Mary Beard is a well-known historian and classicist whose books, talks, and television appearances have greatly advanced our knowledge of ancient Rome. She recalls a visit to the British Museum in London as a young child with her mother, which is one of her most memorable reflections.

When Mary was five years old, she went with her mother to one of the best art and history museums in the world. Children at that age frequently believe that their current era is the height of civilization and that earlier generations were less developed or enlightened than they were. But Mary's viewpoint changed drastically when she first saw the Elgin Marbles, which are ancient sculptures that Lord Elgin took from the Parthenon in Athens in the early 19th century.

Originally a part of the Parthenon, the Elgin Marbles are a group of classical Greek marble sculptures and architectural features. Mary became acutely aware of the depth and complexity of human history after viewing these magnificent pieces of art. The marbles were not merely artifacts from a bygone era; rather, they were exquisite works of art that could rival those of any contemporary artist.

This insight marked a sea change in her perception of the past. She learned that people have always been able to produce amazing artwork, thought-provoking concepts, and enduring legacies. Mary's experience at the museum opened her eyes to new possibilities about what people are capable of, much like when you finally figure out the solution to a difficult puzzle after being baffled by it for days.

Mary Beard's lifelong love of history and classics was sparked by this early exposure to ancient artifacts. Her belief that each era has its own distinct context and significance—a crucial viewpoint for anyone researching or valuing human culture over time—was influenced by it.