Although Roman rule officially ended in Britain just over 1600 years ago, the Roman presence has never faded away, only varied its appearance.
This trio of talks, by Guardian Chief Arts Writer – and Classicist – Charlotte Higgins, and two members of the KCL Classics Department, focuses on the ways views of Roman Britain have changed over time, with special emphasis on how wishful thinking has sometimes triumphed over mere fact.
Charlotte Higgins is Chief Arts Writer for the Guardian, and studied Classics at Balliol College, Oxford. Her new book on Roman Britain will be published in June 2013 by Jonathan Cape. Michael Trapp is Professor of Greek Literature & Thought at King's; he has made a special study of the myths and reality of the Strand Lane 'Roman' Bath. John Pearce is Lecturer in Archaeology at King's; he has worked on the publication of the Vindolanda writing tablets, and other aspects of the archaeology of Roman Britain.
6.30 Welcome and Introduction
6.35 – 7.10
Charlotte Higgins
Fakes, Mistakes and Fantasies in Roman Britain
7.10 – 7.30
Michael Trapp
Romanizing and UnRomanizing the Strand Lane Bath
7.30 – 7.50
John Pearce
New views of Roman Britain: gods, men and ménages à trios
7.50 – 8.00 Questions and discussion
Image from 'Wellcome Library, London'
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