This month (December 2023) researchers from our Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology will take part in a mythical series of events at The World Museum in Liverpool.
On Saturday 9 December at 2pm, doctoral researcher Jordan Poole will reveal how magic existed in ancient times. He will talk about how small but powerful magical gemstones were used from the second century AD to offer protection and healing. The gods the gemstones represent are not commonly known Greek gods and will be new to many, but offer a fascinating insight into the ancient world.
A gem on display at the Return of the Gods exhibition
On Saturday 16 December Dr Georgia Petridou, Reader in Ancient Greek History, will explore the myths and rituals relating to the abduction of Persephone by the god of the Underworld, Hades, one of the ancient world’s most popular tales. Through her enthralling talk you can discover how the search for Persephone, led by her mother the goddess Demeter, inspired one of the most important cults of the ancient Greek world, the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Georgia Petridou in Eleusis
These talks from the University of Liverpool are part of an exciting programme of events which National Museums Liverpool are hosting alongside the ‘Return of the Gods’ family-friendly exhibition which dives in to how Greek and Roman Emperors ruled, how people lived, how the gods presided – and why the ancient goddesses cast just as powerful a gaze as their male counterparts.
As part of the series, National Museums Liverpool will be hosting an evening in conversation with acclaimed author and broadcaster Professor Mary Beard on Friday 15 December to discuss her new book ‘Emperor of Rome’ and her career as the world’s most famous classicist.
Dr Georgia Petridou said: “At the University of Liverpool, we’re really excited to be working with National Museums Liverpool to be part of this fantastic series of events which brings Ancient Greek and Rome to life.”
Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool said: “We are thrilled to be hosting a packed season of events in collaboration with acclaimed authors, academics and well-known figures in the world of Classics, to delve even further into the world of ancient life and mythology.
“Our Return of the Gods exhibition at World Museum has been immensely popular since we opened, and proves that the enduring fascination with the myths and legends of ancient times shows no signs of stopping. Stories of heroism, rivalry, jealousy and adventure continue to capture the imagination of all ages and we are so pleased to be playing a part in bringing that to life for visitors through our incredible collections.”
Book your tickets to ‘How amulets protected the ancient world’ by Jordan Poole on Saturday 9 December here.
Book your tickets to ‘The Cult of Demeter and Persephone’ by Dr Georgia Petridou on Saturday 16 December here.
The ‘Return of the Gods’ exhibition is on display until 25 February 2024 at the World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN. Find out more here.