Myth in the Greek and Roman Worlds: the Temple of Diana at Nemi - for iPod/iPhone

The archaeological site at Nemi, a lakeside sanctuary south of Rome dedicated to the goddess Diana, offers a unique window into how myth functioned in the ancient world. This Myth in the Greek and Roman Worlds: the Temple of Diana at Nemi podcast from The Open University moves beyond grand narratives to examine the tangible fragments of daily life left at the temple. Each episode focuses on a specific artifact discovered there-a street performer’s simple clay lamp, a carefully crafted votive statue offered by a freed slave, a detailed miniature of the Temple itself. Through these objects, the series reconstructs the social and religious practices of ordinary Romans, exploring how they engaged with divine stories and figures in personal, often surprising ways. The discussion reveals how places like Diana’s sanctuary were hubs of social mobility and cultural exchange, where myth was not just a tale from the past but a living force embedded in ritual and object. Listening to this podcast provides a ground-level view of Roman society, using material evidence to ask broader questions about belief, identity, and the practical uses of mythology across the Greek and Roman worlds. It’s an auditory investigation that connects small, physical details to larger historical currents, perfect for anyone curious about the intersection of archaeology, social history, and ancient narrative traditions.