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Challenging our moral certainties about the ancient world, Professor Dame Mary Beard tells Cathy Macdonald about her series of lectures on 'The Ancient World and us: from fear and loathing to enlightenment and ethics'.

He was a man who lived his faith; remembering Jean Vanier, philosopher and founder of L’Arche communities for adults with and without learning disabilities.

As Christian Aid week begins, their focus this year will be on improving the lives of mothers and babies in Sierra Leone. Cathy finds out more from Jeanne Kamara, the charity’s Country Manager.

Vladimir Putin has presided over Russian affairs for nearly 20 years. Graeme Robertson explores his staying power and how he has shaped the identity of the country on the world stage; subjects he has written about with co-author Samuel Greene in ‘Putin v. the People: The Perilous Politics of a Divided Russia’.

In January 1972, Aretha Franklin went back to her roots and recorded Amazing Grace, a collection of gospel songs, at LA’s New Temple Missionary Baptist Church over two days. This went on to become the best-selling gospel album of all time. The two-day event was also filmed and, more than 47 years later, it has finally hit the big screen. Mezzo soprano Andrea Baker and Stuart Cosgrove, broadcaster and author of ‘Detroit 67’, give their verdicts on the newly released film Amazing Grace.