A-level Latin and Classics pupils attended a live questions and answers session with prominent Oxford professor, Dr Ed Bispham on Tacitus’ Histories. The event was part of the school’s Minerva Lecture Speaker Series.
Dr Bispham studied Classics at Oxford and has continued to be interested in the ancient world and its points of contact with (and departure from) our own world. He is also interested in Italy under the Romans; and has appeared on TV with people as diverse as Larry Lamb, Mary Beard and Boris Johnson.
Ed gave many insightful answers to the pupils’ questions and clarified different events by providing more context to the political scene at the time. Much of the discussion was about Tacitus, and how his experience under Emperor Domitian’s rule may have contributed to his disdainful and critical tone when talking about the emperors and plebs. The group further discussed whether Tacitus can be considered a ‘true historian’.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the talk as it enabled us to further our knowledge of Tacitus’ Histories and gave rise to many interesting conversations.”Tolu Akinsiwaju, Year 13 pupil and Senior Prefect Head Girl Team