From the University of Edinburgh:
Professor Mary Beard’s Gifford Lectures
The Ancient World and us: from fear and loathing to enlightenment and ethics
Event Details
Dates 6, 7, 9, 27, 28, 30 May, 5.30-6.30pm.
Venue
NEW LOCATION: the Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre, 32 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LH
Please note in order to book the newly available tickets you will need to scroll down the page after clicking on "Register"
Series Summary
This lecture series explores why the classical world still matters and what ethical dilemmas the study of classics raises (and has always raised). Taking six particular themes, it hopes to shows how antiquity can continue to challenge the moral certainties of modernity.
Content Guidance
Please note - this lecture series addresses adult themes.
Lecture 1 - Introduction: murderous games
Monday 6 May 2019
This lecture introduces some of those moral and ethical dilemmas in studying the classical world, asking how we understand remote ancient cultures that have come to stand both for the pinnacle of "civilisation" and for the nadir of corruption and cruelty. Choosing the gladiatorial games as one case study, it takes aim at the sense of moral superiority that we so often display in the face of some of antiquity's worst "crimes".
Lecture 2 - Whiteness
Tuesday 7 May 2019
This lecture moves from the colour of ancient statues to the skin colour of the Greeks and Romans themselves. Why have these issues proved so inflammatory in the study of antiquity? Who is committed to a white vision of the ancient world, and why? It argues not that antiquity was a world before racism, but that its very different ideas about colour (skin and otherwise) can destabilise our own.
Lecture 3 - Lucretia and the politics of sexual violence
Thursday 9 May 2019
In ancient Rome political change was regularly tied to sexual violence (the Rape of the Sabines, the Rape of Lucretia, the murder of Virginia).
How do we make sense of this? The lecture argues that the Romans themselves discussed these (mythical) incidents much more subtly than we often give them credit for, and that the Rape of Lucretia in particular has for 2000 years raised important questions about power, responsibility and consent.
Lecture 4 - Us and them
Monday 27 May 2019
This lecture explores various forms of exclusion and inclusion in antiquity, from slave versus free to women versus men. Can we ever understand how that might have seemed "natural"? And what does it tell us about our own exclusions? Given the drastic disparities in power, wealth and influence that underpinned all ancient cultures, in what sense can they ever be seen as a model of inclusion and "toleration"?
Lecture 5 - Tyranny and democracy
Tuesday 28 May 2019
This lecture is about politics ancient and modern. What political inheritance do we imagine we can trace back to the ancient world? On what does our admiration for Athenian democracy rest, or our hatred of Roman autocrats?
Lecture 6 - Classical Civilisation?
Thursday 30 May 2019
This lecture concludes the series by facing head on the idea of "classical civilisation". How far has it always been a weapon of elite exclusivity? Or how far has it simultaneously acted to challenge elite power? And what is its future?
Please note:
These events will be photographed and/or recorded for promotional or recruitment materials for the University or University approved third parties.
Each lecture will be scheduled for 17:30 to 18:30 (doors open 17:15). The lectures may be followed by questions. Latest finishing time is 19:00.
All lectures will now be held in The Gordoon Aikman Lecture Theatre, 32 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LH
For any further information contact the administrator:
Tickets are available here.
