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Join Alexandra Sills for a talk exploring 'Women of the Roman Arena' at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on Friday 21 March, 6:00pm – 7:00pm.
The gladiators of the Colosseum were the epitome of Roman masculine ideals, displaying the prized virtues of strength, courage, discipline and martial skill. But what of the women of the arena? Were they welcome in this most macho of Roman institutions? This Women's History Month, join us as we delve into the shadowy world of the amphitheatre to shed some light on its most overlooked inhabitants.
The amphitheatre is one of the most mythologised aspects of Roman culture, so join arena expert Alexandra Sills as she sorts fact from fiction, and take a deep dive into the literature and archaeology of female gladiators and fans. Were housewives lusting over gladiatorial heartthrobs? Was gladiator sweat sold as an aphrodisiac? Did women fight each other, and how would the Romans have reacted if they did? The talk will investigate the diverse roles of women in the Roman amphitheatre, how they fit within ancient attitudes towards gender, and how these attitudes affected the women who found themselves standing on the arena sand.
This event is part of the public programme supporting the British Museum Partnership Exhibition with Colchester + Ipswich Museums: Gladiators of Britain (open 25 January – 11 May 2025).
About the speaker
Alexandra Sills is a UK-based ancient historian with a passion for bringing the past to life. She holds a BA in Classical Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London, and an MA in The Classical Mediterranean from the University of Leicester, where her dissertation earned the prestigious Mark Pluciennik Prize. With over 20 years of experience as a tour guide, Alexandra has led walks through some of London's most historic sites, crafting immersive storytelling experiences that bridge the gap between past and present. Her current research explores the world of gladiators, both in antiquity and their portrayal in modern film and television.
| Season (21 Mar 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Friday | 18:00 | - 19:00 |
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