What a Classic!

What a Classic!
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Step into the enchanting realm of mythology and explore the roots of modern civilisation! This beginner-friendly podcast introduces you to the fascinating tales of gods, heroes, and the rich culture of the Classical World. From epic adventures to moral lessons, each episode explores the things that have shaped our history and continue to influence modern society. Perfect for newcomers eager to discover the timeless stories that connect us all! Series 1 - XOXO Gossip God

  1. 10/02/2025

    The Foundation of Rome

    This week on What a Classic!, we are going back to the very beginnings of Ancient Rome. From the fall of Troy and Aeneas’ fateful journey, to the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus, we trace how myth and history intertwine in Rome’s foundation story. How much of this is legend, and how much is rooted in archaeology? Why did the Romans tie their origins so closely to Greece?And what can these myths tell us about Rome’s values and identity? Join us as we explore gods, heroes, she-wolves, kings, and the rise of a city that would go on to shape the world.

    34 min

  2. 09/18/2025

    A Guide to Classical Symbolism

    Tune in to this listener-requested episode on Classical Symbolism, where we explore key symbols from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. Grouping symbols together into broad themes, this episode covers:  The Golden Fleece  Poseidon’s Trident  Zeus’ Eagle and Lightning Bolt  The Ankh and the Was Sceptre  Anubis  Imagery of love: Eros and Cupid  Medusa  Nike  The River Styx  Egyptian Funerary Masks  Persephone’s pomegranate  And so many more!  What were they, what did they represent, and where are the modern parallels? We explore these key questions throughout.

    41 min

  3. 09/11/2025

    The Athenian Legal System

    In this episode, we explore the Athenian legal system, focusing on how justice was administered and the role of citizens in upholding the law. We start by looking at the Scythians as a historical comparison, before examining the courts (dikasteria), the jury (dikastai), and the trial process itself.  Join us as we break down how large juries of ordinary citizens were used to decide verdicts, the strengths and weaknesses of this system, and the ways emotion, persuasion, and social status could influence outcomes. We also reflect on who was excluded from participation and how this shaped Athenian ideas of justice and fairness.  Discover how the legal system functioned alongside other democratic institutions, the balance it tried to achieve between citizen involvement and expertise, and what lessons we can draw from it about civic responsibility and political power.  Whether you’re curious about ancient law, the role of citizens in democracy, or the roots of trial and justice, this episode provides a clear and engaging look at how Athens sought to govern fairly in the Classical period.  Episode Schedule:  New episodes of The Classical Companion drop on Thursdays  New episodes of our Classical Literature series (currently retelling Homer’s Iliad) air on Mondays

    30 min

  4. 09/04/2025

    Athenian Democracy

    In this episode of The Classical Companion, we explore the inner workings of Athenian democracy, focusing on how power was structured and balanced to prevent monopolisation. We start with the Ekklesia (Assembly), the largest democratic body made up of all eligible citizens, before examining the Boule (Council of 500), the Strategoi (Military Generals), the practice of ostracism, and the Archons (Magistrates). Join us as we break down how these institutions worked together to ensure citizen participation, influence military and political decisions, and prevent any one individual from dominating Athenian politics.  Discover how this system shaped civic life, encouraged debate, and laid the foundations for the democratic ideas that continue to inspire the modern world.  Whether you’re curious about ancient governance, civic responsibility, or the roots of democracy, this episode provides a clear and engaging introduction to how Athens ran itself in the Classical period.  Episode Schedule:  New episodes of The Classical Companion drop on Thursdays  New episodes of our Classical Literature series (currently retelling Homer’s Iliad) air on Mondays

    38 min

  5. 09/01/2025

    Iliad Book 11: The Broken Line

    Book 11 plunges into relentless battle as dawn brings the goddess of Strife to rouse both armies. Agamemnon leads a fierce Greek assault, killing Trojan warriors –  including Priam’s sons – until he is wounded and forced from the fight. Zeus seizes the moment, empowering Hector’s counterattack.  One by one, Greek champions –  Agamemnon, Diomedes, Odysseus, Machaon and Eurypylos – are struck down. Hector drives the Greeks back towards their ships, with only Ajax holding the line.  Meanwhile, Nestor carries the injured Machaon to safety, catching Achilles’ attention. Patroclus is sent to investigate and hears a long, pointed tale from Nestor, quietly setting the stage for his own tragic role.  Tune in for:  The goddess of Strife sparking the renewal of a fierce battle, led by Agamemnon.  The wounding of many of our favourite Greek heroes  Patroclus and Achilles’ fate slowly being set in motion

    41 min

  6. 08/28/2025

    Athenian Politics - The Road to Democracy

    In this episode of The Classical Companion, we explore the road to Athenian democracy.  Join us as we break down Athens’ transition from monarchy to aristocracy, the role of early kings and archons, and the social tensions caused by debt and inequality. Discover how Draco’s harsh laws and Solon’s reforms helped reshape Athenian society, laying the foundations for broader citizen participation and the eventual rise of democracy.  Whether you’re curious about ancient politics, law, or the origins of democratic principles, this episode provides a clear and engaging look at the complex journey that shaped Athens’ political world.  Episode Schedule:  New episodes of The Classical Companion drop on Thursdays  New episodes of our Classical Literature series (currently retelling Homer’s Iliad) air on Mondays.

    29 min

  7. 08/25/2025

    Iliad Book 10: The Night of Spies

    In this episode of What a Classic!, we explore Book 10 of Homer’s Iliad. The battlefield sleeps, but the war does not. In this thrilling nighttime episode of the Iliad, Odysseus and Diomedes set out on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. What drives Agamemnon to risk everything in the dark? Why is Odysseus the perfect partner for Diomedes? And what happens when heroism depends more on cunning than courage?  This episode explores:  • The eerie atmosphere of the Iliad’s only night-time book  • Cunning, fear and ruthless pragmatism in Greek warfare  • The strange, tragic figure of Dolon  • What happens to morality when no one is watching  A story of silence, shadows, and horses that were never meant to gallop.

    36 min

  8. 08/21/2025

    Introduction to Ancient Greece

    In this first episode of The Classical Companion, we explore the fascinating world of Ancient Greece.   Join us as we break down the geography, city-states, and historical periods that shaped Greek civilisation, from the Bronze Age Minoans and Mycenaeans through the Dark Age to the Archaic and Classical periods.   Discover how Athens and Sparta emerged as major powers, the origins of democracy, and why the Classical Period is often considered the height of Greek culture.   Whether you’re curious about ancient politics, philosophy, or daily life, this episode provides a clear and engaging introduction to the world of the Hellenes.  Episode Schedule:  New episodes of The Classical Companion drop on Thursdays   New episodes of our Classical Literature series (currently retelling Homer’s Iliad) air on Mondays.

    20 min
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About

Step into the enchanting realm of mythology and explore the roots of modern civilisation! This beginner-friendly podcast introduces you to the fascinating tales of gods, heroes, and the rich culture of the Classical World. From epic adventures to moral lessons, each episode explores the things that have shaped our history and continue to influence modern society. Perfect for newcomers eager to discover the timeless stories that connect us all! Series 1 - XOXO Gossip God

Information

  • Creator
    What a Classic!
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © What a Classic!
  • Show Website
    What a Classic!