“Aphrodite-Venus had become not a subject of adoration, but an agent of exploitation. From the moment Christian society perceived sex not as a gift of the goddess but a crime against God himself, women were believed to be the vessels of love's malign power.”

English historian, author, and broadcaster

Bettany Hughes is an English historian, author, and broadcaster, known for her work on classical history. She writes about the ancient world, especially classical antiquity and myth, and has also explored the history of Istanbul. Her books and broadcasts bring historical subjects to a broad audience. She has also been involved in efforts to support the teaching of the classics in UK state schools, and was appointed OBE in 2019.