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History • August 10th, 2026
|One of Britain's most celebrated historians, Professor Mary Beard, is set to take the stage in York this autumn as part of her new UK tour titled More Secret Histories of Ancient Rome. This exciting event will take place on the 12th of October 2026 at The York Barbican. Following her sold-out performances in 2025, Beard is ready to share her insights and discoveries about ancient Rome, making history accessible and engaging for everyone.
Mary Beard's Exploration of Ancient Rome
In More Secret Histories of Ancient Rome, Beard delves into how historians piece together the past from various sources, including archaeological finds and intriguing written texts. Her approach reveals that many commonly held beliefs about ancient Rome are not entirely accurate—did you know that not all Roman men wore togas? Beard emphasises that what we consider historical fact often blends with interpretation, highlighting the complexities of understanding history.
Beard's extensive research allows her to uncover the voices of ordinary Romans, often overlooked in traditional narratives. By examining real graffiti left by the people of ancient Rome, she provides a unique perspective on daily life two thousand years ago. These personal traces help create a richer picture of history, enabling audiences to engage with the past in a fun and relatable way, even if they are not familiar with Latin.
Engaging Audience Interactions
The show promises to be interactive, giving the audience a chance to test their knowledge of ancient Rome through a quiz. This interactive element not only makes learning about history enjoyable but also fosters a connection between the audience and the ancient world. The evening will conclude with a live Q&A session, where attendees can ask Beard about everything from Rome's greatest achievements to its darkest secrets.
Mary Beard's Acclaimed Career
Mary Beard is a highly regarded academic, serving as Professor Emerita of Classics at the University of Cambridge. She is also the Classics editor for the Times Literary Supplement and co-hosts the popular podcast Instant Classics with Charlotte Higgins. Throughout her career, Beard has authored several influential books, including the award-winning Pompeii, SPQR, Women & Power, and Emperor of Rome. Her latest work, Talking Classics, discusses the importance of understanding deep history and has been translated into over 35 languages.
Tour Dates and Locations
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The More Secret Histories of Ancient Rome tour includes several cities across the UK, providing ample opportunity for history enthusiasts to attend.
Here are some key dates and locations:
6th October 2026 - Cadogan Hall, London
11th October 2026 - King's Theatre, Glasgow
12th October 2026 - The York Barbican, York
14th October 2026 - Ulster Hall, Belfast (Sold Out)
15th October 2026 - National Concert Hall, Dublin
19th October 2026 - New Theatre, Cardiff
21st October 2026 - Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
28th October 2026 - The Great Hall, Exeter
29th October 2026 - Hall For Cornwall, Truro
1st November 2026 - Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich
2nd November 2026 - G Live, Guildford
4th November 2026 - Cambridge Corn Exchange, Cambridge
5th November 2026 - Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
This tour not only highlights Beard's expertise but also offers a chance for audiences to engage with history in a meaningful way. By uncovering the hidden stories of ancient Rome, she invites everyone to reflect on how the past shapes our understanding of the present.
