Speaking
Is your community group or lifelong learners' association looking for a guest speaker on the ancient world? I have vast experience in this area with the Osher Lifelong Learners Institute (OLLI), the Scottsdale (AZ) salon group Spirit of the Senses, and a number of retirement communities or retirees' associations.
Below are highlighted some of my most popular talks, and a full list follows. I am also happy to create a custom topic for your group and its interests. Talks can be a single session or can be expanded into mini-classes if desired. They can be delivered virtually via a platform like Zoom or in-person if you are located in or near the Phoenix area.
Please see the Services and Booking page to contact me for scheduling and fees. I aim to keep fees reasonable and they are open to negotiation.
Women in the Ancient World
They are half of humankind in the ancient world, but were they considered fully "human"? What social roles did women play in the ancient world? What political and economic rights did they have?
Cleopatra: Last Pharoah of Egypt
Best known today as a sex symbol who seduced both Julius Caesar and his lieutenant Marc Antony, this talk tells you about the real Cleopatra: a queen in her own right, struggling to preserve her beloved kingdom of Egypt.
Whodunnit? Cold Cases from Classical Antiquity
Solve two famous murder cases from classical antiquity: the assassination of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, and the poisoning of Germanicus, heir to the Roman Empire.
The Birth of Athenian Democracy
Democracy began in ancient Athens around 500 BCE. Learn how it started, what the original purpose of democracy was, and how the Athenians influenced the U.S. Founding Fathers.
From Constantinople to Istanbul
Since the sixth century BCE, there has been a city on the straits of the Hellespont. First it was Greek Byzantium, then Roman Constantinople, then Ottoman Istanbul. Explore the history and culture of this city of many names.
"Trample the Weak": Attila the Hun and the Fall of the Roman Empire
The name of Attila the Hun is fearful even today, 1500+ years after his career ended. Who was the real Attila, and why was he so scary? And was it Attila who doomed the Roman Empire to fall?
And More Topics!
If none of the above suit your needs, they are only my most requested talks. Click the button for a full list of talks I have delivered.
I am also open to other topics related to the ancient world: use the Book Online form to start a discussion!