ATHENS - THE TRUTH ABOUT DEMOCRACY

Synopsis:
Classical historian Bettany Hughes explores Athens - a city lauded as the mainspring of Western-style democracy, liberty and freedom of speech. Heady words are used to describe Athenian life in the 5th century BC, 'a Golden Age', 'the Greek Miracle'. Reality, of course, was richer and more complex. In this timely series, which aims to keep the wider public alive to the nuances of demos-kratia, new archaeological evidence and contributions from experts in the period combine to generate a powerful TV resource for students of the classical world.

Press Comments:
"This is a superior series"
David Chater, Critics Choice, The Times

"Excellent"
The Guardian

"A fascinating documentary…this week doubly fascinating. No reconstructions, no fancy camerawork, just art ruins, scenery and manuscripts. And Bettany Hughes telling an absorbing tale of how democracy did for Socrates. Hughes does a great job of selling us the story"
Radio Times, Pick of The Day

Distribution Information:
Channel 4 International