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An Evening with Mary Beard

An Evening with Mary Beard

Spend a fascinating evening with renowned classicist and historian, Mary Beard. Well-known from television, here she shines the spotlight on the emperors who ruled the Roman Empire, from the known Julius Caesar (assassinated 44 BCE) to the almost unknown Alexander Severus (assassinated 235 CE).

Taking the audience beyond the hype of politics, power and succession and into the heart of the palace corridors, these exclusive events promise a revolutionary approach to an apparently familiar subject. Mary will uncover the facts and fiction of these rulers, asking what they did and why, and how we have got such a lurid view of them.

Through the thrilling themes of autocracy, corruption, and conspiracy – and also the day-to-day practicalities of the emperors’ lives (who did the cooking, or took the dictation?) – she will explore how they managed a huge empire and how they faced their subjects (and vice versa).

With the chance to ask Mary your own questions, don’t miss the opportunity to join the world-famous scholar as she asks what it felt like and what it meant to be an emperor.


Mary will be joined by Richard Coles in Bury St Edmunds, Kieran Hodgson in Glasgow, Sathnam Sanghera in London, Greg Jenner in Warwick and Alan Johnson in York.


 For those who are unable to attend the live show, the London event at the Barbican will be livestreamed via Fane Online. Worldwide viewing is available and the stream will be available for one week on demand after the initial broadcast, so you can watch at anytime if the initial broadcast time doesn't suit your timezone.