School of History, Classics and Archaeology at the Edinburgh Festivals
Staff in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology are speaking at a number of events throughout the Edinburgh Festivals this August. (Published 1 August 2014)
‘Rethinking the Past’: Festival lecture series
The School is running its own set of four free public lectures during the Edinburgh Festivals, taking place from 11-14 August.
Marking the First World War Centenary year, these lunchtime events will consider themes of conflict, culture and violence as they explore the impact of war across the world and throughout history, whilst also considering its influence in the present day.
Dr Mirk Canevaro will discuss ‘Civil Strife and Defeat’ in late fifth-century Athens (11 August). Professor Ewen Cameron discusses ‘the Great War and Modern Scotland’ (12 August). Archaeologist Dr Linda Fibinger uses forensic evidence to ask whether pre-historic Europe was more or less violent than the modern world (13 August). In the final lecture (14 August) Dr David Kaufman revisits debates about who was to ‘blame’ for the First World War.
These events are free but booking is advisable.
Find out more about the Festival lecture series
Edinburgh International Festival
Professor Donald Bloxham will chair an event on 14 August, which analyses the combination of military, diplomatic, economic and political factors that led Germany to appeal for a ceasefire in 1918 and the Allies to grant one.
Tickets for this event can be booked online.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Professor Sir Tom Devine will deliver two talks at the Edinburgh International Book Festival as part of the Scotland’s Future Series.
‘The Darien Disaster: New Perspectives’ will explore the failure to establish a Scottish colony on the Isthmus of Panama a few years before the Union (15 August).
‘Dialogue 13’ will ask whether the end of the British Empire is linked to Scottish nationalism (23 August).
Sir Tom will also host an event with First Minister Alex Salmond on 11 August, where they will discuss Scotland's journey towards the independence referendum.
All three events have now sold out.
Edinburgh Festivals
The Edinburgh Festivals are on throughout August with an endless array of events, performances and spectacles.