The next Department of Classics Research Seminar will have Prof. Roger Batty of Keio University Japan speaking on 'Rome and the Nomads'.
His paper will be based on his recent book, published through Oxford University Press, entitled Rome and the Nomads: The Pontic-Danubian Realm in Antiquity and available in the Library.
To quote the publisher's summary, it "examines the historical importance of migration and the pastoral economy in Eastern Europe during ancient and early medieval times, with an emphasis on the early period of Roman rule. Across a wide geographical area, from the Ukraine to the shores of the Aegean, the interaction of imperial rulers and migrating steppe nomads both with each other and with the indigenous farmers and herdsmen, forms a central strand of European history. Batty uses both textual and archaeological evidence to establish a clear picture of life in the region. In explaining the historical development of the area in antiquity, whether in the Roman period or afterwards, he investigates the economic choices available to, and the ideas espoused by, both larger and smaller social groups. Historically important but unrecognized structures and trends are all given prominence over the more temporary initiatives of centralizing powers."
The talk will be held in Clock Tower 029 on Tuesday 17 March 2009 at 4pm, and will be followed by refreshments in the Dept. of Classics.
Enquiries to Dr. Jeremy Armstrong, Department of Classics