Mary Beard's favourite objects from Nero: the man behind the myth |

Join the nation's favourite historian, Mary Beard on a tour of the latest British Museum exhibition, 'Nero: the man behind the myth'. Mary shares some of her favourite objects and the stories behind them.
Book tickets to come and see for yourself here: bit.ly/2Xf39U9
#NeroExhibition #BritishMuseumTours #Rome

[@PLuMUK54]

I love Mary Beard for two reasons: her infectious enthusiasm where she always manages to make the most mundane of objects absolutely fascinating; also the fact that she pulls no punches, which does not always make her popular. I hope that she is enjoying a well deserved retirement.

[@psammiad]

Mary's "retirement" sounds like it's going to be extremely busy!

[@RebeccaHails]

I love Mary Beard. It's her pull no punches approach that I love. Possibly from decades of being in a male dominant career. I doubt she will slow down in retirement.

[@RebeccaHails]

I don't agree with everything she says, but I love the way she talks about Ancient Rome and their history. I've been fascinated with the Romans since I was little and I had the great privilege to visit Pompeii and Vesuvius 15 years ago.

[@blacktigerpaw1]

This the same Mary Beard who insisted the Ancient Romans were black?

[@RebeccaHails]

@@blacktigerpaw1 some of them absolutely were.

[@theonlygoodlookinghabsburg2081]

I freaking love this woman and her passion.

[@S2Sturges]

Deffo on the top five people list I would love to have a chat with it...

[@shetierrr]

Omg, me too!

[@katalynagiovanni1001]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@ltngblt4]

"Who made it? Who cleaned it? And who did the washing up?" History in perspective! Love the narrator!

[@marksimons8861]

Who counted the silver when it was all done?

[@HeinusHoratius]

I love that Mary Beard has so much attention for the common Romans. We often hear about the emperors, the conquest and the great deeds. But the empire was carried by regular Joe's like you and me, and their stories are just as interesting!

[@cass7448]

The human element is always the most interesting part of history, and it's too often forgotten.

[@blacktigerpaw1]

"The Ancient Romans were black" - Mary Beard

[@cass7448]

@@blacktigerpaw1 "I can make up quotes too!" - Albert Einstein

[@bobfrog4836]

@@blacktigerpaw1 Hush, little baby.

[@TesterAnimal1]

@@blacktigerpaw1 ah. Just here to grind your little axe on every thread. Mad.

[@meljeffery6140]

I saw Mary's face and clicked immediately! I've watched her other shows at LEAST three times and I'm delighted to see something new and INTERESTING. Wonderful details are her signature.

[@blacktigerpaw1]

Except details like genetic testing of peoples related to the Romans and how they were not black.

[@floraposteschild4184]

@@blacktigerpaw1No one, to my knowledge, is saying Romans were Black. (Please don't bring up Cleopatra: born in Egypt, spent some time in Rome, and her family was Macedonian-Greek. Right?). Unless you're referring to residents from the provinces, who could be of many colours, and eventually achieve Roman citizen status.

[@floraposteschild4184]

@Leon Tuesday You also have no interest in punctuation.

[@bradfordrick1]

We love you Professor Beard. You have done so much to humanize the ancient world for us. We look forward to your next insightful presentation.

[@kirtliedahl]

Mary Beard has done more for Roman history than anyone except the Romans. 🤣 Fantastic.

[@bradfordrick1]

Colleen McCullough was also a wonderful portal to draw us further into study of the ancient world. I also greatly appreciate Adrian Goldsworthy's excellent work.

[@TesterAnimal1]

And Mike Duncan!

[@angeloargentieri5605]

Roma, il più grande e glorioso impero della storia; Roma ha conquistato, dominato, costruito e civilizzato; la grandezza, la potenza, la magnificenza e la GLORIA DI ROMA EST AETERNA, ROMA INVICTA ET LUX MUNDI 💪💯

[@dysonsquared]

After getting hooked on this video, I glanced at the comments and discover Mary Beard is widely known and well liked. I'm sure she hasn't been properly introduced to us here in the U.S. Now I cue up several videos featuring Prof. Beard. I'm immediately charmed by her personality and historical lectures. Into the rabbit hole I go!

[@Jess-bee]

Enjoy!!

[@shenanigans3710]

She's great. Unfortunately I suspect she's not "TV" enough for American TV. Every history documentary here now sounds like an action movie trailer.

[@triskut]

It’s Dr. Dame Mary Beard actually. I’m glad you’re curious, I think I found out about her on KZbin through my own self study, but I’ve read some of her academic papers before watching. Glad you found her, what a wonder it would be to easily read Latin like she does, and understand the context

[@cordeliafitzgerald8714]

David Mary is brilliant, if you have an hour to spare I have a feeling you would (if you have not already done so) thoroughly enjoy watching the Mary Beard v Boris Johnson debate regarding the Romans and Greeks .

[@MariaTorres-hc5uq]

I've read two of her books and watched what I could "dig" out of KZbin...Regards from Lisbon, Olissipo in Roman times.

[@Betty-rl9qp]

Thank you, for celebrating ordinary life, Mary! I don't want to be too sloppy or sentimental either, but I can't tell you how much you've touched my life; been on disability for CPTSD for a few years now and your approach to life and history has been deeply therapeutic on my healing journey. How I wish i could cross the pond and visit those halls! Stay safe, you're celebrated in my heart and mind every day!

[@RebeccaHails]

Well said. Since becoming ill myself I have found a lot of comfort in reading and audio books and educating myself on various subjects. Mary Beard whether written, read aloud, on TV is always a joy and I always learn so much, especially about the day to day life of Romans.

[@johnvann4791]

Ooh nice thanks for your comments. How are you doing today?

[@johnvann4791]

@@RebeccaHails Ooh nice thanks for your comments. How are you doing today?

[@TheShellie35]

Mary Beard makes ancient Rome come to life, i will watch anything she does, love her passion and enthusiasm

[@johnvann4791]

Ooh nice thanks for your comments. How are you doing today?

[@BlackHayateTheThird]

Mary Beard's enthusiasm is infectious! Loved the video~ One day I'll definitely visit the British Museum, and I'll always enjoy the videos here~

[@fkr9032]

Ugh I just love Mary so much. You just know she has so much passion about the subject that just makes you want to sit down with her and listen to her talk for hours. Love from the Netherlands 💕

[@Lucas43434]

Mary Beard is fantastic! I love her documentaries

[@AnyoneCanSee]

I think museums should scan some of these statues and make replicas, fixing the damage and fully painting them next to the states as they are left. I'd love to see the original and then the statue as it was when created standing by its side. I also think this would be incredibly popular as an exhibition. People would flock to an exhibition that allowed people to see the original as it is today next to a perfect replica of how it was when created.

[@epluribusunum1460]

I think you have had a brilliant idea, and I’m with you all the way!

[@Pembroke.]

Your staff are the best in the world; thank you for sharing

[@voraciousreader3341]

What an amazing person Mary Beard is! She wears and imparts her massive intellect and learning so easily, and so contagiously! I’m so thankful every time I find another video I’ve not seen.

[@Mugshot214]

Mary Beard is a treasure. She has made history exciting for so many people. I love her passion!

[@josi4251]

We love you, Mary! You make ancient Rome come alive for us, and we are grateful.

[@CrisSelene]

I love listening to Mary Beard talk about Ancient Rome and the people who lived and died back then. I always learn something new. Every time. The idea of asking yourself who made and who maintained the object you're looking at in a museum really stuck with me. It would be a thinking exercise that would give more context to the artefact and place you in the atmosphere of the period more concretely.

[@martemacdougall1985]

No one can express the depths of historical stories better than Professor Mary Beard. Like many of the viewers commenting here, her knowledge and enthusiasm are much admired. Thank you for this ✨️ heart-felt insight into the "Nero" exhibit.

[@chaz32]

Coming to see it Saturday, can't wait! My first time back in 20 years.

[@tnmoe-]

The craftsmanship is absolutely stunning. I love how they made chunks of stone so smooth a river would be confused by how quickly they did it.

[@lumis5896]

Always a pleasure to listen to Mary Beard talking about life in Roman times! Hope to be able to visit London and British Museum when the pandemic is over.

[@1028dianemarie]

If you make it don’t miss the Victoria and Albert museum. It’s absolutely stunning

[@enyaevans8119]

One of the best exhibitions I've seen in ages! To have Mary's insight just tops it off. Thanks British Museum for uploading this!

[@charliehorey9886]

if i ever got stuck on an isolated island..i would want to be there with Mary Beard because i would never tire of her talking....thanks Mary for bringing us stories that we might not normally hear...and making history even more interesting.

[@bizzy1648]

I love how excited she is!!!!! It gets me jazzed to learn about history!!!

[@s1nb4d59]

Mary always tells such lovely stories of the average roman.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you so much for creating this video. I live on the wrong side of the world to see this exhibition. But it is wonderful to experience it second hand via these videos.

[@cgent3388]

Always a delight to hear /see Professor Beard's commentary

[@barthalen]

What infectiously enjoyable explanations! Thank you for this.

[@Nighthawk799]

Amazing collections! Awesome statues of Agrippina in particular the small black head withere the hair are lighter! What a delicate, beautiful and elegant carving!!

[@Joa904]

I blame Mary entirely for my long obsession with Roman history, and I can't thank her enough for it

[@darkviolet]

I absolutely love Mary Beard and her enthusiasm

[@drraoulmclaughlin7423]

Great to see these ancient artefacts on display. I missed the Power Lectures at the Museum including Mary's talk on Women and Gender. Just finishing my Lecture/Chapters on Nero as Antichrist.

[@lorettabertoli3736]

I am Italian and am ashamed I don't know that much about Roman history. I wish I had found someone who took me to an archeological site/museum and explain things with the clarity and enthusiasm of Mary Beard...all of the British Museum videos are awesome, thanks so much!

[@johnvann4791]

Ooh nice thanks for your comments. How are you doing today?

[@carmenpeters728]

What a treat! A gem! Mary you are 'The Professor Goddess of History'.

[@ltngblt4]

Totally here for any single thing that Mary is into. Great storytelling. Personable affections. And approachable emotional history. More of her please!

[@flutelady101]

Mary Beard----I smile and am excited every time you teach us something new!! OK----I also saw in the news a few years back about your incident at the airport going through security, and I gave you a silent shout-out of "you-go-girl"! You rock our world, my dear! Thank you :)

[@EcceJack]

This was a really fantastic video! Of course I didn't expect anything less from such an excellent authority as Dame Mary Beard, but still: really good to see different aspects of not just exhibition, but Roman life highlighted which one might, indeed, miss out on if one didn't stop and consider the matter in more depth. Fantastic to see mention of not just the great and/or the powerful, but also of the common folk

[@music_YT2023]

Love Mary Beard! She brings life to history and the people of the past with such enthusiasm.

[@Crowhillgal]

Love Mary Beard! Truly, i so appreciate her videos. Thank you Prof. Beard!

[@joannamallory2823]

I voraciously eat up anything this woman presents! I love that she delves into all parts of ancient society and searches out and explains the most minute details for us…all with such an infectious enthusiasm. I can identify with how she sees the ancient world.

[@PopeLando]

I admit I didn't appreciate the statue of Agrippina as much as I ought, but I did very much like Ecloge's ossuary. The inscription is so clear, it's a lovely thing.

[@Rebekahlow]

Thank you for this wonderful tour!!! I love the way you share the fascinating history of these people!!!!! Love from Vermont

[@1028dianemarie]

Thank you for this Mary. Wonderful as always.

[@agerven]

Oh, wonderful, wonderful. i do remember the series "I Claudius", from decades ago, which told us some of the background you are giving us in this exhibit introduction. But you do so much more, with such enthusiasm. My respect and thanks for that. Really enjoyed it. Walking us along the statues and giving a historians point of view really made these people come to life. Wish i could be in London again, seeing this exhibit of an emperor that still is very known and infamous today.

[@halsinden]

oh my word, mary beard is absolutely THE BUSINESS. what a wonderful person to have introduce us to these marvels.

[@valeriekamruddin4930]

Wonderful thankyou Mary, your enthusiasm and knowledge are a joy to watch……x

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thank you for posting this. Because this is the only way I will get to see it.

[@0210rokvist]

It is so great to finally see a new program from this lovely lady Mary Beard

[@waynedexter3446]

What a wonderful explanation. New incites into Nero and his complicated family arrangements. Thank you for your explanatioms.

[@ellenpaasch4743]

Mary, Thank you again for continuing to share your vast knowledge of Roman History.

[@talanigreywolf7110]

Thank you Mary, that was very informative! I learned a couple of new things about Nero :D

[@mercurious6699]

What a wonderful presentation, really enjoyed. Thank you

[@adamwilson7590]

Thank-you Mary :) I just picked up your "Confronting the classics" and I'm excited to dive into the book

[@xiKUDx]

I love Professor Beard and this video is amazing! What a treat ❤️

[@georgiewalker1069]

Thank you Mary, you are such a wonderful historian, academic and special woman. Love listening to you speak. Your passion for Italy is very infectious. All the best to you from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@dougbaker7897]

Fantastic commentary! Thank you!

[@valentinamion6603]

She's so wholesome you can really see the passion she has for history

[@johnvann4791]

Ooh nice thanks for your comments. How are you doing today?

[@DrGarri]

I adore Mary Beard, she brings history alive, and so close to us that you feel she is talking about things that happened just a year ago. Her way of telling the facts, along with the shine of wonder and pleasure in her eyes while doing so, are just a treasure in themselves. She is a most fascinating person and scholar.

[@JohnAranita]

I discovered Mrs. Beard on the PBS DVD documentary CIVILIZATIONS. It is one of my favorite DVDs. I have a 170-plus PBS DVD collection.

[@dawnmichelle4403]

Thank you for this marvelous video!

[@acchaladka]

Dame Mary has a talent for getting to the heart of it, as the British Museum curators have have a talent for finding the best bits. I hope to get in before this closes; what a great series.

[@ricardocortes-monroy9704]

Excellent video dame Beard! Always a pleasure to read and listen to you.

[@cheylikespie]

Mary Beard has a way with her words that makes you so excited about what she has to say. I am someone who loves history, but with her enthusiasm, I can imagine someone with no interest absolutely zeroed in to every word. I adore your passion, Mary!!!!

[@jillcsupa9961]

I adore Mary Beard! She makes an already interesting world of Ancient Rome even better with her passion and enthusiasm!

[@jenameagher5712]

Mary, you are the primary reason I’ll be returning to Rome for my 20th wedding anniversary. I simply cannot get over my fascination with the Roman story and you’ve given us such a gift with your deep knowledge of the past, and ALL the people, the every day, the mundane, the real people who made Rome, Rome, from its heights to its end. I’ve learned so much from you. What an example of brilliance, strength, feminism, and joy! Thank you.

[@alankovacik1928]

Mary's back, Yeah!

[@KlausBeckEwerhardy]

Wow, Mrs. Beard really is enthusiastic about her subjects. Great video.

[@Rebecca-ii2nq]

I enjoy what you enjoy, thank you for sharing your passion. 💚💖

[@Grelotmystiqueetal]

thank you so much for this!

[@johnvann4791]

Ooh nice thanks for your comments. How are you doing today?

[@psyberninja]

Thank you Mary Beard! You are a history buff's treasure!

[@oliverwraith]

I just saw her in Madrid, she links so well these pieces and facts. A great curator.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

What a pleasure! Thank you.

[@alexmckenna1171]

I always hoped to bump into Mary in the Greek restaurant near the British museum, and hear a few words of wisdom and hope, over a glass of retsina :-) Now Covid has shut the lovely little place for ever. But we live in hope still..

[@fainatselnik267]

Superb as usual for Mary Beard

[@Missangie827]

Mary makes everything more interesting-that is the surest sign of a great teacher

[@feffe4036]

Finally something new with Mary! :) Wouldve been nice to visit but stuck i Sweden now with covid n all.

[@lynnwalton814]

Loved this episode and Mary Beard

[@nikolasao]

I wish I could explain things like Mary Beard. Thank you.

[@bjh7924]

Mary Beard is awesome 👌

[@britishmuseum]

There are still tickets available for our Nero exhibition which you can get here (and you can get them for free if you're lucky enough to be under 16): ow.ly/9dWJ30rRT5w And if you can't go, but want to get closer to the exhibition, we have a pretty amazingly illustrated accompanying book here: ow.ly/lxAv30rRXbN Don't forget, every purchase you make supports us making more videos like this.

[@Voltaire8559]

Thank you for organizing this wonderful exhibition! I have purchased a hardback copy of the exhibition already! Full support for the British Museum!

[@psammiad]

Mary doesn't explain, but Roman slaves generally took the family name of their employer when they're freed. As she was buried with the name Claudia Egloge, we can assume that Egloge (maybe a Gaulish name), slave to the Claudian family, became the freedwoman Claudia Egloge.

[@shenanigans3710]

Interesting! thank you

[@nancyM1313]

Mary Beard is an absolute delight.🏛

[@pollyanne234]

Love listening to Mary Beard

[@tommyfred6180]

i love this lady's presentation.

[@IPpainting]

I went to the Glypthothek but a month ago, great to see it again here!

[@SexyBakanishi]

I love this enthusiasm!

[@4littleirish]

With all the enthusiastic explanation and beautiful items, all i want to do is grab a VR tour of this exhibit

[@Regnbuesolv]

Heck yes, Mary Beard content!

[@musikafossora]

i love Mary!!

[@OceanSwimmer]

Thank you, Ms. Beard; if I were there I might have walked right by Claudia Ecloge's tombstone, not recognizing the connection between the Emperor Nero, and the woman who loved him during his tender years. Greetings from California!

[@Voltaire8559]

Thank you for this wonderful video! Does the museum provide consultation or advice on artifact and collection conservation? If yes where can I contact the museum?

[@Bimtavdesign]

Thank you💜

[@juliechi6166]

Just finished SPQR....wonderful book!!!

[@MsRoielyn]

Thank you!

[@opalfishsparklequasar8663]

💐 Our Mary is the treasure. 💐

[@JsMsti]

amazing!!

[@evelynzak8454]

I am a Mary Beard Super Fan!

[@jjlevie348]

I ❤️ Mary Beard!