‘Luxury on the Bay of Naples: The View from Pliny’s HQ at Misenum’, a Talk by Andrew Wallace-Hadrill

Dear all, It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the first Bristol Classical Association event for the academic year, which will take place on 10^th October 2023 at 7pm. Tuesday 10^th October, 7pm – Professor Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (University of Cambridge)

‘Luxury on the Bay of Naples: The View from Pliny’s HQ at Misenum’ Famously, the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 was observed by the Younger Pliny from the residence of his uncle who commanded the Roman fleet at Misenum. It was in fact a brilliant vantage point for observing the whole Bay of Naples: the luxury resort of Baiae, the great commercial port of Puteoli, Naples itself, and of course Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Elder Pliny’s 36-book Natural History has much to tell us about life on the Bay, as well as the volcanic phenomena that were to lead to his death. Hand in hand with this Pliny, we can explore the wonders of nature, and the foibles of mankind. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill is Honorary Professor of Roman Studies and Director of Research for the Faculty of Classics, University of Cambridge. His research interests span a range of topics, from Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Roman urbanism, to public and private space, and Roman cultural identity. As in previous years, the talk will take place in the Peace Memorial Hall at Badminton School, Westbury Rd, Bristol BS9 3BA. To register, please complete the following online form (1 per person attending). If you have difficulty using the online form, or would like to contact a member of our team, please email Barbara Bell at bmbellmini@aol.com The form to register can be found by following this link: https://forms.gle/mg88S93WgcCwPA2k6 There are no tickets, and talks are free for Bristol Classical Association members, students, and school pupils. There will be a cost of £5 at the door for visitors. Refreshments will be available from 6.30pm. We are looking forward to seeing you there. Image: Pliny the Younger and his Mother at Misenum, 79 AD (1785), Angelica Kauffmann, oil on canvas, Princeton University Art Museum, NJ, USA.