AIA lecture: Street Theater, A Pompeian Neighborhood in Five Acts with Dr. Jeremy Hartnett (Wabash College)

When we think of Roman cities, it is tempting to conjure images of temples, baths, and amphitheaters. This talk storms into the narrow streets of Pompeii to make the case that, for most Romans, the real action happened on the neighborhood level. As told through five different stories, we will see how ancient historians repopulate “empty” ancient spaces with a raucous cast of upper-class politicians, slaves, hucksters, donkeys, and so many more – all trying to scratch out a living, make their mark, and upstage competitors in the street.

Lecturer bio: Dr. Jeremy Hartnett is a Professor of Classics at Wabash College whose archaeological research on Roman urban life and society history has culminated in a recent book The Roman Street: Urban Life and Society in Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Rome (Cambridge University Press 2017) as well as dozens of lectures and publications. In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Hartnett is deeply involved with the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies at Rome.