Synopsis

Historian Bettany Hughes is in Greece, on the trail of the hugely influential maverick thinker Socrates, who was executed for his beliefs.

Further Information

More clips from Genius of the Ancient World

Anti-writing | Genius of the Ancient World

BBC Four | 2015 | 50''

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

Knowledge of the human good | Genius of the Ancient World

BBC Four | 2015 | 3'14''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 4'02''

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

Socrates and dialogue | Genius of the Ancient World

BBC Four | 2015 | 5'08''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 3'33''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 3'16''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 1'32''

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

Socrates on trial | Genius of the Ancient World

BBC Four | 2015 | 3'58''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 4'16''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 5'38''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 4'59''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 2'05''

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

BBC Four | 2015 | 2'28''

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

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03: War of the Words | Divine Women

BBC Two | 2012 | 59'05''

Bettany Hughes discovers how the Dark Ages turned out to be a golden age for a few remarkable women.

Spread Of The Communist Ideology | Genius of the Modern World

BBC Four | 2016 | 3'58''

The Bolshevik Revolution kickstarted the shift towards communism, but Russia didn't have the predicted variable...

The path of self denial | Genius of the Ancient World

BBC Four | 2015 | 2'38''

Before developing the Middle Way, the Buddha spent six years pursuing a life of self denial with other ascetics.

The Roman Empire | Learning Zone

BBC Two | 2013 | 6'18''

Bettany Hughes explains why the Romans were keen to invade Britain.

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

BBC One | 2011 | 3'50''

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

Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World

BBC HD | 2011 | 1'14'25''

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

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02: Socrates | Genius of the Ancient World

Synopsis

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