The Goddess Minerva Debunks Myths About Ancient Rome in an Amusing Animated Game Show

In an amusing TED-Ed lesson, written by historian Stephanie Honchell Smith and directed by Raghav Arumugam, narrator Alexandra Panzer portrays an elegantly animated goddess Minerva, who acts as a game show host to debunk common myths about ancient Roman culture. Three contestants were asked to spot the lie in a game of “Duo vera et mendacium” (“Two Truths and a Lie”).

Minerva, the esteemed Roman goddess of reason, wisdom, handicrafts, and war, is judging a contest: duo vera et mendacium. Three brave contestants will put their knowledge about ancient Rome to the test. How much of what they know about the time period is actually true? And which contestant will come out on top?

Minerva Two Truths and a
Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.