Upcoming

    Themistocles: The Rise and Fall of Athens’s Naval Mastermind – Warwick Words 5th October 2026

    The ancient-Athenian statesman and naval commander Themistocles was called ‘the most illustrious Greek of his time’. In a dizzying rise to power, Themistocles masterminded Greek victory over Persia at Salamis, helping to preserve Greek freedom – yet his life was a rollercoaster of dazzling brilliance and catastrophic misjudgement. In this electrifying talk, acclaimed author and […]

    BBC History Warner Weekends – 21st November – Warwickshire

    Discover the stories, risks and revelations that shaped the ancient world and continue to shape us today. Michael Scott is Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He is the author of multiple books on the ancient Mediterranean world as well as ancient Global History; and has written and presented a […]

    Presidential Address – Lytham St Anne’s Classical Association – 7th January 2027

    ‘‘To do or not to do: the placement of guidance, rules and regulations in Greek sanctuaries’ Prof. Michael Scott is Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International affairs and a Professor in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He is also a National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy; Fellow of the Royal Historical Society; Honorary Citizen of Delphi, […]

Past Events

    Themistocles with Michael Scott – Chelsea History Festival – 1st October

    Join Michael Scott as he explores the fascinating history of the rise and fall of Athens’ naval mastermind, Themistocles. About the event Themistocles, the instrumental political and military figure of the ancient world, best known for his role in the defeat of the Persians at the Battle of Salamis, which cemented him as an icon […]

    BBC History Warner Weekends – 27th September – Herefordshire

    Discover the stories, risks and revelations that shaped the ancient world and continue to shape us today. Michael Scott is Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He is the author of multiple books on the ancient Mediterranean world as well as ancient Global History; and has written and presented a […]

    X Marks the Spot – Malvern Festival of Ideas – Sunday 9 March 2025 12.15pm

    Unearthing the physical remains of our past is a quintessential human itch – seen in every society from the ancients through to today. But the stories behind archaeological exploration and discovery – what we seek when, what we end up finding, and what we then do with it – tell us as much about ourselves […]

    X Marks the Spot – Warwick Words Festival – 3rd October 2023

    Through eight sensational stories of discovery, Professor Michael Scott traces the evolution of modern archaeology, from colonial expeditions to today’s cutting-edge digs, unearthing traps, curses and buried treasure along the way. We meet the characters who found world-famous discoveries such as the Rosetta Stone, the Terracotta Warriors and Machu Picchu. We investigate ancient human footprints, stunning shipwrecks, […]

    An Evening with Mary Beard – Brighton Dome – 2nd October 2023

      Spend a fascinating evening with renowned classicist and historian Mary Beard, interviewed by Michael Scott. Well known from the television, here she shines the spotlight on the emperors who ruled the Roman Empire, from the well known Julius Caesar (assassinated 44 BCE) to the almost unknown Alexander Severus (assassinated 235 CE). Taking the audience beyond […]

    X Marks the Spot – Gloucester History Festival – Tuesday 12th September

    Through eight sensational stories of discovery, from the Rosetta Stone and the Terracotta Warriors to Machu Picchu, Michael Scott traces the evolution of archaeology itself from colonial expeditions to today’s cutting-edge digs. Trekking from the jungles of South America to the frozen highlands of Central Asia, investigating ancient human footprints and stunning shipwrecks, the star of BBC2’s […]

    WCN A. G. Leventis Ancient Worlds Day – ‘Epic Worlds’ 28th June 2023

    On 28th June 2023 the Warwick Classics Network will be running their popular annual A. G. Leventis Ancient Worlds Day for schools. This year’s theme is ‘Epic Worlds’ and Michael will be talking on epic and Ancient Greece (title tbc). Follow this link for information on past events and on information on booking your place […]

    X Marks the Spot – Chalke Hill History Festival – Monday 26th June

    3.45pm Monday 26th June X marks the Spot – The Story of Archaeology in Eight Extraordinary Discoveries Michael will be talking about his new book on Monday 26th June. A PDF of the entire programme can be found here, although please do note that, at this stage, it is still subject to change. You can book […]

    Unlocking the Future of the Past – Thursday 22nd June, 7.30pm

    Unlocking the Future of the Past Thursday 22nd June, 7.30pm, King’s Arts Marquee Join Professor Michael Scott as he examines the greatest archaeological discoveries of the last 200 years to uncover the magic formula for a momentous discovery. Part of the King’s College School’s Arts Festoval 22-26th June. Follow this link to book your place

    X Marks the Spot – Hay Festival Tuesday 30 May 2023, 5.30pm

      Archaeological finds tell us a lot about the past, but the stories behind archaeological exploration and discovery – what we look for when, what we end up finding, and what we then do with it – tell us almost as much about ourselves today. Through eight sensational stories of discovery, Professor Michael Scott traces […]

    ‘The historical context of Aristophanes’ Assemblywomen’ – lecture Friday 27th Jan 2023

    Supporting the matinee performance of the Warwick Classics 2023 Ancient Drama Festival Production of Aristophanes’ Assemblywomen at Warwick Arts Centre on Friday 27th January 2023, the Department of Classics and Ancient History is offering a series of lectures, discussions, and seminars specifically for school students, and designed to link in with Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient […]

Prof. Michael Scott

5 January 2023, 7pm

‘X Marks the Spot’: The Discovery and Discoverers of our Past

Join our President Professor Michael Scott for a very special celebratory event and what promises to be an excellent lecture, as he takes us on a journey of intellectual discovery and adventure through some of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries, whilst offering a reflection on the nature of history and discovery itself. He will peel back layers of history to simultaneously examine the time of an artefact’s creation, as well as the time of its discovery millennia later, and uncover the fascinating characters behind great discoveries.

Michael is Professor in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick; Director of the Warwick Institute of Engagement and the winner of the 2021 Classical Association Prize. A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy he is also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, an Honorary Citizen of Delphi and in 2022, he became the International Lego Classicist of the year!

Join us to watch in-person or online! Lectures are held at AKS Lytham, Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1DT on Thursday evenings (see map in the right sidebar). Doors open at 6.15pm for refreshments and a chance to meet the lecturer, and talks begin at 7pm. After a short question and answer session, meetings normally finish by 8:30pm. We are a really friendly bunch and can always guarantee visitors a warm welcome, a great lecture and some lovely homemade cake!

In-person events are £5 a ticket, or free to members. If you’d like to become a member for just £12 a year (or £5 for students), please click here.