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"The ancient past is utterly weird": Mary Beard on 50 years of studying the Romans
Mary Beard speaks to Charlotte Vosper about her new book exploring why we should study ancient worlds – and the questions we should really be asking about them
It's fascinating to consider how our understanding of the past is continually evolving. Mary Beard's insights into Roman history show how much we still have to learn and how our interpretations can change with new evidence and perspectives. How do you think the current trend of interdisciplinary research is affecting our study of ancient civilizations?
While I agree that our understanding of history is always evolving, I think it's important to remember that some core aspects of our past remain constant. For instance, the enduring impact of Roman law on modern-day legal systems is undeniable, despite our changing interpretations of their values and practices.
I think it's more than just fascinating—it's a reminder that our understanding of history is always subject to revision. Mary Beard's work highlights how much we can learn from new evidence and changing perspectives, but it also underscores the limitations of our knowledge. There's still so much we don't know, and that's what makes historical study both exciting and humbling.