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 Having first visited Athens 40 years ago, Hughes discusses her new documentary series on the world’s greatest cities, which begins with Athens, and reflects on how the city helped shape her as a historian. She explores why Athens has captivated the world’s imagination for millennia, why its history extends far beyond the Golden Age, and how the legacy of Pericles’ Athens continues to shape the modern city. The conversation also examines what ancient Athens can teach—and warn—us about harmony, persuasion and rumour, what makes a great city, and how the ancient Athenians might view Athens today.

“A strong city can ask questions about itself; a weak city only wants easy and rigid answers.”

Recorded on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, Day 1 of Dialogues for Athens, at the Ceremonial Hall of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The first day of the conference was dedicated to “The Past.”