Archaeology of the Heart: Museum visit and poetry reading

Did you know that the University of Birmingham is home to a collection of over 2000 objects from ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome?

Poet Josephine Balmer, known for her acclaimed translations of the ancient lyric poets, Sappho and Catullus, has been asked to make a selection of her favourite pieces from these treasures. On this open afternoon you're invited to come and explore the collection in the Museum on the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus.

You'll be introduced to Josephine’s chosen objects – a heart-rending epitaph for a small Roman boy, a beautiful Athenian vase, a stunning winged goddess amulet from Egypt and many more, and hear Josephine reading her brand-new poetic responses to the ancient objects.

This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 9–18 November 2023. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org