Week of the Classics

This year, the Week of Classics offers 4 online lectures (English) by renowned speakers on the theme of ''Revolution and Antiquity''. The lectures are free to sign up for through the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden website. Click here to sign up. 

A. The first is by dr. Adrastros Omissi from the university of Glasgow about ''Roman Imperial Power'', and takes place on March 24th, 26th, and April 1st and 2nd from 20.00 - 21.00. 

Content of Lecture

This lecture extensively discusses the Roman imperial power during the period in which the Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean region. Dr Adrastos Omissi (University of Glasgow) investigates how imperial power was established, and how it was transferred from emperor to emperor, and explains why the Roman Empire was so susceptible to military power, rebellion, and civil war.

B. The second is by prof. Edith Hall from the University of Durham, about ''Spartacus and Slavery'', and takes place on March 24th, 26th and April 1st and 2nd from 20.00 - 21.00. 

Content of Lecture

In 73 BC, a Thracian gladiator who had been enslaved led a revolt of slaves and impoverished freemen that almost resulted in a victorious revolution capable of overthrowing the Roman Empire. Although the revolt failed, ancient historians, including Plutarch and Appian, wrote in glowing terms about Spartacus' courage, intelligence, discipline, and egalitarian principles.

C. The third is by dr. Aris Politopoulos & dr. Angus Mol from Leiden University, about ''Games and Antiquity'', and takes place on March 24th, 26th, and April 1st, and 2nd, from 20.00 to 21.00. 

Content of Lecture

Ancient history and video games: that seems like an unlikely pair. However, video games have always had a fruitful relationship with ancient history. From the earliest computer games to the latest blockbusters, the histories and cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome are used as fun places to play and explore the past.

D. The fourth is by dr. Claire Stocks & dr. Barbara Birley about ''Living on the Border of Roman Brittain'', and takes place on March 24th, 26th, and April 1st, from 15.00 - 16.00. 

Content of Lecture

It's been fifty years since the discovery of the first group of Vindolanda tablets revolutionized our understanding of life on the Roman frontier in Britain. In 2017, another set of tablets was found. Together, these tablets offer an unparalleled insight into daily life at the Roman fort of Vindolanda. In this lecture, Dr Claire Stocks discusses some of the details, characters, and stories revealed by the texts on these small, thin pieces of wood. They consist of letters to friends and family, shopping lists, data on troop deployment, and a possible appeal to (among others) Emperor Hadrian.