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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/

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes26Founded5 months ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Latest Episodes

We may think of Ancient Greek warfare as scantily dressed musclemen thrashing it out on the desert plain (and there may have been an element of that), but there was a whole other side of spy work too. Much of this was the result of its fraught relati... more

Naomi Alderman is an author and games designer. Her books include Disobedience (adapted into a film starring Rachel Weisz), The Power (also an Amazon Prime series) and most recently The Future. She’s also an emerging classicist and reached out to Ins... more

Since Instant Classics launched, we’ve loved getting your questions and ideas for topics. So for our New Year’s Day episode, Mary and Charlotte respond to some of those which have tickled their curiosity too.

Where did the Romans stash their cash? W... more

Every December, the Ancient Romans took part in a festival of feasting, drinking, gift-giving and awkward office parties. So far, so Christmas. But, in this episode, Mary and Charlotte ask what really went on during the Roman festival of Saturnalia a... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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, known for her contributions to the understanding of classical literature and culture, with significant scholarly presence and media engagement. She brings her expertise in Ancient Rome and Greece to the discussions.
Charlotte Higgins
Co-host and chief culture writer at The Guardian, she combines journalistic insight with a passion for classical studies, enhancing the program with her cultural critiques and engagement with contemporary issues.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 425 ratings
  • 67

    67 on a merry rizzmas6️⃣7️⃣

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nega da dega
    Finland23 days 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 States24 days 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 Statesa month ago
  • obvious experts

    these two are so passionate, fun, silly, and knowledgeable. it’s a privilege to get to listen to them, i eagerly await new eps.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cap’ndenden
    Australiaa month ago
  • Love the Odyssey book club!

    Enjoying it while on mat leave - baby seems to like listening to it too! Particularly loving the Odyssey book club and hoping the Iliad is next. Found it via Tom Holland RIHC and glad I did!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LauraDNJ
    United Kingdom2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some critiques focus on occasional political commentary, indicating a desire for a more focused historical perspective without modern biases.
There's a strong positive sentiment toward the engaging presentation style and chemistry between the hosts, making complex topics relatable.
Listeners appreciate the humor and insightful analysis provided by the hosts as they relate ancient history to modern-day issues.
Many find the discussions enlightening, refreshing, and accessible, often describing the content as both entertaining and informative.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#239
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#51
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#169
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#139
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#209
Germany/History
Apple Podcasts
#47
Finland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Instant Answers: New Year’s Day Q&A
Q: Is there evidence for a Jewish community in Roman Britain?
There is limited concrete evidence, but given the connectivity of the Roman Empire, it is highly likely that Jewish individuals existed in Roman Britain despite the lack of definitive archaeological finds.
Instant Answers: New Year’s Day Q&A
Q: Could you explain what Soranus's textbook on gynecology says about the qualities midwives should have?
Soranus suggested that an ideal midwife should be illiterate, possess a good memory, be strong and respectful, and possibly have long slim fingers and short nails for practical purposes.
Athena: Private Life of a Greek Goddess
Q: Is Athena actually a female role model or is she in any way female?
Athena is a complex figure who embodies elements of the patriarchy and does not conform to traditional notions of femininity.

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?

This podcast explores the connections between ancient history and modern life, featuring discussions led by an esteemed classicist and a prominent culture writer. The hosts illuminate various aspects of Greek and Roman history, covering iconic figures, significant events, and cultural artifacts while relating them to contemporary issues and themes. Episodes offer engaging narratives woven with humor, insights, and a critical examination of historical interpretations, making ancient history accessible and thought-provoking for all audiences. Notably, the focus on the relevance of classical themes in today's society sets this podcast apart, encouraging curiosity and stimulating discussions around enduring societal questions.

Listeners can ex... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Instant Classics?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Instant Classics:

1. The Ancients
2. The Rest Is History
3. In Our Time
4. Gone Medieval
5. Dan Snow's History Hit

How many episodes of Instant Classics are there?

Instant Classics launched 5 months ago and published 26 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Instant Classics?

Recent guests on Instant Classics include:

1. Naomi Alderman

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