Is being a celebrity or having a larger-than-life achievement enough to deserve legendary status? Reading Fiona Collins' article about what makes a legend got me thinking about who I thought was a legend and who I would invite to my fantasy dinner party.
Now I want to know, which five people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party? Personally, I would love to meet the following historical figures; I just hope they would all manage to stay civil!
* Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, would make a really exciting dinner companion. His political acumen consolidated Roman influence and initiated an era of peace whilst dramatically expanding the borders of the Roman Empire. For me though, his social reforms would be the most interesting topic of conversation as these were very forward thinking for their time. ‘The Aeneid’ is also my favourite epic poem and without Augustus’ patronage, it would never have been written...
* I’m sure Franklin D. Roosevelt (better known as FDR) would have plenty to say about the current economic crisis and, by laying the blame with the bankers, his views would prove popular around the dinner table! Perhaps he could help work out the details of a modern New Deal? The fact that he was President for 12 years, whilst being paralysed from the waist down, just makes his legacy even more inspiring.
* Anne Boleyn remains one of the most intriguing and controversial figures in history. Charged with adultery, incest, treason and witchcraft, she was executed in 1536. Said to be sharply intelligent, I would love to talk to her about her role as a courtier and then wife of Henry VIII, and her subsequent trial and execution.
* Queen Victoria is the longest ruling British monarch (a massive 63 years and 7 months) and the longest of any female monarch in history. The Victorian Age brought in some huge cultural, political, military and scientific changes, both in the UK and across the British Empire. As someone who oversaw this, I'm sure she wouldn't be short of riveting anecdotes!
* Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is most famous for being the wife of John F. Kennedy (JFK) and is one of the most popular first ladies in history. Her pillbox hats and sharp suits made her a fashion icon and her look was copied by millions of women around the world. She was inducted onto the International Best Dressed List in 1965. Kennedy is remembered for reorganising White House social events, restoring the interior of the presidential home and her popularity amongst foreign dignitaries. 1963 was a pivotal year in history and it would be fascinating to talk to someone who was in the midst of it all.
Which historical figures would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
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