2: Socrates | Genius of the Ancient World

Anti-writing | Genius of the Ancient World

Socrates reportedly never wrote anything down as he believed this "imprisoned knowledge".

Knowledge of the human good | Genius of the Ancient World

While the Grecians championed five virtues, Socrates thought this was too diluted and instead reimagined them all a...

Pre-Socratic's | Genius of the Ancient World

Before Socrates, tradition was being challenged by rational debate and scientific thought.

Socrates and dialogue | Genius of the Ancient World

Socrates didn't believe wisdom and knowledge could be garnered by long speeches but instead through dialogue and challeng...

Socrates and ethics | Genius of the Ancient World

Socrates questioned the judicial system in Athens, where anyone could be a judge. He didn't believe that all chosen would h...

Socrates and ridicule | Genius of the Ancient World

Due to his spiritual claims, Socrates was ridiculed publicly in plays by playwrights such as Aristophanes.

Socrates and the supernatural | Genius of the Ancient World

Socrates claimed to have spoken to divine voices who advised him on his actions.

Socrates on trial | Genius of the Ancient World

At the age of 70, Socrates went on trial for denying and creating new gods as well as corrupting the young.

Socrates, death and legacy | Genius of the Ancient World

Socrates' last words were intentionally cryptic and keep scholars guessing as to their meaning even now.

Socrates, punishment and revenge | Genius of the Ancient World

The people went against Socrates' judgement to not try six generals at once, and in the end executed them for ...

Socrates, youth and beauty | Genius of the Ancient World

Many young men took to Socrates, who preached that the beauty of the mind is superior to that of the body.

Soldier Socrates | Genius of the Ancient World

Despite being required to fight in war, Socrates still managed to get lost in thought and pontificate.

The Oracle of Delphi | Genius of the Ancient World

Socrates agreed with the godly prophecy that he was the wisest of men, as he was willing to admit his limitations unlike h...

1: When God was a Girl | Divine Women

Bettany Hughes investigates goddess worship across the world and ancient conceptions of the divine.

Evaluation of Freud's theories | Genius of the Modern World

Evaluations of Freud's work, was he too subjective or is there an element of truth in his theories of the subcons...

Socrates, punishment and revenge | Genius of the Ancient World

The people went against Socrates' judgement to not try six generals at once, and in the end executed them for ...

Roman soldiers | Learning Zone

Bettany Hughes visits the excavation of a fort and talks about the importance of soldiers and their lifestyle.

South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission | What's the Point of Forgiveness?

How forgiveness was used in the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World

Bettany Hughes visits seven of the most famous ancient and modern Buddhist locations in the world: seven wonders that give an insight int...