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Instant Classics

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

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/

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes43Founded7 months ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for Instant Classics

Latest Episodes

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

If you were to go back in time to 15 February in Ancient Rome, you might see marauding packs of naked men surging through the streets. If you were particularly unlucky one of them might whip you with a piece of goat skin. This was the Roman festival ... more

Greece gave way to Rome and the Roman Empire too declined, but Helen of Troy survived. Forever young and relevant, she has been reimagined by generation after generation. In the last episode of this mini-series, Mary and Charlotte look at Helen’s end... more

What happened to Helen after the Trojan War? Mary and Charlotte pick up the trail of mythology’s most famous femme fatale as she makes the long journey home from Troy. The big question at the end of the previous episode was whether her husband Menela... more

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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, 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 464 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
    Australia13 days ago
  • History Geeks Rejoice!

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ricknewyork
    United States15 days ago
  • 67

    67 on a merry rizzmas6️⃣7️⃣

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nega da dega
    Finland2 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 States2 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 States2 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
#165
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#39
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#128
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#62
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#240
France/History
Apple Podcasts
#48
Ireland/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
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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. The Ancients
2. The Rest Is History
3. Journey Through Time
4. Dan Snow's History Hit
5. Empire: World History

How many episodes of Instant Classics are there?

Instant Classics launched 7 months ago and published 43 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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What guests have appeared on Instant Classics?

Recent guests on Instant Classics include:

1. Naomi Alderman

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