Ancient Roman history is alive and well, and newsworthy.

An interview with Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, in The New York Times highlights diverse ways in which Roman history is actively used in today’s society and political culture.

Mary Beard has expanded our perspectives through her decades of research on ancient Roman society and culture, published in numerous articles and books. She has stretched the boundaries of ancient history by probing issues of gender, empire, and power in Roman society in new ways.

Beard has brought ancient history to broader audiences through books such as Confronting the Classics: Traditions, Adventures, and Innovations (London: Liveright, 2013). She is also known for her work on BBC’s Civilizations television series (2018).

Northern Illinois University students in HIST 110 History of the Western World I will be interested in exploring Mary Beard’s works on Roman history.

Professor Beard’s interview on “Ancient Rome Will Never Get Old” is at The New York Times.

Professor Beard’s website is at the University of Cambridge.