The Classics Library

'Virtual Realities as Time Travel' | Dr Richard Cole from the University of Bristol
2025-06-12 17:30 - 18:30 (Europe/London) | Loughborough Grammar School, 3 Burton Walks, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2DU, United Kingdom
Virtual Realities as Time Travel

An online Lecture by Dr Richard Cole, Lecturer in Digital Classics, University of Bristol.

Download the flyer!

Thursday 12th June, 5:30

Virtual realities are frequently praised for their ability to cast the player back in time. This is true of both historical video games set in antiquity and, more recently, virtual reality experiences.

Such claims can be producer-led, with examples ranging from marketing materials and modding tools to in-game narratives, as well as directed towards the medium in question in op-eds or player reviews, where players themselves reflect on their experiences of virtual realities as a form of time travel. The potential for time travel in virtual realities appears to be fuelled partly by the way in which different media represent the past, but also by the way in which players explore and make sense of such realities.

This lecture examines the underpinning logic of the ‘time travel’ metaphor – what it means in different contexts, and why it is so effective as a means of conceptualising our relationship to the past in the context of Classically inspired historical video games and VR simulations.

The Aulos and Symposium Re-Imagined
2025-06-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, United Kingdom
Date: Tuesday 10 June 2025 at 8pm
Venue: Picture Gallery, Founders Building,
Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX

Flyer with further information

Originally associated with philosophers and aristocratic citizens of Athens, the symposium was, in essence, a drinking party and considered an important social institution in ancient Greece. It was a relaxed, convivial gathering of men sharing views and ideas on a range of topics, accompanied by wine, music, dancing, reciting of poetry and games. The symposium often took place in a purpose-bult room called the andron which was usually large enough to accommodate several couches (klinai), on which those participating would recline. Vase paintings of symposia often show them enlivened by musicians and dancers, commonly depicting a musical instrument called the aulos – played by a man or woman. The aulos consisted of two pipes, one for each hand, sounded with double reeds (like the oboe) and was both one of the most important and controversial musical instruments in the Classical world.

This event aims to re-imagine the ancient Greek symposium and the role of the aulos within it. Watered wine will be served and reconstructions of the aulos played, alongside dance, songs, spoken dialogues drawn from ancient Greek texts as well as the sort of games that were played at the symposium. The singers and dancers will be accompanied on the aulos and performers will feature leading international experts in the reconstruction of ancient Greek music, including Callum Armstrong, Stefan Hagel, Kamila Wyslucha, Olga Sutkowska and Stef Connor.

Organised by the departments of Music, Classics and Drama & Theatre at Royal Holloway, the event is sponsored by Humanities and Arts Research Institute (HARI), Music & Letters and the Institute of Classical Studies.

BOOK TICKETS!

Elektra – A Throne Restored (KCL Greek Play)
2025-06-10 - 2025-06-12 | Greenwood Theatre, 55 Weston Street, London, SE1 3RA, United Kingdom
10th to 12th June 2025
Greenwood Theatre (near London Bridge SE1 3RA)

Matinee Performances: Wednesday & Thursday at 2:30 PM
Evening Performances: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 7:00 PM
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours (including an interval)

Written and directed by Ines Neacsa, this production tells the story of Elektra, a woman determined to reclaim the throne of Mycenae after her father’s death, confronting political divisions and generational conflict.

With its compelling narrative and timely themes, the play invites audiences to reflect on power, morality, and the cost of change.

Evening performances will be preceded by pre-show talks featuring leading scholars in the field, offering audiences deeper insights into the themes of the play. These pre-show events are complimentary for ticket holders of the respective performances.

Further Information

For updates about ticket bookings and related events, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at greekplay@kcl.ac.uk.

Aristophanes' Frogs at the Southwark Playhouse
2025-05-23 - 2025-06-28 | Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD, United Kingdom
Samsational Entertainment, The Grey Area, Benson Drive Productions, Melissa & Bradford Coolidge, Thomas Hopkins Productions, Nelson & Tao, and Folk Productions Present

The Frogs

A comedy written in 405 b.c. by Aristophanes | Freely adapted by Burt Shevelove | Even more freely adapted by Nathan Lane | Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

23 MAY – 28 JUN 2025

Ticket Prices (no booking fee to pay!):
£35 Standard / £28 Concessions / Previews £16 / Pioneers’ Preview (23 May) £10

More information and to book!

Myth and Mythology: A Course by Susan Deacy with the Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies
2025-05-14
Professor Susan Deacy

Myth and Mythology

What is myth? What is mythology? When does classical myth begin? When does it end? Why are its characters such a source of fascination?

This course explores these and other questions, and how studying myth can deepen our understanding of ancient cultures and the postclassical cultures that keep adapting them, including our own.

Wednesday 14 May – Session 1 Myth and mythology

Wednesday 21 May – Session 2 Myth and the gods

Wednesday 28 May – Session 3 Myth and folktale

Wednesday 4 June – Session 4 Myth and the city

Wednesday 11 June – Session 5 Myth and ‘us’

For more information and to book:

https://www.hellenicandromanlibrary.org/Events/Event-Registration/EventId/18

BMCA - Athena's Owls: Storytelling & Craft Workshop (6+)
2025-04-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-22 10:00 - 11:00
From BMCA…

Join us for a fun and creative workshop where we’ll listen to Greek myths and make crafts together!

Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane Stirchley B30 2JT

Athena’s Owls is a series of free Saturday workshops for children and young families in the West Midlands. The workshops will blend storytelling inspired by Greek Myths with practical and creative activities. For our winter / early spring programme, we will run three indoor sessions with the wonderful Stirchley Baths. You and your children will enjoy story time inspired by characters and tales from ancient Greece, such as Icarus, Pandora or Medusa, followed by craft activities about the myths we explore together.

These workshops will take place 10-11am on the below dates:

Saturday 22nd February

Saturday 22nd March

Saturday 19th April

Please note: These workshops are recommended for children aged 6+ and they must be accompanied by a guardian throughout the event.

You can find out more about Stirchley Baths and how to get there by visiting the Stirchley Baths website. If you have questions about the workshops or any accessibility requirements, please contact: oonagh.classics@gmail.com

These events are organised by the Birmingham and Midlands Classical Association and funded by the Classical Association.

To the Letter: The Performance and Practice of Politics in the Late Republic - a Lecture by Hannah Cornwell
2025-04-02 17:30 - 18:30
The talks is by Dr Hannah Cornwell (University of Birmingham) on Cicero’s letters.

The talk is on Wednesday 2 April at 5.30, on Teams.

To the Letter: The Performance and Practice of Politics in the Late Republic.

The link to register and all information is here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/classics-loughborough-schools-foundation/t-rpvenqo

The Classical Association: Classical Languages CPD Day
2025-03-21
On Friday 21st March 2025, the CA is hosting a FREE CPD day for Classical Languages at the Marriott Hotel in Liverpool.

This day will suit teachers of Latin and Greek from KS3-KS5, and includes talks on topics such as inclusive teaching, stretching and challenging all students, effective feedback and integrating creative projects. Professor Bruce Gibson will deliver our keynote lecture. Travel bursaries for state school teachers are available. The registration form, with more information, can be found here.

Democracy and Ancient Athens Online Workshop (British School at Athens)
2025-03-11 16:00 - 19:00
Tuesday 11th March, 4pm. Online.

https://www.bsa.ac.uk/courses/school-teachers-course

Sussex Classical Reading Competition 2025
2025-03-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Lancing College, Lancing College, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 0RW, United Kingdom
After a hiatus of a few years, the Sussex Classical Reading Competition is back.
This year we are trialling some passages written in English for our Classical Civilisation pupils, and theming much of the event around the Trojan Cycle.
Below are the chosen passages:
Passages for the 2025 Sussex Classical Reading Competition
The Trojan Cycle
Junior section
Years 5-6
Passage in Latin Minimus – page 21-22 A writing lesson (this could be a pair or trio of pupils)
Passage in English – Greek Legends by Peter Connolly page 12 Perseus kills Medusa (That evening…..the desert.)
Years 7-8
Passage in Latin Latin to GCSE Part One page 47 Judgement of Paris
Passage in English Death of Hector page 74 from Black Ships before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff

Intermediate Section
Years 9 and 10
Passage in Greek Greek to GCSE Part 1 John Taylor page 75 The Cyclops 1 (Ex 5.3)
Passage in Latin Virgil’s Aeneid Book I Lines 90 – 112
Passage in English Aeschylus’s Agamemnon Lines 216-257 (Death of Iphigenia)

Senior Section
Years 11, 12-13
Passage in Latin Virgil’s Aeneid Book II Lines 369-390 (Pyrrhus arrives at the palace)
Passage in Greek Aeschylus’s Agamemnon Lines 40 –59
Passages for the 2025 Sussex Classical Reading Competition
The Trojan Cycle
Junior section
Years 5-6
Passage in Latin Minimus – page 21-22 A writing lesson (this could be a pair or trio of pupils)
Passage in English – Greek Legends by Peter Connolly page 12 Perseus kills Medusa (That evening…..the desert.)
Years 7-8
Passage in Latin Latin to GCSE Part One page 47 Judgement of Paris
Passage in English Death of Hector page 74 from Black Ships before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff

Intermediate Section
Years 9 and 10
Passage in Greek Greek to GCSE Part 1 John Taylor page 75 The Cyclops 1 (Ex 5.3)
Passage in Latin Virgil’s Aeneid Book I Lines 90 – 112
Passage in English Aeschylus’s Agamemnon Lines 216-257 (Death of Iphigenia)

Senior Section
Years 11, 12-13
Passage in Latin Virgil’s Aeneid Book II Lines 369-390 (Pyrrhus arrives at the palace)
Passage in Greek Aeschylus’s Agamemnon Lines 40 –59 ‘δέκατον μὲν ἔτος τόδ᾽ ἐπεὶ Πριάμου…….. πέμπει παραβᾶσιν Ἐρινύν.’
Passage in English Virgil’s Aeneid Book XII Lines 930-952 (The death of Turnus)

Passage in English Virgil’s Aeneid Book XII Lines 930-952 (The death of Turnus)
We encourage entries from Year 5 upwards. There are three separate categories and opportunities to read Latin, Greek or English.
Date Tuesday 11 March
Place Lancing College
Time 4-6pm
Entry is free and you’re welcome from any part of the UK.
There will be prizes.
Please contact ram@lancing.org.uk in order to enter your pupils or for more details/clarification.

People, Pots & Poetry - a Taster Day for students to experience the study of Classics, Archaeology and ASNaC (Girton College, Cambridge)
2025-03-04 | Girton College, Huntington Road, Cambridge, CB3 0JG, United Kingdom
Tuesday 4 March 2025, 10:00-16:00

Girton College is hosting People, Pots & Poetry – a Taster Day for students to experience the study of Classics, Archaeology and ASNaC (Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic)! The day will include exciting presentations from our own Academics, Admissions talks from our Admissions Tutor, and tours of the College, including our very own Lawrence Room. It is free to attend and lunch and refreshments will be provided. It is open to students in Year 11 and Year 12; Year 11 students are welcome to apply, but Year 12 students will be given priority.

Year 12 students must be studying a Humanities subject and be on track to receive A*AA or equivalent.

Teachers can find out more information and nominate up to 3 students until Friday 14 February at 9am here.

If teachers have any questions, they can contact Lauren on access@girton.cam.ac.uk.

ARLT Refresher Day
2025-03-01 | The Dragon School, Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6SS, United Kingdom
Registration is now open for the ARLT Refresher Day, which will take place in Oxford on the 1st of March under the direction of Chandler Hamer.

We are looking forward to meeting old and new colleagues. The day will be full of opportunities to share good practice, learn from fellow teachers and stay in touch with the latest research.

Every year, we welcome practitioners from all backgrounds, including experienced teachers, student teachers and non-specialists: all those interested in teaching Classics will find something to make it a fantastic experience.

Programme

9.40-10.00: Arrival with tea and coffee

Hellenic Book Service

10.00-10:10: Welcome
10.10-11.00: Option Group 1
11.00-11.10: Coffee and Hellenic Book Service
11.10-12.00: Option Group 2
12.00-12.50: Lunch (servery)
12.50-1.20: Book Presentations

‘Teaching Classics Worldwide’ Steven Hunt
‘Classics in Action’ Jessica Dixon and Arlene Holmes-Henderson

1.20-2.10: Lecture and Workshop from Dr Melinda Letts, University of Oxford and Dragon School Governor
2.15-3.05: Option Group 3
3.05-3.30: Coffee and Hellenic Book Service

CA Feedback to Jessica Dixon

3.30-4.30: Committee meeting

Delegates can choose one of the following option groups:

Option 1
Option 2
Option 3

Latin Grammar for GCSE
How do you teach Latin grammar? Can we make “Romanes eunt domus” a thing of the past? Is there a good way to defang those sentences that never end? I shall try to come up with some fresh ideas gleaned from modern linguistics (the work of Caroline Kroon) as well as from our pooled experiences.
Alan Towey
Achieving Level 5 in A Level Classical Civilisation
This session will focus on how to support and stretch students so they can achieve Level 5 in A Level Classical Civilisation 10, 20 and 30 mark questions. We will use the advice given in examiners reports and example student answers to build a picture of what is required for them to be awarded the top levels. We will also discuss strategies for how to help students reach the standards needed and to confidently demonstrate these under exam conditions.
Jess Dixon
Spoken Latin
Three easy activities to promote listening and speaking – even if you’ve never done it before! Ana Martin

De Romanis
The appeal of teaching de Romanis for us lies in teaching language with mythology and ancient history. Starting Latin with gods and goddess and following the adventures of Aeneas will develop students’ appreciation for the classical world. Additionally, you will appreciate the focus on developing skills needed for success in GCSE in vocabulary and language. There are many ways to teach this course, you will be presented with one of many… Ana Henderson
Aristophanes’ Frogs
The session is primarily for those teaching the Greek Theatre for AL Classical Civilisation. We will look at the role of Dionysus in Frogs, and the various kinds of humour in the play. There will also be an opportunity to share teaching strategies. Fiona Gow
Brush up your Greek
I am intending to use Taylor’s Greek to GCSE and the OCR Reader Greek Stories, and what exactly we cover can be tailored to suit you. Come just for fun, or to extend your skills. Alison Henshaw

Suburani digital delights
In this session we’ll look at some new and up-coming features of the Suburani digital resources, together with some of the lesser-known functionality and resources, to ensure we’re all getting the most out of the support they offer both us and our students. We’ll also have a sneak-peak at the Book 3 content.
Will Griffiths
The Ancient Near East for Classicists: Hesiod
A follow up on the discussions of Homer and the Late Bronze Age world from SS24, this session will explore ancient Near Eastern influences on, and resonances with, the mythological works of Hesiod. Translations of Hesiod and of Near Eastern texts will be provided. Useful especially for those teaching Greek myths and religion at any level.
Jack Brooker
Teaching & Learning: Focus on Literacy
This session will focus on some of the theory underpinning literacy and explore how it can be used to support and promote literacy in the classroom as well as inform the teaching of ancient languages.
Lottie Mortimer

Aeneid 2 for A level Latin
In this group we shall focus on preparing students for the exam, looking at passages for comment and the 20 mark essay. Please bring a copy of the text and any materials you have found useful and would like to share.
Laura Beech
GCSE Latin set texts: CLA Messalina and avunculus meus We will look at approaches to teaching the OCR Prose literature paper for OCR GCSE, focusing on the Cambridge Latin Anthology texts (Messalina and avunculus meus). We will discuss ideas for activities in lessons and for revision. If you are already teaching these texts, perhaps you would bring along some ideas and/or resources that you would be willing to share.
Judy Nesbit
Roman coins handling session Roman coins are more accessible and available than you might think. We will examine some genuine Roman coins, see how much information we can extract from them and discuss if/ how we could use them in our teaching. You may find it useful to bring a magnifying glass (unless you are lucky enough to be short-sighted!)
Hilary Walters

Using AI in Latin and Classics
In this session, I will explore practical ways that teachers can integrate AI into Latin and Classical Civilisation lessons. I will also share my own experiences of using AI effectively in these subjects. Dimitrios Xerikos

For any questions about the day, please contact the director, Chandler Hamer. To register, please visit the ARLT website: https://www.arlt.co.uk/event-posts/refresher-day-2025-dragon-school-oxford/

Classics Study Day, Redmaids' High School
2025-02-28 | Redmaids’ High School, Westbury Road, Bristol, BS9 3AW, United Kingdom
Friday 28th February 2025

Free to attend. Bring packed lunch.

Contact Claire Rostron at c_rostron@redmaidshigh.co.uk by 14th February.

Warwick Classics Network Classical Civilisation Teachers Day
2025-02-28 | Warwick University, Gibbet Hill Road, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Warwick Classics Network Classical Civilisation Teachers Day

Friday 28th February 2025

On Friday 28th February 2025, the Department of Classics and Ancient History will host its annual Classical Civilisation Teachers’ Day – Classical Civilisation Teachers’ Day 2025. The day, as usual, is free, and lunch is provided [and lots of tea and coffee]. It will start at 11am and finish at 4pm.

At the event our Warwick academics will deliver lectures on all components of the OCR Classical Civilisation A-level specs (see schedule below), providing thoughts on modern scholarship and useful texts to give to students, all in the surrounds of our amazing Faculty of Arts Building here at Warwick.

Schedule (tbc) – 11am-4pm

Culture and the Arts – parallel sessions

Imperial Image: Dr Clare Rowan

Greek Theatre: Dr Emmanuela Bakola

Greek Art: Prof Zahra Newby

Invention of the Barbarian: (speaker tbc)

Tea/coffee break

Beliefs and Ideas – parallel sessions

Democracy and the Athenians: Prof James Davidson

Love and Relationships: Dr Joe Watson

Politics of the Late Republic: Dr Caroline Petit (tbc)

Greek Religion: Dr Paul Grigsby

Lunch

World of the Hero– Virgil – Prof Victoria Rimell

Tea/Coffee Break

World of the Hero – Homer: Dr Emily Clifford

Information can be found here – Classical Civilisation Teachers’ Day 2025 – and you can book your place here – ClassCiv Teachers’ Day Booking Form. Any questions, do get in touch with Dr Paul Grigsby (Paul.Grigsby@Warwick.ac.uk).

Hopefully we will see lots of you here again at Warwick in February.

GCSE Classical Civilisation Training Day at Warwick School
2025-02-27 10:00 - 12:30 | Warwick School
From David Stephenson …

Dear All,

I have arranged for OCR to deliver two training / feedback days at Warwick School:

Thursday 6th February – A Level Class. Civ., 10.00-16.00

Thursday 27th February – GCSE Class. Civ., 10.00-12.30

Refreshments will be served from 9.15 then at various points including a full hot and cold buffet lunch on both days – I’m not kidding when I say our kitchens are really rather good at catering for events like this! I am also hoping that Hellenic Bookservice will be with us for at least the full day on February 6th.

The format will be exactly the same as you would get if you went to one of OCR’s centrally organised training days. Quoting their CPD website: “uses past series’ assessment materials, including new candidate exemplars, to help equip you with the knowledge and understanding to optimise your delivery of all externally assessed components. The event will support you to develop an in-depth understanding of the assessment expectations, marking criteria and outcomes from past series. You’ll have opportunities to practice marking real candidate responses; receive guidance on how and why candidate responses secured a range of marks; interact with an expert trainer and explore ideas to enhance teaching and learning for future preparation and delivery.”

We ask for a contribution towards the overall cost (per school – send as many teachers as you like) of £120 for the full A Level day, £60 for the GCSE morning or £150 for both. Please use this Microsoft Forms link to sign up for either or both events. https://forms.office.com/e/10iwN27WJc?origin=lprLink

Please do tell me if you wished to be removed from my mailing lists.

Yours sincerely,

David Stephenson

PS I will take this (and any!) opportunity to plug the JACT Latin Summer School – full details and online application on www.latincamp.co.uk including bespoke courses for people new to teaching Latin. I attach our flier and I am always happy to post hard multiple hard copies direct to anyone who would like them, though they should make it round most schools anyway. I am also always very happy to talk to anyone about “Camp” so do let me know if you have any questions.

FHRP Classics Symposium 2025
2025-02-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Francis Holland School, Clarence Gate, London, NW1 6XR, United Kingdom
This event is open to students of Latin, ancient Greek and Classical Civilisation from Year 10 and above. The Symposium will begin at 4pm and will end at 6pm. There will be a break for refreshments between the two talks.

FHRP is delighted to welcome two fantastic speakers for our 2025 Symposium: Professor Melissa Lane, and Dr Daisy Dunn. Melissa Lane is Professor of Politics at Princeton University and specialises in ancient Greek and Roman political thought. Her talk is titled ‘Office and Accountability, from Ancient Greece to Grenfell Towers’, and explores the ethical challenges of holding office through the lens of Plato’s ‘Republic’. Dr Daisy Dunn is an award-winning author and Classicist who will be discussing her new book, ‘The Missing Thread: A New History of the Ancient World through the Women Who Shaped It’. There will be an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Daisy’s book after her talk.

FREE ADMISSION!

Click here to reserve your place

Oedipus The King - St Mary’s College
2025-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB, United Kingdom
Friday 24 February 2023

St. Mary’s College, Crosby is proud to present Oedipus the King. Following in the footsteps of the school’s previous sell out successes such as Medea, Antigone, Ajax and Trojan Women, St. Mary’s is proud to be back on stage with Sophocles’ great masterpiece.

Featuring live music and dance as well as superb acting this is a school production like no other. The play follows Oedipus as he battles to save his city from a plague. In order to do so he must rid it of pollution – little does he know that the pollution he seeks is him.

Niall Martindale plays the title role with Evie Clark playing his wife Jocasta leading a cast of 40 actors and musicians.

BOOK TODAY!

The Minotaur's Maze: Encountering Neurodivergence in Classics
2025-02-06 12:00 - 14:00
Speaker: Cora Beth Fraser (The Open University)

Thursday 6 February 2025, 12pm
St Luke’s Chapel
Free, but registration is required

Register via Eventbrite

The social model of disability describes people as being disabled by barriers in society, rather than by our own impairment or difference. Barriers can be physical, practical, structural, social or conceptual.

But barriers aren’t always negative. Some we choose to build ourselves, for very good reasons.

This talk will explore the imagery of barriers and walls, looking at how they are associated with neurodivergent – and particularly autistic – people, both in teaching and learning and in popular culture. How do we differentiate between barriers and boundaries? When does ‘inclusion’ become a trap? And how does environment shape our experience of neurodivergent anxiety, even online?

Cora Beth Fraser is an Associate Lecturer and Honorary Associate in Classics at The Open University, where she works with adult distance learners. Her teaching-related scholarship focuses on practical interventions to recognise and support neurodiversity in online learning. At The Open University she created and developed the Relaxed Tutorial Project, which has helped to roll out autism-friendly adjustments to thousands of students. Beyond the OU, in 2021 she founded a national organisation called Asterion, dedicated to celebrating and supporting neurodiversity in Classics. In 2024 she was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship. Cora Beth also researches neurodivergence in the reception of classical myth, and is currently working on a book on Autism and the Minotaur, exploring representations of isolation and monstrous difference in popular culture.

A Level Classical Civilisation Training Day at Warwick School
2025-02-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Warwick School

Everything you Need to Know About de Romanis Book 3
2025-02-05 16:30 - 17:15
Bloomsbury’s de Romanis Book 3 is on its way!

Publishing 20th March 2025, this new Book 3 builds on the progression of Books 1 and 2, and gives students everything they need to continue to Latin GCSE and prepare for A Level.

Join the author team on Wednesday 5th February at 4.30-5.15pm for a practical webinar with tips on how Book 3 could help your students.

Webinar booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/everything-you-need-to-know-about-de-romanis-book-3-tickets-1143928965329?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ancient History CPD Day at Harrow School
2025-01-28 | Harrow School, Grove Hill, Harrow-on-the-Hill, HA1 3HP, United Kingdom
Ancient History CPD Day at Harrow School

The Classical Association are working in collaboration with Harrow School to host an Ancient History CPD Day on Tuesday 28th January 2025. With sessions tailored to both the GCSE and A Level specifications, and an excellent keynote lecture from Prof. Paul Cartledge on Pericles and Athenian Culture, this FREE event will support new and experienced teachers alike. Classics for All are kindly offering travel bursaries to support state school teachers attending. You can find more information and register for the event here: https://forms.gle/tRQENML3kN1Ti5Yy6

Online Lecture by Professor Helen Lovatt on 'Grief and Narrative in Aeneid 2'
2024-11-27 17:30 - 18:30
Online
Wed 27th November 2024 5:30PM
BOOK NOW!
Professor Helen Lovatt (University of Nottingham) will be presenting part of her current research on The Power of Sadness in Virgil’s Aeneid which draws on trauma and grief studies to explore possible ‘post-traumatic growth’ in the Aeneid and their relationship to power structures.
Is negative emotion a ‘cost of power’ or a cause of power? How does grief experience and behaviour characterise the Aeneid and what effects do trauma have in the narrative? This talk will explore the nature of grief narratives as potentially therapeutic or retraumatising. How is the narrating context of Aeneid 2 portrayed, and how does that context shape the emotions expressed and created? How is grief experience portrayed in the narrative and to what extent is emotional experience a catalyst for action? Is the grief narrative of Aeneid 2 gendered and in what ways? How much is trauma a single transformative event, and how much an ongoing process of insecurity in the Aeneid?
The event will be held on Teams.
Please note: the link to the event will be shared via email to those registered.

Euripides' Orestes, Keble College, Oxford
2024-11-27 - 2024-11-30 | Keble College, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PG, United Kingdom
From the folks at OALS…

Dear all,

The Oxford Ancient Languages Society is delighted to invite you to an exceptional opportunity this Michaelmas term: a full production of Euripides’ Orestes. Directed by Nicholas Romanos and Andrew Raynes, the play will be performed from 27th to 30th of November at the O’Reilly Theatre, Keble College, Oxford, with evening performances and an additional matinée on the 30th.

In Argos, Orestes, with the help of sister Electra and their friend Pylades, has committed the worst crime imaginable: he has killed his own mother, in vengeance for her murder of his father, and is now tormented by the Furies. But what will happen next? Can Orestes and Electra escape death at the hands of the Argives, who see them more as criminals than as heroes? And can they rely on the help of their uncle Menelaus, who has just returned from Troy with his wife, the much-despised Helen?

As the play unfolds, we are forced ourselves to face some difficult questions: are Orestes and his friends in fact heroes or criminals? How far can the heroic ethic stretch before it becomes little more than self-parody? And above all, can we even attach a meaning to this vivid high drama?

The Orestes is one of the most exciting of Euripides’ plays, and the most popular in antiquity. It displays the height of his dramatic innovation, and—rarely for Greek tragedy—while its characters and framework are drawn from traditional mythology, the plot itself is entirely Euripides’ invention.

This production, a unique collaborative project led by the Oxford Ancient Languages Society, will stage a complete dramatic recreation of Euripides’ play, demonstrating the vivid dramatic fruits of meticulous, interdisciplinary scholarship.

It will be performed entirely in the original Ancient Greek (with English surtitles), with authentic costumes and masks. Crucially, it will restore Euripides’ drama to its full musical glory. All the sections of the play that were originally sung have been set to music, newly composed in the ancient Greek modes, using all available evidence about Euripidean music, and incorporating an ancient fragment of music from the play that may be by Euripides’ own hand. The chorus and our talented solo singers will be accompanied on the aulos (ancient double-pipes) by the renowned aulete Callum Armstrong, resulting in a transformative audience experience, closer than ever to the Athenian stage.

Save the date for this extraordinary experience! Tickets will go on sale from 14 October. For any inquiries, please write us at oxfordancientlanguages@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

OALS Committee

An Evening with The Latin Programme
2024-11-21 19:00 - 20:30
Date: Thursday 21st November
Time: 7-8:30pm
Venue: Camden Collective, 5-7 Buck St, NW1 8NJ

An Evening with The Latin Programme

Join us in November for drinks, nibbles, and an evening celebrating The Latin Programme. Featuring performances from special guests and friends of the programme, we will look back at our work over the last year and announce our plans for the year ahead.

To reserve a space, please complete the form below. Donations can be made via the Donorbox at the bottom of the page.

Suggested donation: £25

Concessions (Students, Members of Camden Collective, Camden residents): £5

Making de Romanis work for you: how to get the most from the course
2024-11-06 17:30 - 18:15
Wednesday, 6 November – 5:30-6:15pm
TO BOOK
Teaching with de Romanis or trialling the course with your students? Come along to our next teacher webinar on Wednesday 6th Novemberfor practical tips on how to get the most from the course’s flexible design.
Lead author Katharine Radice will discuss different approaches to using de Romanis, offering handy tips on how to help engage students and embed accessibility and interest. There may even be a sneak peek of the upcoming Book 3…
Join us to find out more, and ask the author team your questions. Please add your questions for the authors on the event registration form.
If you’re teaching de Romanis already – we would love you to come along and share your practical tips too!
Sign up to the de Romanis newsletters for more event info and free resources to get you started.
Registration is free and the event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams (don’t worry if you don’t have an account – you can join on your browser). The joining link will be shared in advance of the event.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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About de Romanis
de Romanis is an introduction to both the Latin language and the cultural world of the Romans. It also develops English literacy skills through derivation tasks and two-way translation exercises, which promote the understanding of English as well as Latin. Cultural topics, supported by background notes, and primary sources, included for study and analysis, enable students to engage with authentic Roman history and acquire a broad understanding on which to build in future study.
Find out more: bloomsbury.com/deromanis

Creature Fest! With The Iris Project
2024-10-11 15:30 - 17:30 | Cheney School, Cheney Lane, Oxford, OX3 7QH, United Kingdom
From the guys at the Iris Project…

Friday 11th October.

We are excited to announce our Creature Festival at Cheney School, a community festival for all ages celebrating and exploring creatures across time and cultures, from ancient Greek monsters to Chinese Dragons, and from Irish creatures to Japanese spirits, and more.

There will also be a natural history section exploring dinosaurs and other animals, including live snakes, tarantulas, scorpions and more to meet. Find our how how they have inspired creatures in mythology!

There will be a wide range of activity stalls, exhibitions, performances and workshops for all ages. There will also be creature-themed refreshments. All ages are warmly welcomed and the event is free.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Places can be booked for individuals and groups by emailing lro@cheneyschool.org

The festival will open at 3pm for Cheney School students, and from 3.45pm for the wider public and continue until 5.30pm.

At the end of the event, there will be a talk by movie actor and producer Ben Lloyd-Holmes from 5.30 – 6pm: “Behind the Mask: Movies, Monsters and Magic”.

'The snake, the magician, and the secret box: stories from ancient Egypt'
2024-10-10 17:30 - 19:00 | University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Discover the art of story-telling in ancient Egypt with Dr Leire Olabarria!

Thursday, October 10 · 5:30 – 7pm GMT+1

Arts Building Lecture Room 5University of Birmingham Edgbaston Campus Birmingham B15 2TS

For its 2024 autumn lecture the Birmingham and Midlands Classical Association invites you to explore the world of the stories of ancient Egypt with Dr Leire Olabarria from the University of Birmingham.

In this lecture you will be introduced to some popular stories from ancient Egypt. We will explore some of the most common tropes and narrative devices known from the sources, reflecting on what they may reveal about the power of the written and spoken word.

The lecture is suitable for a general audience, aged 14+.

FURTHER INFO AND TO BOOK

For any questions, contact the BMCA branch at midlands.classicalassociation@contacts.bham.ac.uk

The Latin Programme Summer School
2024-07-29 - 2024-08-02 | Argyle Primary School, Tonbridge Street, London, WC1H 9EG, United Kingdom
From the folks at The Latin Programme…

https://www.thelatinprogramme.co.uk/poetryprize2024

Salvete omnes!

The Latin Programme Summer School is back! Thanks to the generous support of the Classical Association, our Summer School will return this July for the fifth year.

The theme for this year’s Summer School will be terra firma (‘solid ground’). Participants will explore the natural world through craft and gardening sessions, engage with ancient myth through storytelling, and discover Roman London.

Dates: 29th July – 2nd August 2024
Time: 9am-3pm
Venue: Argyle Primary School, Tonbridge Street, London, WC1H 9EG
Open to Key Stages 2 and 3

THE FORMAT

After our pilot of the hybrid event last year, this year we are returning to full days in-person. However, we remain committed to providing an online offering for those who cannot join us in London. Virtual participants will be able to access recordings of some Summer School sessions as well as special live events, digital worksheets and resources.

THE COST
This year, to guarantee good levels of attendance and ensure a positive experience for all involved, we are asking for a £10 donation to secure a place on the Summer School (for in-person attendees only). All participants will then receive a goody bag of the same value at the end of the week. We remain committed to making the Summer School as accessible as possible: if this cost will prevent you registering for the Summer School, please email hannah@thelatinprogramme.co.uk.

Numbers for in-person spaces are limited, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment.

We look forward to seeing you in July!

The Latin Programme team
