In a period of only about 100 years, Athens went from relative obscurity, to becoming an influential empire, to collapsing into ruin.
My guest today will guide us through the dramatic arc of this city-state and the larger-than-life characters that contributed to it. His name is David Stuttard, and he's a classicist and the author of Phoenix: A Father, a Son ... Show More
Nov 4
Hercules at the Crossroads — Choosing the Hard Path That Leads to a Good Life
<p>In a story from ancient Greek philosophy, Hercules faces a choice between two paths: one promising pleasure and ease; the other, hardship and struggle — but also growth and greatness. According to today’s guest, this ancient parable is more relevant than ever.</p><p>Dr. Paul T ... Show More
58m 27s
Dec 2017
065 The Athenian Acropolis
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In this episode, we discuss the construction, the history, and the significance of the main buildings on the Athenian Acropolis (the Parthenon, The Propylaia, The Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and a few others); together, these building ... Show More
52m 35s
Nov 2023
Athens is crowded. Where else should you go?
In our inaugural episode of Life and Art from FT Weekend, we go to Athens. The FT’s Greece and Cyprus correspondent Eleni Varvitsioti is a lifelong Athenian, and for the past 16 years she has lived in the centre of town, in the shadow of the Acropolis. But as Athens has become mo ... Show More
16m 11s
Mar 2023
Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Trauma of Troy
In Virgil's epic poem, The Aeneid, few Trojans survive the destruction of their city at the hands of their Greek enemies. A prince, Aeneas, leads a band of those fleeing Troy - but the journey is fraught with deadly storms and hungry monsters. But Aeneas takes a positive view o ... Show More
37m 21s
Apr 2023
Athens: Birthplace of Democracy?
<p>When we think of democracy in the ancient Greek world, our minds often go straight to Athens, the purported birthplace of democracy. But was Athens <em>truly</em> the home of democracy? And if so, who's responsible for giving a voice to the people?</p><br><p>In this episode, T ... Show More
1h 5m