Photo courtesy of M. Dharmasiri
CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND NEWSLETTER
Editorial Season's greetings to all CAI Members! This newsletter comes to you after a very busy six months for the Association and its membership. We enjoyed meeting on many occasions, for our annual Summer School conference (pictured above, our keynote speaker Dr Jane Masséglia), at social occasions, lectures, and readings (to name but two highlights, the Orchard Yard play reading in Newport, reported on pp. 12-13, and the regular Latin Reading Group at UCD and online, pictured at left). Thank you to everyone who participated, whether in person or remotely – we look forward to a brand-new programme of events in 2024 and to seeing you all again. Until then, best wishes for a very happy festive season!
Photo courtesy of A. Thein
Selga Medenieks
DECEMBER 2023
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CAI 2023 SUMMER SCHOOL
CAREERS WITH CLASSICS
BRANCH NEWS
DECEMBER 2023
Classical Association of Ireland
SUMMER SCHOOL 2023 By COSETTA CADAU The 2023 CAI Summer School was hosted by Maynooth University on 18-19 August. The event took place in the Renehan Hall, in the magnificent St Patrick’s College on the South Campus, and was very well attended. The Summer School opened its doors on Friday evening, when, after a warm welcome from Dr Maeve O’Brien, the group enjoyed a visit to the exquisite College chapel, followed by a reception before the official opening of the event.
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The keynote speaker, Dr Jane Masséglia (University of Leicester), presented the first of two papers, entitled ‘Hoodies with Knives: a field guide to the Romans of Inner Anatolia’, a thoroughly engaging introduction to the family structures, daily life, exotic clothing, and trade tools of the inhabitants of a remote part of the Roman Empire, rural inland Turkey. On Saturday morning, after the CAI Annual General Meeting, the audience of eager Classicists enjoyed a second presentation from Dr Masséglia. She brought us to Roman Britain this time, and spoke about a new mosaic discovered in a Roman villa at Rutland Water, between Ketton and Luffenham (East Midlands), close to the River Chater. The villa dates to the late fourth century AD and hosts a mosaic which depicts a particular episode mentioned in the Trojan War, the weighing of Hector’s body for its ransom.
CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Above: Keynote speaker Dr Jane Masséglia. (Photo courtesy of M. Dharmasiri) Left: Touring the beautiful Maynooth College Chapel. (Photo courtesy of J. O'Donoghue)
This beautiful mosaic came to light in 2020, during the dark times of Covid lockdown. Through a fascinating discussion, Dr Masséglia convincingly argued that this finding constitutes evidence of a fourth century Romano-British villa owner who fostered an interest in Aeschylus, and who had access to an illustrated manuscript of Aeschylus’ lost Achilleis trilogy. It is an exciting discovery that transforms our understanding of literary culture in Roman Britain in the Late Antique period. Prof. Andrew Smith (UCD) delivered the Brian O’Connell Memorial Lecture, entitled ‘Visions, Miracles, and the Pursuit of Happiness’, paying a moving homage to the late President of the CAI’s Dublin Branch and his passionate commitment to the Classics. In his talk, Prof. Smith explored different responses to the question of whether rituals and worship represent a valid means of interaction with the gods in the Neoplatonic philosophy of the third and fourth century AD, focusing on fascinating protagonists of those times, such as Emperor Julian and philosophers Iamblichus of Syria, Eunapius of Sardis, and Plotinus. Sceptical approaches to
CLICK THE LINK BELOW to take a virtual tour of Maynooth College chapel: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vzTT0xIs0iA processes such as levitation were discussed, highlighting how the iconography of, for example, snakes was also perceived to have a connection with magic. Next, Dr Kerry Phelan (MU) presented a paper entitled ‘Clashes in the Courtroom – why the Athenians didn’t apologise for their hecklers’. This exciting talk brought us straight into the fifth century BC Athenian lawcourt, its protagonists, the dikasts, and the speechwriters, its lively endeavours and complex mechanisms designed to minimise jury corruption, such as the kleroterion for the random selection of jurymen. The paper highlighted the relevance of the ancient courtroom by creating a powerful connection with popular court cases that dominate the media today. Dr Jon Davies (Newcastle University) presented the final paper, entitled ‘Banditry, Tyranny and “Terrorism”: Josephus on Anticolonial Resistance’. Josephus, a Jewish intellectual born during the reign of Caligula, was captured by the Romans in Judaea in 67 AD during the First Jewish Revolt, and collaborated with them, helping the future www.classicalassociation.ie
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DECEMBER 2023
Above: Prof. Andrew Smith gives the inaugural Brian O'Connell Memorial Lecture. Below: Dr Kerry Phelan and Dr Jon Davies lecture. (Photos courtesy of M. Dharmasiri)
Emperor Titus. In his account of the Jewish war, Josephus presents original views on the types of rebels active at the time in Judaea: the zealots’ biblically-resonant name implies a willingness to use violence to impose Torah; the sicarii are presented as urban bandits whose tactics have often been seen as comparable to modern terrorist groups; finally, the Idumaeans, a turbulent and disorderly people, are presented as savage barbarians. The rebels themselves are called ‘bandits’ or ‘revolutionaries’; their leaders are characterised as ‘tyrants’, inciting the populace for their own ends.
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After closing remarks, the conference group proceeded to the Roost in Maynooth for a drink, followed by the conference dinner, hosted in Pugin Hall. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the wonderful speakers, to Dr Maeve O’Brien who organised the event, and to Maynooth University for hosting the Summer School this year. We look forward to another stimulating conference next August – everyone is welcome! Look out for information on the CAI website!
CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Above: Tea break. Below, left: Our host, Dr Maeve O'Brien. (Photos courtesy of M. Dharmasiri)
Below right: Geraldine FitzGerald and Ann Mohr in the Chapel. (Photo courtesy of J. O'Donoghue)
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DECEMBER 2023
Classical Association of Ireland
LATIN SUMMER SCHOOL 2023 The 2023 CAI Latin Summer welcomed 24 eager Latinists. The group enjoyed two weeks of learning, packed with all things Roman, including spoken Latin, etymology games, and terrific insights into the history and civilisation of Rome. The majority of our students were between the ages of 14 and 16 and were energised and inspired to pursue Latin for their Leaving Certificate or in their third level study plans: a very rewarding outcome for
all involved. All students who attended the Summer School were issued a certificate of attendance signed by the CAI Chair, the secretary, and the course coordinator. The certificates were generously funded by the Department of Ancient Classics at Maynooth University; many thanks to Dr Desmond for supporting this initiative. On behalf of the Association, I express our gratitude to Dr Charlie Kerrigan for teaching the 2023 cohort with unlimited enthusiasm
and energy, and for leading the group on a brilliant visit to the Book of Kells and the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin. Our thanks also go to Geraldine FitzGerald, who kindly agreed to bring the students on a wonderful journey through Roman inscriptions in Ireland and Britain. Gratias vobis agimus, Carole et Geraldina! The CAI would also like to thank Trinity College Dublin for hosting the event. Cosetta Cadau
Photo courtesy of C. Cadau
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CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
A colloquium in honour of Prof. David Scourfield Modes of Classical Reception in the 19th and 20th Centuries On 8-9 September the Department of Ancient Classics in Maynooth University hosted a colloquium on “Modes of Classical Reception in the 19th and 20th centuries” to honour the career and retirement of David Scourfield, now Professor Emeritus. Prof. Scourfield earned his PhD from Oxford University (Jesus College) and lectured in the University of Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa) before making the move to Maynooth where he served as Professor of Classics from 1998 until September 2020. Over the course of a busy career, Prof. Scourfield was a popular teacher, well-known for his engaging lectures on Greek tragedy, the ancient novel, the history of classical scholarship, as well as many individual authors and texts in Greek and Latin. He published widely on both Greek and Latin literatures, including a monograph on Consoling Heliodorus (Oxford 1993) and edited volumes on Texts and Culture in Late Antiquity (Classical Press of Wales, 2007) and Texts and Violence in the Roman World (Cambridge). His service to the field has been exceptional, not least as editor of the Classical Review, chair of the Classical Association in the UK, and long-serving RIA delegate to the Thesaurus Linguae Latinae. Prof. Scourfield’s latest research focusses on Classical receptions of the Victorian and Edwardian periods, notably E. M. Forster, and it was with a sample of this work that he began the colloquium with an address on ‘Edward Fairfax Taylor’s Epic Task: A Victorian Aeneid.’ On Saturday there followed eight papers from colleagues from Maynooth and beyond, covering different modes of classical reception, art-historical, literary, philosophical, from the early 19th until the late 20th centuries, in Italy, Germany, Ireland, and Britain: Christine Morris (Trinity College Dublin) ‘Thoroughly Modern Minoans: re-imagining the Cretan Bronze Age in poetry and art’ Shelley Hales (Bristol) - ‘Once and Future Dead: remembering and forgetting London’s Grand National Cemetery’ Will Desmond (Maynooth) - ‘The absolute moment: Walter Pater’s aesthetic Platonism’ Quentin Broughall (Independent scholar) - ‘A Shropshire fad? British public-school classical reception in The Salopian, 1860-1914’ Donncha O’Rourke (Edinburgh) - ‘Heaney’s Dido’ Charlie Kerrigan (Trinity College Dublin) - ‘Virgil and Natalia Ginzburg’ Shushma Malik (Cambridge) - ‘The Classicism of Mary Danvers Stocks and her Socialist Nero’ Douglas Cairns (Edinburgh) - ‘Beyond Böll: the Resonance of Antigone in Deutschland im Herbst’
David Scourfield addressing the colloquium and afterwards with family and colleagues. (Photos courtesy of Cosetta Cadau)
Will Desmond www.classicalassociation.ie
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DECEMBER 2023
Careers with Classics! The annual Careers with Classics event, organised by the Ancient Classics Department with the support of the Careers and Employability Service, took place on 21 September on the Maynooth University campus. The series launched in 2021 and has grown over the past three years, and we were delighted to welcome contingents of secondary school pupils from Blackrock College and Gorey Community School, and an audience of current third level students from many Irish institutions to the Maynooth University campus. It was fantastic to see such a great response to the initiative and we plan to continue organising events that are focused not only on supporting students of Classics at all levels, but also designed to showcase how Classics fits in to the ever-changing professional landscape of Ireland and Europe. The event provided a much-needed opportunity to discuss the future of Classics graduates, and to explore the diverse range of professional contexts in which they work. We welcomed to the department three Maynooth graduates and two international contributors who have found success in a variety of exciting careers – the education sector,
Photo courtesy of C. O'Brien
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finance and professional services, publishing, project management, and academic policy and administration. Rebecca McGlynn, Emma Doran, Giacomo Peru, Liam Bairéad, and Rebecca Dunwoody kindly spoke about their work and the paths they have taken since leaving Classics, helping us understand how to best market the skills acquired through studies in Classics. Our speakers reflected on their professional journey as they addressed big questions, including: what can a degree in Classics do for you? Where do Classics graduates work? The key takeaways from the day were that Classics graduates are extraordinary communicators in verbal and written form, foster a passion for continuous learning, and develop a unique ability to adapt to different working environments and paths of life. We thank everyone for participating and look forward to seeing you again next year! Cosetta Cadau
CLICK to watch a recording of the event!
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=KipbVnVH9v4
CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
The TRINITY HALL (DUBLIN) JCR production of
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Earlier this year, Trinity Halls hosted a production of the musical Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. This was a great opportunity to bring together students from a variety of backgrounds, as the chosen musical appealed to students with diverse interests, from music to mythology. It was directed by Makena Margolin and the music was directed by myself, Maggie Tighe. It was a wonderful but busy and demanding experience. Preparation began early, with auditions being held in October last year and the rehearsals beginning in January. The accompanying band was also formed in the first few weeks of rehearsals. On top of regular cast and band rehearsals, the production team worked tirelessly to create costumes, the set, and source a variety of props. Throughout rehearsals, conversations popped up about mythology and Classics. So many cast members were passionate about Percy Jackson but knew little about
Classics and were curious about the subject. Many of them mentioned that they would have taken the opportunity to study it, had they been given the chance, and enjoyed learning about mythology through the varied musical performances. Since the musical was a comedy, there were some great mythological jokes thrown in between songs that appealed to both adults and children. Performances lasted over the course of three evenings. It was amazing to see that it was nearly entirely sold out every night. Audience members consisted of students, friends and family of the cast, and even attendees from local schools. It was terrific to see all the cast and production team’s hard work paying off and we had a great time discussing all things mythology and drama! Maggie Tighe (CAI Student Representative)
(Photos courtesy of Connie Angela McGowan)
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DECEMBER 2023
CAI Branch News DUBLIN The Dublin Branch held its AGM on 3 October 2023, and the following officers were elected for 2023/24: Lisa Doyle, President; Isabella Bolger, Vice-President; Dominique Geary, Secretary; Liam Bairéad, Treasurer. The following were elected to the Branch Committee: Alastair Daly, Geraldine FitzGerald, Gillian O’Sullivan, Mnemosyne Rice, Nina Ryan, Andrew Smith, Alexander Thein, Maggie Tighe, Pat Waldron, Joan Wright. The AGM was followed by a Branch lecture on ‘Classical Traditions in Medieval Handbooks on Female Healthcare’ by Dr Elaine Pereira Farrell, formerly in the UCD School of History, currently a senior research fellow at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro funded by the Foundation Carlos Chagas Filho Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ). The lecture offered a survey of Greek and Latin medical texts and modern research on their reception, notably in medieval Ireland, and in its discussion of midwifery and gynecology it introduced us to the fascinating figure of Trotula, a female writer and medical practitioner in the southern Italian coastal town of Salerno who lived in the 12th century. On 23 November we welcomed Dr Gaius Stern who gave a talk on 'Greek and Roman physicians who kill rulers: the origins of iatrophobia (fear of doctors).’ Beginning with recent history and the death of Stalin (and the 2017 movie of the same name), Dr Stern delivered a rich lecture with many examples from throughout antiquity. He explained the topos of the ‘treacherous physician’ and the paradox it presented for those in power, as well as the myths at the origins of this topos (Medea and Pelias; Zeus, Rhea and Cronus). There were 45 attendees at this talk from across Ireland and the UK, Europe, Australia and the U.S. We look forward to resuming our Branch activities in the New Year. Plans for next term include: a reading group of Emily Wilson’s new Iliad translation in preparation for her participation in the ClassicsNow festival in February, a guided tour of Marsh’s Library, and a group outing to see Na Peirsigh/ Persians at the Abbey in March/April. Lisa Doyle and Alexander Thein
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CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
CORK The Cork Branch began its autumn series of lectures with a hastily re-arranged first lecture on Pompeiian paintings. The original lecturer was taken ill, the stand in succumbed too but, on the third attempt, we were at last treated to ‘Painting Pompeii, Roman Frescoes’. The gap-filler, Jennifer O’Donoghue of the Cork Branch, spoke about the different style of paintings found in Pompeii and the significance of each style. It was an illustrated lecture. November saw us back on track with our scheduled talk from Lisa Doyle of Trinity College Dublin. This lecture was presented in conjunction with the Department of Classics at UCC. The talk, ‘Mapping Genealogies: The Catalogue of Heroes in the Scholia on Apollonius’ Argonautica’ centred around the comments in the margins of medieval documents. Scholars were commenting on Hellenistic poems and the focus was on the catalogue of the heroes. The first person Apollonius mentioned was Orpheus and his catalogue mirrors the Homeric catalogue of ships. The scholia provide a fascinating insight into the thoughts of the time as well as invaluable commentary on the content. In another hundred years or so, the notes scribbled into the margins of the English poetry book Soundings may prove rich picking for future generations of scholars! The final talk before the Christmas break had a religious slant in keeping with the season of Advent. Dr David Woods, Head of Department in Classics in UCC, treated us to ‘Diagnosing St Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh”.’ This title was taken from 2 Corinthians 12:7. Paul describes a vision he had and that is where the thorn in the flesh came from. Translations vary and one thought is that the word thorn was erroneously depicted thus instead of as a stake. Aristotle in his Rhetoric 3:12.3 references it as “… carrying a stake”. The whole concept of whether the thorn was literal or metaphorical was teased out, as was whether the thorn was a result of the heavenly experience or acquired during it? It would seem from Dr Woods’ research that St Paul suffered a lot physically for Christ. Is his weakness equal to foolishness? Was he bent over with a bad back and poor eyesight and were these his thorns? Either way, it provided a fascinating interpretation to the bible story. On a sad note, the Cork Branch would like to remember two people who we sadly lost since the last newsletter. Claire Mee was a Branch stalwart. Our meetings on Monday nights always caused a dilemma for Claire. She was a great bridge player and often her tournaments would clash with our talks. Invariably, bridge won out! Claire was a long-time attendee and was great for an insightful question, whatever the topic. The other person who we remember is Brian Mac Enri. Brian for the last twenty years was the night-time caretaker in the Cork
Education Support Centre where we hold our lectures. His kindness and attention to detail will not be forgotten soon by us. He became a friend to the long-time members and the centre is a poorer place because of his absence. Requiescat in pace. Christmas may be a memory when this newsletter will be in print, but to all Cork Branch members, Happy 2024 and we look forward to seeing you again for our spring programme in February! Jennifer O'Donoghue
LIMERICK Limerick Branch activities for the Autumn term began with the annual Branch dinner. This most enjoyable event was held on 21 September, in the Unicorn Restaurant, Dooradoyle. We next got down to real business at the Annual General Meeting, on 4 October. Our plans were laid there! The outgoing committee was re-elected: Chairperson: Ms. Paula Keane Vice-chairperson: Séamus Ó Flaithbheartaigh Hon. Secretary: Tom Seaver Hon. Treasurer: Ms Mary Walsh-Seaver Delegate to Council: Patrick Ryan The meeting acknowledged with sincere thanks the co-operation of the board members of Limerick Education Centre, for their magnanimity in accommodating our events over the past year. This privilege has, indeed, been extended to the end of the current academic year. In the meantime, a programme of four lectures was arranged. First up was Patrick Hayes, a PhD student from the University of Cambridge, who, on 25 October, spoke on ‘The Frontiers of Alexander the Great’s Empire’. Dr Matthew Potter, Curator of Limerick Museum, followed on 8 November, with ‘Byzantine’s 6th Century Power-couple’. Next up was Dr Andrew Hill, of the TCD Centre for Environmental Humanities, who spoke on 15 November. His subject was ‘Carthage and the Mediterranean Grain Market of the 3rd Century BCE’. The fourth and final lecture was given on the 29th inst., by our own Patrick Ryan M. Lit., under the title, ‘Reviewing Roman History: the case of the Marian Reforms’. Apart from lectures, our members have been taking part in the Reading groups remotely. Patrick Ryan has been leading the way here in keeping members informed of the various sessions. Tom Seaver (Hon. Secretary)
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DECEMBER 2023
The Orchard Yard 2023
TERENCE'S Adelphoe (The Brothers) The Orchard Players assembled at the Yard on 10 June. We were delighted to welcome some new members alongside the established group who have been with us since our first reading, Plautus’ Casina in 2009. This year we met to read and discuss Terence’s Adelphoe or The Brothers, dating from 160 BC and composed for the funeral games of the general Aemilius Paullus, the conqueror of Macedonia and twice Consul. Despite threats from above the previous night, the weather held fine, enabling the proceedings to take place in the traditional outdoor surroundings. Following afternoon tea, Patrick Ryan opened with an exploration
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the life and works of Terence, from his first appearance as a slave-boy from North Africa to his unexplained disappearance at around thirty years of age within the year after the staging of this, his last play. The original prologue was then read in Latin and in translation. Terence used this opportunity to explain something of the drama’s history, and its descent from a Greek original, Synapothnescontes, “those who die at the same time”, as well as answering the critics of his previous plays and appealing to the audience to give this one their impartial attention. The Latin reading enabled us to grasp the excellence of the playwright’s language. Julius Caesar wrote of Terence: Tu quoque, tu in summis, o dimidiate Menander, Poneris, et merito, puri sermonis amator. You too, you especially, are placed among the highest, and justly so, for you are half-Menander, and a lover of pure language. (Quoted by Suetonius in his Vita Terenti).
CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Above: Aisling Lynch, Tom Seaver, Patrick Ryan, Tom Muldowney, Gerald O’Carroll; Middle: Paula Keane (Limerick Branch Chair), Patrick Ryan (CAI Sec.), Tom Seaver (Limerick Branch Sec.); Bottom: Patrick Ryan with Jennifer O’Donoghue (Cork Branch).
After the Prologue, a blast on the Roman cornu from Orla’s sound department announced The Brothers proper. To allow more time for discussion and to set the play in its place in Roman drama, we used a reduced version, something over half the length of the original. The play follows the fortunes of two sets of brothers, Micio and Demea, as well as Demea’s sons Ctesipho and Aeschinus. The contrast is in the differing philosophies of the senior brothers about the proper way to raise a son. Micio is the older brother and, having adopted Aeschinus, has reared him in a liberal fashion, allowing him to do almost anything free from threat of punishment. There follow some highly dramatic scenes, including the abduction of the Meretrix Bacchis and the beating of the Leno Sannio, the hysterical outburst of Geta over Aeschinus’ conduct, Syrus’ sending of the befuddled Demea on a wild goose chase, and Demea’s final and marvellous reform in which he knocks down his brother’s garden wall to facilitate the marriage of Aeschinus, and even fixes up the seemingly unflappable Micio by talking him into an unexpected marriage with his matronly neighbour Sostrata. The end result of the play is that Demea becomes a reformed character in his approach to life; Aeschinus matures and learns to better regard the consequences of his actions beforehand; Micio learns that his laid-back attitude is not appropriate to all situations; and Ctesipho apparently learns absolutely nothing. The youngsters are aided and abetted in their dealings by the stock smart slave Syrus, who, in addition to tricking the elders, manages to secure his own manumission. The readers were: Demea: Tom Seaver, Micio: Tom Muldowney, Hegio: Rose Ryall, Aeschinus: Gerald O’Carroll, Ctesipho: Séamus O Flaithbheartaigh, Sannio: Colleen Grace, Geta: Aisling Lynch, Syrus: Jennifer O’Donoghue, Sostrata: Paula Keane. As always at these readings, Orla Coffey provided the sound effects, in this case reconstructed music on instruments recreated from archaeological examples of the Roman cornu and flute and the Hellenistic auloi. Terence specified that the music for this play, composed by Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius, was to be performed on a particular type of flute (tibiis Sarranis), the only occasion this instrument is mentioned in literature. The Sarranian flute is lost; there is some evidence that it had its origins in North Africa and may be a traditional instrument from Terence’s childhood. Our thanks to all who participated in this event and we look forward to staging another drama from the Classical repertoire next year. Patrick J. Ryan
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