Who Decides What Counts as 'Classical'?

What Counts as Classical? | Dan-El Padilla Peralta on the Future of Classics Why do we call ancient Greece and Rome “classical”? And who decided that their literature, art and philosophy should hold such a privileged place in our understanding of history? Is there a difference between studying the ancient world and treating it as uniquely authoritative? In this thought-provoking episode of Classical Wisdom Speaks, host Anya Leonard speaks with Dan-El Padilla Peralta, Professor of Classics at Princeton University, about the history of classical studies, the politics of cultural value and the future of the discipline. At the heart of their conversation is a provocative distinction: the classics versus classicism. For Dan-el, studying Homer, Cicero or the ancient Mediterranean is not the same as accepting the historical process through which certain cultures and texts became designated as “classical.” His critique isn't simply a call to stop reading ancient authors. Instead, he asks us to examine why some traditions have been elevated while others have been overlooked. From Sappho and Cicero to W. E. B. Du Bois, Marcus Aurelius and the modern Stoicism revival, the discussion challenges us to think more carefully about the ancient world—and how we choose to study it. They also confront difficult questions about museums, colonialism, private collections, academic institutions and access to ancient knowledge. Can we preserve the value of studying Greece and Rome while rethinking the assumptions and institutions that have shaped the field? Key Topics: What is the difference between classics and classicism? Who decides what deserves to be called classical? What determines which ancient texts survive? Cicero, Augustine and the formation of the classical canon Can the classics inspire liberation? W. E. B. Du Bois and ancient Roman literature Sappho, papyri and the antiquities market The modern revival of Stoicism Should ancient knowledge be accessible to everyone? The role of academic institutions How classical studies might change in the future ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Dan-El Padilla Peralta 00:21 Classics vs. classicism 02:21 What makes something classical? 03:51 Who gets excluded from the canon? 05:39 Would changing the name help? 07:50 Why Greece and Rome dominate history 09:33 Empire and the survival of texts 11:33 Cicero vs. Augustine 13:20 Can the classics inspire liberation? 15:21 How should we read ancient texts? 16:03 Chance, Sappho and preservation 17:45 Why Stoicism became popular 18:43 Empire and cultural influence 24:21 Classics and racial capitalism 25:15 Oxford, museums and empire 27:03 Ancient papyri and colonialism 29:09 Sappho and the antiquities market 32:28 Who should access ancient history? 34:34 Do we still need universities? 45:05 A revolution in classical studies What makes this conversation especially interesting is that Anya and Dan-el don't always agree. Their exchange raises questions about whether the survival of ancient texts reflects deliberate choices, historical accidents or both—and whether reforming classical studies means rejecting institutions or strengthening them. Dan-el ultimately argues for a more global approach to studying the past, alongside greater solidarity between scholars, institutions and independent learners. Who should decide what we preserve, study and celebrate from the ancient world? Do you think the classics need fundamental reform, or can the existing tradition accommodate a broader understanding of ancient history? Share your thoughts in the comments. 👉 Classical Wisdom Members can watch the FULL, extended episode on Substack: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/who-decides-whats-classical-unpacking 👉 Become a Classical Wisdom Member: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Buy Dan-el's book 'Classicism and Other Phobias': https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691266183/classicism-and-other-phobias About Dan-el Padilla Peralta Dan-el Padilla Peralta is a Professor of Classics at Princeton University whose research examines ancient Mediterranean history, the formation of classical knowledge and the relationship between antiquity and modern systems of power. In this conversation, he discusses his work on classicism and the future of classical studies, asking how we might approach ancient history with both intellectual curiosity and critical reflection.