We have a bonus episode for you... what better way to close out Season 2 than with an interview with one of the most fascinating people we've ever met - Baroness Black. Sue, as she prefers, is a trailblazing scientist and a champion for education and, indeed classical subjects. After graduating from the University of Aberdeen in human anatomy and forensic anthropology, Sue has had a varied and distinguished academic career, lecturing in Anatomy at St Thomas’ Hospital London and working as a cons...
May 12, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Before her Expert in Residence Special Lecture on Thursday 15th May, Jessica joins us to answer your questions: featuring discussion on layered cakes, Cestius' pyramid, the Appian Way, Roman London, ancient archaeologists and of course Pompey's Theatre, with a sneak preview of her lecture! To watch Jessica's lecture and participate in the Q&A, become a CA member Jessica is a historian and archaeologist, specialising in ancient Roman theatre and entertainment. She grew up on the Isle of Wight...
May 07, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In the third and final episode of this mini series, Dr Abigail Graham (Institute of Classical Studies) explores the Emperor Claudius' use of epigraphy, focusing on four key monuments across the empire - from Greece to Egypt. Look out for these key timestamps: 09:16 - Claudius' letter to the Alexandrians in AD 41 13:00 - Claudius' extension of the pomerium Huge thanks to Abigail, James and all of our contributors for sharing their wonderful expertise. Click here for the Inscriptions Booklet...
May 02, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 36
In the second episode of this mini series, Dr Abigail Graham (Institute of Classical Studies) moves on from Augustus to explore how Tiberius presented himself and his imperial inheritance, via the two following inscriptions: 1. Gythium inscription from AD 15, including discussion about the imperial cult and the role of Livia 2. from 09:18, the genius of Tiberius' worship at Rome in AD 27 Click here for the Inscriptions Booklet designed to support teachers and students of the OCR A Level Anci...
May 01, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 35
In the final episode of Season 2, Katrina chats to Mary-Ann Ochota, author of Hidden Histories and Secret Britain , anthropologist, broadcaster and President of the Countryside Charity. You might recognise Mary-Ann from Time Team or as a documentary maker and presenter for the BBC World Service. They discuss early adventures, her university experience, her favourite archaeological sites, and how she got into the world of broadcasting, from work experience to the freelance hustle. Mary-Ann's webs...
Apr 17, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 8
After an introduction to Roman epigraphy (what do we mean by inscriptions and how can we go about reading them?), Dr Abigail Graham (Institute of Classical Studies) explores how we should analyse these types of sources and consider their limitations as well as the information they shed on the ancient past. She then hones in on the Augustan inscriptions that are part of the A Level Roman Period Study syllabus, considering both victory monuments and smaller religious inscriptions. 08:10: Actium Tr...
Apr 14, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 34
Tom Davey, RADA trained actor, talks to Katrina about his favourite roles, playing in an adaptation of Antigone at the Edinburgh Fringe, his company Bright Torches inspiring young people and the power of storytelling to build resilience. Find out more about Bright Torches and on our blog Find more episodes of Classics and Careers Follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram Join the Classical Association to access discounts, events and more Follow the CA on ...
Apr 03, 2025•29 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Katrina welcomes back Dr Clare Rowan from the University of Warwick to find out what brilliant ideas entrants had in her Tokens Competition - from gladiators to feasts, gambling to securing safe passage to the Underworld, these fascinating objects have a rich and still uncertain history so there were lots of creative responses! Listen to Episode 1 on Tokens here Enter our Mythology Competition before 9 May 2025...
Mar 27, 2025•23 min
In this episode, Katrina talks to Dr Nimisha Shephard-Patel, a fundraising manager for the Hyde Group, who also has a doctorate in Classics from King's College London. Nimi highlights the importance of curiosity and asking questions, discusses how she was inspired by one classicist in particular, and talks about her own experiences of neurodiversity in education. Find more episodes of Classics and Careers Follow Nimi on LinkedIn Follow the Classics Podcast on Instagram Join...
Mar 21, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 6
It's a big welcome to our new Expert in Residence, Dr Jessica Clarke, Roman historian and archaeologist! In this introductory interview, Katrina discovers Jessica's most exciting excavation; her first experience of archaeology as a child growing up on the Isle of Wight; how Roman magistrates were tasked with putting on public shows; and what a snarky Cicero thought about the theatre! It's now your time to ask Jessica a question so please do so here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.as...
Mar 13, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 9
From pulling pints to interviewing world experts, Erica tells Katrina how MoAn Inc was born, how she went from hating Latin to fangirling with Emily Wilson and Stephen Fry. She reveals the secrets behind some of her most popular videos, her plans for the future, and we have a very personal shoutout to one particular author…Pierce Brown we see you! Erica Stevenson is a self described 'Classicist Head Nerd' who was named on HistoryExtra's 30 Under 30 List in 2024. Since graduating from New York Un...
Mar 06, 2025•48 min•Season 7Ep. 5
In this episode, Katrina talks to former BBC Young Dancer of the Year (Contemporary), Matthew Rawcliffe, who is combining his love for dance and ancient art to retell myths such as Narkissos and Hades & Persephone for new audiences. Listen to other episodes in our Careers series here SHOW NOTES Watch Matthew's Final performance from 2022 Young Dancer of the Year and follow Matthew on Instagram Matthew's website and his current work on Hades and Persephone Matthew's project is part-funded b...
Feb 20, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 4
CW: in this episode, Rhodessa does talk about difficult themes including ab*se and dr*g-taking; the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker, and do not necessarily reflect those of the CA. Performer, teacher, director Rhodessa Jones is Co-Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed, performance company Cultural Odyssey. She founded and directs The Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women, an award-winning performance workshop committed to the personal and soc...
Feb 06, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History and the Director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research and our 2024 CA Prizewinner shares why he thinks the ancient world is important. He and Katrina talk about what Byzantine studies involves, his interest in texts like the Alexiad , the place that resonates with him the most, his love for libraries, and why you should enter our CA Competition! Enter our Write | Speak | Design Competition Nominate your winner for the 2025 CA Prize Listen to Pe...
Jan 24, 2025•43 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In the final episode of this mini-series, Sam discusses several coins that reflect the different periods of Nero's rule - from his accession through to the Vindex rebellion, covering his mother's influence and his relationship with the Roman people. Look out for the following time stamps: 2.40 - the deification of Claudius 6.00 - Nero as lyreplayer 11.16 - Nero and Agrippina 14.19 - handouts to the people 17.40 - Vindex's rebellion Sam Moorhead is a former staff lecturer in Archaeology at the Br...
Jan 24, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 33
In Episode 3, Sam tells James about how coin imagery developed across these three very different imperial reigns. Look out for the following time stamps: 6.05 & 9.08 Gaius Caligula's coins 12.01 Claudius - intro and the praetorians 15.50 The Drusus Aureus 17.35 - Claudius' Conquest of Britain 20.50 - Claudius' Dupondius about the corn supply Sam Moorhead is a former staff lecturer in Archaeology at the British Museum, where he worked for over 25 years, including as National Finds Adviser for...
Jan 23, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 32
For the first time, Katrina welcomes three guests to the podcast with illustrators and classicists, Dr Cora Beth Fraser, Laura Jenkinson-Brown (aka Greek Myth Comix) and Flora Kirk sharing their perspectives on bringing the ancient world to life through art; their early encounters with classics; the influence of AI; the birth of ClassicsTober ; being inspired by texts; and just how cold mural painting can be! Enter the CA's prize draw and you could win a voucher for Flora, Laura or Cora-Beth's s...
Jan 16, 2025•53 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Episode 2 focuses on Augustus, and how his coinage changed to reflect his victory in the civil war, his creation of the principate, his military victories and self-image as ‘father of the homeland’. Sam and James discuss coins from the early part of his reign, including a victory coin with wreath and palm, as augur and celebrating his triumph in Egypt, as well as those where he asserted his religious position as ‘divi filius’ and a civilian leader. The episode concludes with a discussion about A...
Jan 15, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 31
Dr Sam Moorhead gives us the perfect introduction to Roman coins: what were they made from, where were they made, what did they depict and how were they spread across the empire? What is a coin legend, and how do different Emperors present themselves strikingly on their coins? In this first episode, Sam and series host James Renshaw highlight two coins in particular, depicting Venus and Aeneas, and Brutus as liberator. Head to our website to find out more. Sam Moorhead is a former staff lecturer...
Jan 13, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 30
Welcome back to Classics and Careers! In Season 2, we're speaking to lots of new wonderful guests whose work has been influenced by the ancient world and we're kickstarting with none other than the creator of Kaos , Charlie Covell. Katrina chats to Charlie about their inspiration for this Netflix drama, rehabilitating Helen of Troy, creating character playlists, casting Jeff Goldblum and advice they'd give for trying to get your classically inspired show commissioned. It's a must listen! Watch K...
Jan 02, 2025•48 min•Season 7Ep. 1
“That doesn’t work for an Emperor - you’ve got to be popular!” In this final episode looking at the Julio-Claudians' impact on urban living in Rome, Andrew considers how Claudius had to fight to reject the ‘loser’ label and his building of the Portus, and weighs up Nero’s popularity with the masses with his poor PR and lack of an heir. Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of t...
Dec 31, 2024•10 min•Season 6Ep. 29
"Being an emperor is like holding a wolf by the ears" In these summary sections looking at the Julio-Claudians' impact on urban living in Rome, Andrew explains Augustus’ transformation of the urban environment as a result of the profits of empire; describes the ‘cordially loathed’ Tiberius as a Scrooge-like figure and assesses the impact of the collapse of the theatre at Fidenae and the Varus disaster; before concluding with the ‘nasty piece of work’ Caligula’s inheritance and the impact of his ...
Dec 30, 2024•9 min•Season 6Ep. 28
A short summary for the thematic section of this mini-series, as Andrew shares whom he thinks benefitted from these developments in urban living that we’ve been exploring. Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College. Aimed at both a general audience and Ancient History students studying the Interpretat...
Dec 24, 2024•5 min•Season 6Ep. 27
This is bitesize episode in our mini-series covers 'panem et circenses', entertainment for the people of Rome and the imperial response to ancient rioting. Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College. Aimed at both a general audience and Ancient History students studying the Interpretation Question abo...
Dec 23, 2024•10 min•Season 6Ep. 26
In this sneak peek at the first episode of Season 2 of Classics and Careers, coming very soon, Katrina chats to writer, actor and creator of Kaos, Charlie Covell. Show Notes Watch Kaos on Netflix now! Follow us on Instagram Join the Classical Association to access discounts, events and more Watch the CA's Anniversary Film feat. a host of famous faces! Follow the CA on Instagram (podcast), LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube And find out more at classicalassocia...
Dec 20, 2024•2 min
This is a super bitesize episode in our mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome, in which Andrew tells James about methods of local government. Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College. Aimed at both a general audience and Ancient History students studying the Interpretation Question about the ben...
Dec 20, 2024•6 min•Season 6Ep. 25
In part four of our bitesize episode mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome, it's time to talk fire hazards, life in the insulae, and the social impact of Roman housing. Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College. Aimed at both a general audience and Ancient History students studying the Interpreta...
Dec 19, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 24
Io Saturnalia! In this festive episode, Lee answers your questions and spills the tea on Ovid's exile, Horace's festival big number, how (not) to teach Gerundives and where you can visit Little Sparta . Lee is a Classics teacher at St Aloysius’ College in Glasgow and the chair of the Scottish Classics Teachers’ Network; he also works closely with the Classical Association of Scotland and Classics for All and serves as the Principal Assessor for National 5 Classical Studies at the Scottish Qual...
Dec 18, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In part three of our bitesize episode mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome, it's time to talk aqueducts, daily baths, whether the Romans did their recycling, and just what was the Cloaca Maxima! Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College. Aimed at both a general audience and Ancient History stude...
Dec 18, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 23
Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (formerly University of Cambridge and Director of the British School at Rome) chats with James Renshaw in the second part of our bitesize episode mini-series on Urban Life in Ancient Rome. Andrew is an eminent archaeologist, broadcaster, director of the Herculaneum Conservation Project and former Master of Sidney Sussex College. Aimed at both a general audience and Ancient History students studying the Interpretation Question about the benefits of imperial rule for t...
Dec 15, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 22
