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Hello Mary Magdalene has been a figure of religious, artistic and literary inspiration among Christians

for 2,000 years.

In the Bible, she was at the cross when Jesus crucified, was a key witness at the resurrection

and followed Christ and the disciples along the shores of Lake Galilee.

In Eastern Orthodox tradition, that's how she stays, and she celebrated her merbara

at the tomb.

In the Western Church, though, she quickly absorbed other characteristics, a presumed prostitute,

a symbol of contemplation and penitence and even the first apostle.

In later legends, she traveled to France, or lived in the Egyptian desert, levitating.

She was vividly portrayed in medieval art, sometimes in thought, sometimes sensuous,

naked, covered only by her long hair.

She'd been many things to many people.

Some years ago, texts found in Egypt put Mary on a more intimate level with Jesus, a deeply

disputed eye that inspired some modern writers.

With me to discuss Mary Magdalene, I'm in Duffy, emeritus professor of the history of

Christianity, the University of Cambridge, and fellow of Moldland College.

Joan Taylor, professor of Christian origins, and second temple Judaism at King's College

London.

And Joann Anderson, lecturer in Artists with the Warburg Institute, School of Advanced

...