UNIVERSITY of Warwick classics professor and BBC TV presenter Michael Scott is leading an Ancient Worlds Study Day – and Coventry and Warwickshire people are invited to attend for free.
Nine top authors and academics including Natalie Haynes, Emily Hauser, Caroline Lawrence and Alexandra Sheppard, will be descending on Warwick University on Thursday, November 21 to give talks and lead workshops on the ancient world, myths and story-telling.
Co-organiser and host of the day, Professor Michael Scott, the presenter of BBC Two’s Ancient Invisible Cities, said: “The ancient Greek and Roman worlds were an important moment in our big human story. More crucially, they have had and continue to have a deep impact on the way we think, learn and how we live our lives.
“I want to share my passion for the ancient world, because, fundamentally these worlds are fascinating, bizarre, wondrous, quirky and fun!”
In the programme for one event it states: “What do Paddington and (Greek Trojan hero) Aeneas have in common? More than you might imagine.”
You’ll be able to find out in Myths, Movies and Storytelling, a fun illustrated talk by million-selling author Caroline Lawrence. She will be talking about how today’s movie makers draw upon Greek and Roman cultures when composing their epics.
Other talks range from author and comedian Natalie Hayes discussing Troy to professor Alison Cooley on Pompeii, and best-selling writer Emily Hauser on remaking Greek myths for a modern audience.
Hundreds of school pupils and residents from across Coventry, Warwickshire, and beyond are set to attend the event, organised by the university and Warwick Classics Network (WCN).
It has been made possible by the support of the A.G. Leventis Foundation, a 40-year-old charitable foundation celebrating Greek and Cypriot cultural heritage.
Professor Scott, who works in the university’s department of classics and ancient history, set up the Warwick Classics Network to introduce classical subjects into local state schools.
He explained: “I set up the WCN in 2017 with financial support from Warwick WP Development Fund and Warwick Impact Fund.
“The idea was to give us a base from which to permanently support teachers in the delivery of classical subjects in schools, and in particular to support teachers in Warwickshire and Coventry.”
Fancy attending? Email [email protected] to reserve your place and explore the full programme of events, see here: warwick