned on one another. The dead were left unburied. Mary and Charlo... more

Think Roman food and we imagine extravagant banquets involving rare delicacies. There’s some truth in this, but only for the few. In this episode, Mary and Charlotte ask: what did your average Roman eat?

Cooking at home was only for the very rich - ... more

When we think about Roman food, most of us imagine wealthy citizens stuffing their faces with rare delicacies while reclining on their sides and taking occasional breaks to use the vomitorium (urban myth alert). In this two-part special, Mary and Cha... more

Mary and Charlotte talk to Tom Holland, co-host of the Rest is History. As well as being a podcasting megastar, Tom is a brilliant historian of Ancient Rome. His books include Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic,  Pax: War and Peace in Rome... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Tom Holland
Historian and bestselling author known for his work on ancient history.
The Rest is History
Episode: Classic Chats: Tom Holland
Naomi Alderman
Bestselling novelist and computer games writer, renowned for her insightful societal commentary
Episode: Underneath the Toga pt 2 (With Naomi Alderman)

Hosts

Mary Beard
Co-host and world-renowned classicist, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge
Charlotte Higgins
Co-host and chief culture writer at The Guardian

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 478 ratings
  • Excellent

    Very accessible and interesting. Allows you to enter this fascinating world even if you never studied the subject and have no knowledge of Greek or Latin or much history!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Steve1886
    Australiaa month ago
  • History Geeks Rejoice!

    Finally an entertaining, intelligent and accessible history podcast. Wonderful!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ricknewyork
    United Statesa month ago
  • 67

    67 on a merry rizzmas6️⃣7️⃣

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nega da dega
    Finland3 months ago
  • I’d listen to Mary talk about paint drying.

    So insightful and interesting. Love to hear the details of the lives that came way before us and the world they lived in.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Designgirl73
    United States3 months ago
  • Use of terms BC/AD

    Enjoying your talks. Please, please use the older terms BC and AD to describe timing and not BCE / CE. As a layman, I find the terms incredibly confusing and distracting. For your “nonacademic” listeners, ( not from academia), please use the terms people grew up with. It would make listening to your podcast so much more enjoyable. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Insomniac 64
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some mentions of sound quality concerns suggest that while the content is rich, technical improvements could enhance the overall listening experience.
The podcast stands out in the crowded history podcast landscape, as many note how it effectively blends ancient stories with modern relevance.
Audience members express excitement for continued discussions surrounding various figures and events in classical history, highlighting a strong community interest.
The hosts are widely praised for their intelligence, humor, and ability to make complex topics enjoyable and relatable, often appreciated for their distinct styles and rapport.
Listeners describe the podcast as accessible and engaging, providing a fascinating entry point into ancient history even for those without prior knowledge.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#170
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#46
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#165
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#78
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#74
Philippines/History
Apple Podcasts
#79
New Zealand/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Classic Chats: Tom Holland
Q: What took you to the Romans?
Tom expresses that an early childhood fascination with both dinosaurs and the Romans drove his interest, along with specific impactful books that sparked this obsession.
Classic Chats: Tom Holland
Q: How do you actually go about your translations day to day?
Tom recounts his method of tackling sections daily and how locations and his environment play into his writing process, notably his experiences while traveling and during lockdown.
Classic Chats: Tom Holland
Q: Tom, what is it about Suetonius? What are his qualities? What are the things that drew you so close to him?
Tom shares that Suetonius's works resonate with contemporary cultural insights and reflect broad human experiences, making him a compelling subject for translation and study.
Underneath the Toga pt 2 (With Naomi Alderman)
Q: Naomi, why did you decide to study classics?
I have always been enticed by it and had a real love for Ovid from my studies, which motivated me to delve deeper into the subject.
Instant Answers: New Year’s Day Q&A
Q: Why do people want to speak Latin and is there a modern movement?
There's a modern movement, like the Latinitas Project, aiming to teach Latin as a living language to make it accessible and demystify it for learners.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Classics

What is Instant Classics about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A captivating exploration of ancient history, this podcast features in-depth discussions on various figures, themes, and narratives from the classical world. With hosts who bring both vast knowledge and engaging dialogue, episodes frequently dive into topics like mythology, notable historical figures such as Helen of Troy and Boudica, and the societal implications of ancient customs that resonate with modern life. Rich in humor and accessible storytelling, it invites listeners without formal backgrounds in Classics to engage with and appreciate the stories and complexities of the past, showcasing how these ancient tales continue to evolve in contemporary contexts. The hosts' dynamic chemistry and expert insights make for a delightful audito... more

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How many listeners does Instant Classics get?

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How many subscribers and views does Instant Classics have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Instant Classics?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Instant Classics:

1. In Our Time
2. Gone Medieval
3. The Ancients
4. The Rest Is History
5. HistoryExtra podcast

How many episodes of Instant Classics are there?

Instant Classics launched 7 months ago and published 48 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Instant Classics?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Instant Classics?

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What guests have appeared on Instant Classics?

Recent guests on Instant Classics include:

1. Tom Holland
2. Naomi Alderman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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