Antiquity and Politics: Free lectures at the FU Berlin!

Antiquity and Politics: Free lectures at the FU Berlin!

The Free University of Berlin is opening the “Open Lecture Hall” event series in the summer semester of 2025, which will take place from April to July. This initiative gives those interested free access to public lecture series. The aim is to present research in a generally understandable way and to promote discussions. The first topic in the series begins on April 15th, which is about research into ideological interpretations of antiquity.

The focus of the first lecture series “Antiquity in the distorting mirror of political ideologies” is on misinterpretations of the Old World and its ideological exploitation. This interdisciplinary discussion will be accompanied by experts from various academic fields, including political science, history and archaeology. The concept was developed by Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Friederike Fless, Ida Viktoria Heinemann and Prof. Dr. Tonio Sebastian Richter. The lectures take place weekly on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. c.t. and are offered both on site and online via live stream.

Another topic: inclusive philology

The second lecture series “Literary Disability Studies. Aspects of Inclusive Philology” starts on April 23rd. Here, representations of disability in literary texts as well as their social and cultural self-understanding are examined. The focus on inclusive approaches in literary studies is led by speakers from English, German and other related disciplines. This series was created by Prof. Dr. Irmela Marei Krüger-Fürhoff, developed in collaboration with the DFG network “Inclusive Philology”.

The overarching annual theme for 2025/26, which will be discussed at the Berliner Antike-Kolleg, is “Antiquity in the distorting mirror of political ideologies”. The aim is to create an interdisciplinary perspective on the use of historical narratives in political contexts. This discussion is supported by public lecture evenings and discussion formats to illuminate different perspectives and stimulate current debates. Contributions on this topic are planned, among other things, during the ceremony on November 18, 2024, which will begin with a lecture by Marcus Llanque (University of Augsburg) and a panel discussion.

Anyone interested is invited to attend the lectures without prior registration, which makes these important topics easier to access. The aim of the series and the entire initiative is not only to convey science, but also to create a platform for open exchange.

These events at the Free University of Berlin create a space for education and discussion in which both experts and laypeople can benefit. This personal and digital accessibility reflects the modern interpretation of education and opens up new perspectives in the academic landscape.

Further information can be found in the reports Free University of Berlin and that Berlin Antique College.