Bad Romance: Cleopatra in Roman Literature
Cleopatra VII remains an icon of sexuality, subversion, passion, and power. Yet much of her modern mystique comes from the pens of her fiercest detractors. This talk takes a fresh look at Cleopatra through the eyes of four Roman writers, Horace, Propertius, Plutarch, and Cassius Dio and asks what is really at stake in these infamous accounts. Join Dr Alex McAuley as he explores how none of this is really about Cleopatra herself at all, and unpacks what is at play in these literary portrayals.
Bio
Dr Alex McAuley is a lecturer in Greek history and language at the University of Auckland, after teaching in the UK and Canada. He has published dozens of articles and book chapters on ancient queens such as Cleopatra VII, exploring their afterlives in art, literature, and film.
Event
6:00pm @Norma Taps, 90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Also speaking at this location at 8:00pm is Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere
