What really made Rome great?
"What have the Romans ever done for us?" quipped John Cleese's character, Reg, in Monty Python's Life of Brian. His question was meant to be cynical, but the answers came thick and fast.
When we think of the Roman Empire, we tend to think of armies, emperors and conquest. Military strength may have built an empire spanning three continents, but what helped it survive for another 500 years? The answer may have been something far less glamorous: clean water.
This kōrero explores how aqueducts and other infrastructure transformed Roman cities, improving health, food supplies and everyday life, and why access to clean water may have been just as important to Rome's success as its military might.
Bio
Dr Alison Griffith is Associate Professor in Classics at the University of Canterbury, where she has inspired students for almost three decades through her engaging and innovative teaching. Her research explores the ancient Roman world, including religion, mythology and the city of Rome, with current projects tracing the mysteries of Mithras in Rome, examining early Roman myths through the lens of indigenous Māori principles, and cataloguing the Canterbury Museum's ancient coin collection. Passionate about making the ancient world relevant today, Alison also leads initiatives to enhance teaching and learning across UC, helping students and staff navigate everything from academic skills to generative AI.
Event
Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 8:00pm – 9:00pm @Two Thumb Colombo, 380 Colombo Street, Sydenham 8023
The other talk at this location is Can video games save our humanity? at 6:30pm – 7:30pm
