Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics - Alexandria: The Science

Natalie is joined by Islam Issa and Adam Rutherford to reveal the extraordinary creativity and breadth of the stellar scientific inventions made in the ancient city of Alexandria.

From early weather forecasting to the first suggestion that the sun is the centre of the universe, the first keyboard instrument to toy birds that could sing, Alexandria had it all.

'Rockstar mythologist' Natalie Haynes is the best-selling author of Divine Might, Stone Blind, A Thousand Ships and No Friend to This House as well as a reformed comedian who is a little bit obsessive about ancient Greece and Rome.

Islam Issa is Professor of Public Humanities at Birmingham City University. His book Alexandria: The City that Changed the World is the Winner of the Runciman Award and The Times, Sunday Times, TLS, Booklist, Epoch Times and Waterstones Book of the Year.

Dr Adam Rutherford is a scientist, writer and broadcaster. He's a Lecturer in Biology and Society at UCL.

Producer Beth O'Dea

Published on Thursday, 30th July 2026.

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