The ancient worlds of Greece and Rome are to be brought back to life on Thursday 21st November at the University of Warwick – and you can come along - for free! - to learn more about these fascinating civilisations.

Made possible by the generous support of the A.G. Leventis Foundation and organised by the university and Warwick Classics Network, the Ancient Worlds Study Day will see hundreds of pupils and residents from across Coventry, Warwickshire, and beyond learning from leading writers and ancient historians as they discuss some of history’s most captivating characters and events.

• Want to attend? Please email paul.grigsby@warwick.ac.uk to reserve your place, and find out more about the event click here.

From author and comedian Natalie Hayes discussing Tory to Professor Alison Cooley on Pompeii, and from best-selling writer Emily Hauser on remaking Greek myths for a modern audience to Caroline Lawrence demonstrating how today’s movie makers draw upon Greek and Roman cultures - Ancient Worlds Study Day will provide those attending an engaging and contemporary understanding of why it is both entertaining and endlessly rewarding to study the ancient world.

• The full programme of 9 speakers and their events can be found below.

Discussing the importance of learning about the ancient world Professor Michael Scott, co-organiser and host of the day and presenter of the BBC Two’s Ancient Invisible Cities, says:

“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!”

Professor Scott, also of the University of Warwick’s Department of Classics and Ancient History, set-up the Warwick Classics Network to introduce classical subjects into local state schools:

“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.”

• Full Ancient Worlds Study Day Programme:

Myths and Story Telling

9.45-10am Arrival

10am – Welcome from Prof Michael Scott

10.05-10.35 Caroline Lawrence Myths, Movies and Storytelling

What do Paddington and Aeneas have in common? More than you might imagine! In a fun illustrated talk, million-selling author

Caroline Lawrence shares how poets, storytellers and moviemakers use the same fun steps when composing their epics.

10.35-11.05 Alexandra Sheppard ‘21st Century Gods’

Together we will explore the role of mythology in ancient Greece, then as a group, we will imagine a new set of gods relevant to our modern world.

11.05-11.15 Break – Biscuits/Juice/Tea/Coffee

11.15-11.45 Emily Hauser ‘Rewriting Ancient Greek Myths in Fiction’

How do we go about remaking ancient Greek myths for a modern audience? And how can storytelling open up new perspectives on the ancient Greek myths we thought we knew so well?

11.45-12.30 Lunch*

*Drinks and snacks will be available for anyone attending the whole day

Afternoon Session: Arrival of Older Students (Key Stage 4-5 – 14-18 year olds) – 40 minute talks

The Stories We Tell about Ancient Worlds

12.30-1.10 Natalie Haynes – Troy Story

1.15-1.55pm Prof Eric Csapo ‘Stories about Achilles' birth and death’

1.55-2.15 Break – Biscuits/Juice/Tea/Coffee

2.15-2.55 Prof Alison Cooley ‘The Stones of Pompeii tell tales’

3.00-3.40 Prof Victoria Rimell and Dr David Fearn: ‘Four Classical Poems: The Wow of Narrative’

3.40-3.50 Break - Biscuits/Juice/Tea/Coffee

3.50-4.30 Prof Michael Scott ‘Heracles – he does get around’

Copies of our authors' books will be available to purchase during the day

ENDS.