
Mary Beard on why the classics still matter
From HistoryExtra podcast by Immediate
April 21, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 2524
About this episode
Mary Beard discusses the relevance of the classical past in modern times and reflects on her career.
What's the role of the classical past in the modern day? In this episode of the HistoryExtra podcast, internationally renowned classicist Mary Beard reflects on her long career, and discusses the ongoing importance of the subject. Speaking to Charlotte Vosper about her new book, Talking Classics: The Shock of The Old, Mary explores her relationship with antiquity – and explains why the ancient past is still relevant today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Charlotte Vosper
Guest: Mary Beard
Topics covered
- classical past
- modern relevance
- Mary Beard
- classics
- antiquity
- literature
Keywords
- classics
- Mary Beard
- antiquity
- modern relevance
- Talking Classics
- history
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Talking Classics: The Shock of The Old
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