Martin Ferguson Smith, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University, is internationally renowned for his research on extensive sections of the gigantic Greek inscription constructed by the Epicurean philosopher Diogenes of Oinoanda in the second century AD. It was made to convey Epicurean philosophy to future generations and visitors to the city. At 65-80m long, it is presumed to be the largest philosophical inscription of the ancient world.

The results of Prof. Smith’s work at Oinoanda have been presented in four books and numerous articles. He was awarded the international Theodor Mommsen Prize for Herculaneum Papyrology in 2004.

This film elaborates on the history of the research at Oinoanda and the Epicurean approaches to many concepts including pleasure, happiness and gods. It includes the views of experts including senior researcher Prof. Smith alongside contributions from local people and the members of the surface survey team.