Public lecture series goes interactive

Friday, 12 October 2012

The University's Public Lecture Series begins again on Wednesday 17 October, with Professor Steve Mithen's lecture - 'Thirst: Water and power in the ancient world'. This year, for the first time, people are encouraged to tweet questions and comments before and during the lecture (using the hashtag #UoRLectures).

Watch the lecture video trailer >>>

After a year of severe drought and flooding, Professor Steve Mithen believes that an answer to the world's water crisis of the next century could come from the ancient civilisations of the past.

The ancient civilisations of Rome, Greece, south-east Asia and China have left an indelible mark on the world through their art, architecture and culture. But Pro-Vice-Chancellor Steve Mithen, who is a leading authority on the subject, believes all their achievements were made possible by the hydraulic engineering marvels that irrigated valleys and supplied water to their great cities.

"Many people visit the great historical sites of the world as tourists and look up, to see the tombs, the temples, the great architecture and art. I want people to look down, into the drains," said Professor Mithen.

"By understanding the effort that went into managing water in the ancient world, and learning how changes to the water supply helped shape history, we can begin to form a better understanding of the huge global challenges we face in the 21st century."

He will explore how the rise and collapse of great past civilisations was dependent on waterand asks what lessons we can learn from ancient civilisations that can help us manage our water today.

The audience will be taken on a journey through the ancient world, from the Minoans to the Maya, from the Angkor to the Andes, learning how the rise of past civilisations depended upon the management of their water supply, while their collapse often spurred from excessive droughts and floods.

Get involved!

Unlike previous public lectures, organisers are asking audience members to keep their mobile phones switched on (but silent) so they can tweet and text their reactions and questions to Professor Mithen live throughout the one-hour event.

People who can't make it on the day or audience members who want to find out more afterwards, can learn more about the topic and interact with the University by visiting a special online site with videos, messages and discussion about the lecture's key themes. Follow @UniRdg_News on Twitter and use the hashtag #UoRLectures to make comments or ask questions.

University Public Lectures are held in the Palmer Building on the Whiteknights campus. Lectures are free to attend and no ticket is required. Please visit the Public Lecture Series website for more details or contact the Events team on 0118 378 4313 or email events@reading.ac.uk.