The Washington, D.C.-area Biblical Archaeology Society of Northern Virginia (BASONOVA) and Biblical Archaeology Forum (BAF) will be hosting the lectures “Search for the Battle of Actium” (October 19) and “Hannibal’s Campaign Against Rome” (October 23) this month. Not in the D.C. area? The Biblical Archaeology Society offers a wide range of travel/study programs in the United States and across the globe.
On Sunday, October 19, at 3 pm, University of South Florida and the United States Naval Academy professor Dr. William Murray will deliver the lecture “Search for the Battle of Actium.” Ancient Greek and Roman navies and the battles they fought are notoriously difficult to understand. Already by the 3rd century A.D., the ancients had forgotten most of the details of ancient warship construction, and ramming warfare ceased to be employed. Over the past three decades, archaeological evidence has slowly accumulated that places us in an excellent position to appreciate the many variables involved in ancient naval warfare. This is particularly so for the famous Battle of Actium, fought between Mark Antony, Cleopatra and Octavian (the future Augustus) in September 31 B.C. Drawing upon artifacts recovered in underwater excavations, the results of sonar surveys conducted in the battle zone, and new archaeological discoveries at a large victory monument built by Octavian near the battle site, this illustrated lecture will attempt to recreate the important features of the last major naval battle of antiquity.
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On Thursday, October 23, at 8 pm, University of Pennsylvania scholar Dr. Linda Meiberg will deliver the lecture “Hannibal’s Campaign Against Rome.” The expansionist policies of the Romans on the Italic peninsula and the Carthaginians in the central Mediterranean culminated in the year 218 B.C. in what came to be known as the Second Punic War. The Romans, however, regarded this seventeen year engagement as the War Against Hannibal, since it was the sheer determination and audacity of this brilliant general that lead to a slew of defeats at the hands of the Carthaginians. In this lecture, Dr. Meiberg will discuss Hannibal’s campaign against Rome and examine specific tactical considerations that contributed to Hannibal’s early victories in Italy at the Battles of Trebia, Lake Trasimene and Cannae.
Click here for more information.
Not in the D.C. area? The Biblical Archaeology Society offers a wide range of travel/study programs in the United States and across the globe.
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