The Hemlock Cup
We think the way we do because Socrates thought the way he did. His aphorism, "The unexamined life is not worth living" may have originated 25 centuries ago, but it is a founding principle of modern life. Socrates lived and contributed to a city that nurtured key ingredients of contemporary civilisation - democracy, liberty, science, drama, rational thought - yet he wrote nothing in his lifetime and remains an enigmatic figure.
Television historian and bestselling author of Helen of Troy, Bettany Hughes, tells the story of Socrates's life, following his footsteps across Greece and Asia Minor and examining the new archaeological discoveries that shed light on his world. For 70 years he was a vigorous citizen of one of the greatest capitals on earth, but his beloved Athens turned on him and condemned him to death by poison. Socrates's pursuit of personal liberty is a vibrant story that Athens did not want us to hear, but which must be told. Nobody tells it better than Bettany Hughes.
Running Time: 1hr
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