BACCHUS UNCOVERED: ANCIENT GOD OF ECSTASY
(BBC FOUR/BBC SELECT)
Available to watch in the USA and Canada on BBC Select
“Hughes achieved the unlikely feat of making Bacchus Uncovered relevant to young party-goers and archaeologists alike.”
iNews
“Both scholarly and enthusiastic, Hughes balances the need to be both serious and entertaining, both rigorous and accessible.”
FT Weekend
“This is an enjoyably provocative frolic through the various incarnations of “the party god supreme.”
Radio Times
Professor Bettany Hughes investigates the story of Bacchus, god of wine, revelry, theatre and excess, travelling to Georgia, Jordan, Greece and Britain to discover his origins and his presence in the modern world, and explore how 'losing oneself' plays a vital role in the development of civilisation.
In this fascinating journey, Bettany begins in Georgia where she discovers evidence of the world's oldest wine production, and the role it may have played in building communities. In Athens, she reveals Bacchus's pivotal role in a society where his ecstatic worship was embraced by all classes, and most importantly women.
On Cyprus, she uncovers startling parallels between Bacchus and Christ. Finally, Bettany follows the god's modern embrace in Nietzsche's philosophy, experimental theatre and the hedonistic hippie movement to conclude that, while this god of ecstasy is worthy of contemporary reconsideration, it is vital to heed the warning of the ancients - 'MEDEN AGAN' - nothing in excess.
“…sensational…”
Pick of the Day
The Mail on Sunday
“…fascinating…”
Critics’ Choice, Pick of the Day
The Sunday Times
“an intoxicating film..”
Pick of the Day
The Guardian
