British Academy lecture: “The Elephant in the Room” Understanding Corruption in Roman Egypt
The University of Manchester and The British Academy are delighted to welcome Professor Colin Adams of the University of Liverpool.
The papyri of Roman Egypt provide a uniquely rich source of evidence for everyday life in a Roman province. Thousands of texts ranging from legal proceedings to private letters document matters both public and private. This lecture explores what papyri tell us of the daily experiences of the inhabitants of Roman Egypt who were at the mercy of corrupt officials and abusive representatives of the state. It asks what form corruption took in the province, what societal factors encouraged it, how private individuals coped, and what anti-corruption initiatives were taken by the Roman state. It also considers how modern sociological and anthropological discourse can improve our understanding of ancient corruption and allows for the development of a nuanced understanding of its effects on society.
Following Professor Adams’ lecture we are delighted to welcome Dr Campbell Price, Curator of Egypt and Sudan at Manchester Museum for a brief talk and collection encounter with the ‘Golden Mummies of Egypt’ exhibition.
After the event there will be an audience Q+A and a drinks reception.
Please click the 'More information' link to find further details, and to book FREE tickets for this lecture.
Image: Papyrus fragments (7) of an Egyptian Demotic papyrus recording, courtesy of The British Museum
Speaker
Professor Colin Adams
Organisation: University of Liverpool
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The Whitworth
Manchester
