Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Bristol Grammar School Classics Podcast, Andy Keen and Dan Watkins are joined by historian and educator Charlie Pearson for a rich and thought-provoking discussion exploring the Persian Wars, the Crusades, and the role of conflict in shaping cultural identity. The episode opens with a question of directions—East versus West—and quickly turns to deeper themes: how the Crusaders were perceived by the sophisticated cities of the Islamic world, the disunity...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Bristol Grammar School Classics Podcast, Andy Keen and Dan Watkins are joined by Colin Wadey, teacher of Philosophy and Ethics, for a wide-ranging discussion on the nature of religion in the ancient and modern world. The conversation explores the differences—and similarities—between Greek and Roman polytheism and the monotheistic traditions of Judaism and Christianity. They examine how religious practice in antiquity was more about action than belief, a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Bristol Grammar School Classics Podcast, Dan Watkins and Andy Keen are joined by Eva Yemenakis, an English teacher, to explore Sappho and Ovid—two of the most intriguing and influential poets of the ancient world. The discussion delves into Sappho’s fragmentary poetry, the ways in which scholars have interpreted (and misinterpreted) her work, and the parallels between Sappho and Emily Dickinson in terms of style, mystery, and reception. They also examin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the BGS Classics Podcast, Mr. Watkins and Mr. Keen welcome poet and teacher David Briggs to discuss his latest collection, The Odyssey Complex and Other Poems. The conversation delves into Homer’s Odyssey, midlife reflections, and the role of poetry in shaping and reshaping identity. David shares insights into his writing process, the themes that emerged from his exploration of nostos, xenia, and enantiodromia, and how Jungian psychology and Homeric storyte...

Send us Fan Mail A podcast by DJ Watkins and AJ Keen of Bristol Grammar school to help Class Civ pupils to revise for their Invention of the Barbarian component. 1.6 Reality of Persia

Send us Fan Mail A podcast by DJ Watkins and AJ Keen of Bristol Grammar school to help Class Civ pupils to revise for their Invention of the Barbarian component. 1.5 Historical Barbarians

Send us Fan Mail A podcast by DJ Watkins and AJ Keen of Bristol Grammar school to help Class Civ pupils to revise for their Invention of the Barbarian component. 1.4 Mythical Barbarians

Send us Fan Mail A podcast by DJ Watkins and AJ Keen of Bristol Grammar school to help Class Civ pupils to revise for their Invention of the Barbarian component. 1.3 Greeks and Barbarians

Send us Fan Mail A podcast by DJ Watkins and AJ Keen of Bristol Grammar school to help Class Civ pupils to revise for their Invention of the Barbarian component. 1.1 Greek Identity

Send us Fan Mail A podcast by DJ Watkins and AJ Keen of Bristol Grammar school to help Class Civ pupils to revise for their Invention of the Barbarian component. 1.2 Persian Wars and Greek (Dis)Unity