Most people think they know about Sparta: shining and brave defenders of Greek liberty against the ranks of despotism; the heroic self-sacrificing defenders of Thermopylae, with noble bearing and massive muscles. In this episode Mr Burns contends that this is all, utterly wrong (apart from possibly the muscles). The Spartans were utterly detestable ethnic supremacists who built a society of brutality, exploitation, and violence. Mr Feeney takes a more nuanced position. Who is right? Have a listen to make up your own minds.

In this episode, Mr Burns and Mr Feeney are joined by two sixth form Classics students who pick their teachers' brains about the most pressing issues of the ancient world. Was Caligula actually mad? What was all the gossip about the women of the imperial palace during the reigns of the Julio-Claudians? What would the best drink order in an ancient bar be? Listen to find out!

In this episode we start our marathon analysis of Book 6 of Virgil's Aeneid. While the conceptual and ideological heart of the poem, it is also deeply weird. Expect dark magic, Golden Boughs, the dead mixing with the yet to be born, and in the centre of it all the shadow of Augustus. While designed for our A Level students, we hope this episode might appeal to those with a general interest in the poem as well.

In this episode we explain why you might pick Latin, Greek, or Classical Civilisation. We explain what we personally chose and why as students, and then talk about what these subjects can offer. We explain why they are appealing to admissions tutors and employers, and why they are personally enriching. If you want to hear all this alongside some surprising truths about Mr Burns and Mr Feeney as schoolboys, this is the episode for you. This is very much an episode for parents and families as well as pupils - if you want to get to know the teachers in the department a little better, then please do have a listen!

Mr Burns is joined by Mr Feeney and Mrs Greenbury for a Christmas treat of an episode. Everything is Classical including Christmas, who knew?! We explore the links between the Saturnalia and Christmas (spoiler alert: there are many) and campaign for the reinstatement of the ‘Lord of Misrule’.

This is the long anticipated second part of our close reading of book four of the Aeneid. A torrid love affair reaches its tragic denouement, and we are treated to witchcraft, death, and some Virgilian deep cuts. The ultimate question must be answered: whose side are you on?

We're back! In this episode Mr Burns and Mrs Greenbury discuss the power of the first Roman emperor's propaganda, and how it won him control of the world. We compare it to modern political propaganda, with an emphasis on the recent US elections. The parallels are uncanny...

Welcome to the best book of poetry by the best (literate) poet. Here Mr Burns and Mr Feeney go completely mad for Virgil in everyone's favourite: Aeneid Book 4. This is the book that's made more people love Classics than any other. It's so great that we will have to do it in two parts. Enjoy.