Events
The Theatre of Diplomacy in Ancient Rome
For this year's autumn lecture we dive into ancient Rome’s diplomatic drama - where politics met the stage in real-life power plays!
Step back in time and explore the fascinating world where diplomacy met drama! In this lecture, Dr Cornwell will reconstruct the vivid performances of representation and negotiation that constituted a vital aspect of diplomacy in the Roman world. Exploring the various stages, rôles, costumes, scripts, and emotions deployed by diplomatic actors performing before audiences in Ancient Rome she will demonstrate that the spectacle of diplomacy was just as important as any formal diplomatic content.
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The Mock Trial of Odysseus
Classics for All’s Lawyers’ Group Mock Trial is returning on Thursday 22 October from 6pm at the UK Supreme Court.
The format is simple: a controversial figure from antiquity is selected and taken to court for their actions. The verdict will be presided over by Lord Briggs, but our audience members in person and online will make up a jury.
Who’s on trial this year? Well, he’s wily, he’s cunning and he’s on everyone’s minds: it’s Odysseus, King of Ithaca. The charge brought against him is, ‘for failure by the master of a vessel to preserve the safety of his ship and those serving under his command,’ and, ‘the reckless navigation by the master of a vessel, thereby endangering the lives of those serving aboard, contrary to the Ithacan Merchant Shipping Act 1195 BC.’
Alison Morgan KC and Mohan Rao will be counsel for the prosecution to discern if Odysseus was guilty of a negligent failure to return his fleet and his 600 men home. Charles Gibson KC and Mark Baldock will lead the defence, indicating that Odysseus and his journey were indeed more complicated and many-faceted than may be initially believed.
Our previous trials can be found on our YouTube channel here to view a sample of how entertaining and popular they are.
The event is an exclusive event for our Lawyers’ Group, but to purchase livestream tickets, click: here.