Sappho: Love & Life on Lesbos with Margaret Mountford
Margaret Mountford goes in search of the truth behind Sappho, the most controversial writer of the ancient world and the first authentic woman's voice in western history.
With a PhD in papyrology, Margaret Mountford goes in search of the truth behind the legend of Sappho, the most controversial writer of the ancient world and the first authentic woman's voice in western history.
The sensational discovery of a lost papyrus containing the words to songs unheard for 1,700 years sends Margaret on a journey of exploration.
From the fragmentary documents, ruined temple architecture and surviving oriental jewellery, the programme conjures the real world of the woman, whose erotic writings gave us the words 'sapphic' and 'lesbian', after the island of Lesbos the place of her birth.
Was she indeed the first lesbian, a priestess, prostitute, a stern schoolmistress or an aristocratic lady of leisure as readers over the centuries have variously alleged. Plus how each generation's view of the archetypal liberated woman of letters tells us as much about us and our fears and concerns as it does about her.
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Clips
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Web exclusive: The hidden secrets of Sappho's new poem
Duration: 02:36
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Sappho's reputation in classical Athens
Duration: 03:11
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Web exclusive: Sappho's 'new' poem sung
Duration: 00:35
Music Played
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Offenbarung 23
60 Minuten - Die Echtzeitfolge
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Offenbarung 23
Der Preis Der Freiheit Teil 13
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The O鈥橨ays
For the Love of Money
Credits
Role | Contributor |
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Presenter | Margaret Mountford |
Producer | Sally Thomas |
Director | Jack MacInnes |
Margaret Mountford on Sappho
Dr Margaret Mountford answers questions on Sappho and why she has stood the test of time.