Unearthing Forgotten Histories: A Lecture series Illuminates the Lives of Antiquity’s ‘Silenced’ Figures
A new series of weekly lectures aims to bring to light the stories of often-overlooked individuals who shaped the ancient world, from January to May.
A compelling new lecture series is underway, dedicated to exploring the lives of diverse personalities from antiquity – individuals frequently absent from mainstream historical narratives. The initiative seeks to provide visibility to both men and women, spanning civilizations from East to West, whose contributions deserve greater recognition. Held every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, the series promises a deep dive into the complexities of the ancient world through the lens of its lesser-known figures.
A Season of Exploration: January – May
The series kicks off on January 15th with a presentation on “Alexandria in Mauritania: The impossible dream of Cleopatra Selene,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Antonio Alvar Ezquerra of the University of alcalá. This lecture will examine the life of Cleopatra selene, daughter of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony, and her attempt to establish a new Alexandrian dynasty in north Africa.
Subsequent weeks will feature a diverse range of topics and speakers.On January 22nd, Prof. Dr. Enrique garcía Riaza of the University of the Balearic Islands will discuss “Cornelia: a woman in the heart of the Roman Republic,” shedding light on the influential mother of the Gracchi brothers. january 29th will see Prof. Dr. Fernando Fernández Córdoba of the University of Murcia explore “The last years of the frist king: Cambyses II of Persia”. February 5th will feature Prof. Dr. María José García Moreno of the University of Granada presenting “The enigmatic life of Julia Domna, empress of Rome,” while Prof. Dr. Pedro Paulo Funari of the State University of campinas will discuss “The ‘barbarians’ of the amazon: a look at the pre-colonial societies of the region” on February 12th.
The series continues into March with the University of Malaga discussing “Hypatia,symbol of late ancient science” on March 5th,while Prof. Dr. Rosa Sanz Serrano of the Complutense University of Madrid will explore “Elia Gala Placidia: born in purple” on March 12th. The month continues with Prof. Dr. Javier Anderu Pintado of the University of Navarra examining “vespasian and the return of the Roman empire” on march 19th, and Prof. Dr. José ramón Pérez – Accino of the Complutense University of Madrid presenting “A queen with a full beard: Hatshepsut on the throne of Egypt” on March 26th.
April’s lectures include “The Balbo de Gades: architects of a golden age between Rome and southern Hispania,” presented by prof. Dr. Darío Bernal Casasola of the University of Cadiz on April 9th, and “Viriato. A Lusitanian leader,” delivered by Prof. Dr. María Dolores Dopico Cainzos of the University of Santiago de Compostela on April 16th. Prof. Dr. Isabel Rodríguez López of the Complutense University of Madrid will discuss “Phidias: the grate artist of Athens” on april 23rd, followed by Dr. Raúl González Salinero of UNED presenting “Berenice, a Jewish princess between East and West” on April 30th.
The series culminates in May with explorations of Iberian history and Roman governance. Prof. Dr. José Miguel Noguera Celdrán of the University of Murcia will discuss “The Bárquidas in Iberia and the founding of Qart Hadašt (Cartagena)” on May 7th, and Prof. Dr. José Carlos Saquete Chamizo of the University of Seville will conclude the series on May 14th with “L. Fulcinius Trio, a governor of Lusitania and his hazardous friendships.”
This lecture series represents a vital effort to broaden our understanding of the ancient world, moving beyond the familiar narratives to embrace the richness and complexity of lives often left untold.
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