Greek & Roman Sex – Professor Marguerite Johnson
This illustrated talk provides detailed information on the fascinating and multi-faceted theme of ancient sexuality. Based on archaeological evidence and original translated passages from Greek and Latin sources, ranging from the era of Homer and Hesiod through to the Graeco-Roman world of the Fourth Century CE, we explore the diversity of approaches to sexuality and sexual expression, as well as how these issues relate to the rest of ancient society and culture.
Based on her book Sexuality in Greek and Roman Society and Literature, which is an invaluable resource to students and academics alike, with chapters on all major facets of sexuality in ancient Greece and Rome, the talk will particularly appeal to those interested in sexuality and gender in antiquity, as well as ancient literature.
Bio:
Marguerite Johnson is Professor of Classics and Ancient History at The University of Newcastle, Australia. Her research expertise is predominantly in ancient Mediterranean cultural studies, particularly in representations of gender, sexualities, and the body. She also researches Classical Reception Studies, and ancient magic. Marguerite has published on magic, particularly the portrayal of witches, in Greek and Latin literature and was dramaturg on professional productions of Theocritus’ Idyll 2 (‘The Sorceress’) in 2019 and Euripides’ Medea in 2021. She also researches and publishes on the Australian witch, Rosaleen Norton, with whom she has held a fascination since childhood. Marguerite delivers one of the few undergraduate courses on ancient occultism (AHIS2370: Magic and Witchcraft in Greece and Rome) and supervises several PhD students working on aspects of historical and literary magic.
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