The goddess who 'changed the course' of Roman history
When the sacred icon of Kybele was sent to Rome in 204 BC, she was greeted with jubilation from the city. During a time of ongoing conflict with the Carthaginian general Hannibal, many Romans believed the arrival of Kybele was 'Rome's salvation' and 'changed the course of the war, and history'.
In Divine Women, historian Bettany Hughes explores the powerful role of women in religion, including Kybele, from 10,000 BC to the present day.
Watch the full documentary on BBC Select
