Exploring the multicultural world of Roman ethnic identities

One of the world’s most eminent and prestigious ancient historians, Professor Erich Gruen, gave a public lecture about the multi-cultural world of Roman ethnic identities at ANU on Friday 23 September.

Professor Gruen, of the University of California, Berkeley, discussed the apparent paradox in the Roman sense of their ethnic identity and examined whether the Romans were proud of their multicultural origins.

Dr Paul Burton from the ANU School of Cultural Inquiry said that the event was an exciting opportunity for ANU students and the community to engage with scholars of international standing.

“The lecture allowed us all to consider the ethnic slurs aimed at a number of cultures around the Mediterranean and beyond.”

Professor Gruen was the guest of honour and keynote speaker for a conference on Culture, Identity and Politics in the Ancient Mediterranean World, hosted by the ANU School of Cultural Inquiry. The lecture was supported by the ANU Endowment for Excellence. The Endowment protects and sustains the ANU Classics Endowment which supports prizes and scholarships at undergraduate, Honours and postgraduate levels for students studying Classics and Ancient History.