The theme of this conference is empires and the political. We will examine how modern concepts of the political (and related concepts such as political rights, political theories, citizenship, laws, etc.) are formulated through an engagement with the historical study of empires (in particular, ancient empires). Scholars from a range of different research interests, including Political Science, History, English, Classics, and Archaeology, are scheduled to participate. Plenary addresses will be delivered by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka (who will also be FHI/Karl von der Heyden Distinguished Scholar in Residence in the month of November) and noted classics scholar Page duBois. Presented by the Franklin Humanities Institute, Department of Classical Studies, the Program in Women's Studies, and the Network on Ancient & Modern Imperialisms.

Please click here to see conference web page and to download complete program schedule. This conference is free and open to the public - no registration is necessary. For more information, e-mail fhi@duke.edu.