Julius Caesar’s Gamble – "The Die is Cast" with Mary Beard

Armand and Jimmy follow Julius Caesar to the banks of the Rubicon - and the moment that changed Roman history forever. With the help of Britain’s best-known classicist, Mary Beard, they unravel the famous phrase "The die is cast" and reveal why it doesn’t mean what most people think. Along the way, they explore Caesar’s love of Greek drama, the surprising truth about ancient dice (made from donkey knuckles!), and the gossipy brilliance of Suetonius, Rome’s ultimate scandal historian. From political gambles to lapidary phrases carved in stone, discover why these ancient words still roll through our culture today - from posh politicians to Spanish power metal bands.

Thank you to Mary Beard for suggesting this week's deep dive into Julius Caesar, "The Die is Cast," and the main text we explored: Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars.

Presented by Armand D’Angour and Jimmy Mulville
 Produced by Diggory Waite
 A Hat Trick Production

For more on the charity Classics For All, who support state schools to introduce or develop the teaching of classical subjects sustainably on the curriculum or as an after school activity, visit www.classicsforall.org.uk