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Kes Publica

by Nick Burns & Peter Feeney

Education History

Season 1

Episode 36: Are Violent Computer Games About Rome Realistic?

In this episode we answer the big questions: are games like Rome Total War realistic? What was it actually like to be on the frontline of an ancient battle? What is it that almost all historical writing about warfare misses out? Enjoy!

Episode 35: The Controversial Case of Late Antiquity

In this episode we look at a strange, unsettling, forbidden area of Classics: Late Antiquity. We admit our ignorance and prejudice regarding this neglected and haunted land. Mr Burns makes the case that perhaps we should take another look. We give a broad overview of what happens and why, and what Classicists think of it. We discuss questions such as: what counts as better or worse art? What counts as literary excellence? What counts as history worth studying? Do the words we use such as 'Classics' have their own, subtle effects? Listen to find out more.

Episode 34: Slavery in the Ancient World

This episode is aimed at pupils who are studying slavery in the ancient world in their Latin lessons at KES. However, it is also appropriate for anyone interested in the subject. Mr Burns and Mr Feeney go into depth about the distinctive characteristics of ancient slavery, exploring what it was like and how it was viewed. KES pupils, parents, and indeed anyone else are most welcome to listen in and hear about what students are learning.

Episode 33: Aeneid Book 8 - Part 2

In this episode Mr Burns and Mr Feeney deal with the second half of Book 8. Expect Lord of the Rings comparisons, psychedelic passages about lightning bolts, divine comedy, and of course the inimitable shield of Aeneas. Enjoy!

Episode 32: Aeneid Book 8 - Part 1

The next episode in our Aeneid series for A Level and GCSE students (and anyone else!). Here we tackle the first half of Book 8. Expect fantastic similes, nerdy tangents on guest-friendship and the nature of religious experience, and of course the monster Cacus. We unpick all the different layers of the omens and myths that Virgil throws at the reader, and dispute whether one 'rows' or 'sails' up a river. Enjoy!

Episode 31: Aeneid Book 7 - Divine Causation

In this episode Mr Burns and Mr Feeney continue with the Aeneid in an episode designed for our A Level students. Of course all are welcome to listen! Mr Burns hogs the mic with his many thoughts about the sophistication of divine causation in the Aeneid while Mr Feeney displays the patience of a saint and scepticism of a scholar. Expect a lot of focus on the most terrifying character in the whole poem: Allecto the Fury.

Episode 30: Advice to those starting GCSE and A Level Classics subjects

In this episode Mr Feeney and Mr Burns give their wise advice to those starting either GCSE or A-Level in Latin or Greek. Who flunked their GCSE Latin mock? What's the best way to get a top grade? Listen to find out.

Episode 29: Roman Education

In this episode, Mr Feeney and Mr Burns discuss Roman education. Was school so much better in the old days? Did the Romans have much more sensible ideas about discipline and learning? Will Mr Feeney and Mr Burns in fact have children together as they imagine in this podcast? There's only one way to find out!

Episode 28: Who Would Win in a Fight?

This week Mrs Greenbury, Head of Classics at KES, asks the tough questions. Who would win in a fight between Caesar, Alexander, and Hannibal? Which hero would you want your sister to date? If you want to know the answer to crucial questions like these, then join us in this episode.

Episode 27: Roman Religion With Professor Denis Feeney

In this special episode of KES Publica, we interview Professor Denis Feeney about Roman Religion. Professor Feeney is a renowned Classicist and a global staple of university reading lists. He is also Mr Feeney's father! He is currently Professor Emeritus at Princeton, and has worked in top global institutions throughout his career. We get his thoughts on what was distinctive about Roman religion, starting with the small city state in Latium and ending with the mediterranean empire facing the baffling phenomenon of early Christianity. A must-listen for all our A Level students, and a fascinating insight into the top level of classical scholarship for everyone.

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