The Extraordinary Lives of Ancient & Medieval Women

What was life really like for women in the ancient and medieval periods? How did they think about sex, death and God? Could they live independent lives? Authors **Dr Daisy Dunn** and **Dr Hetta Howes** will take us on an immersive journey into the everyday lives of women of the past.

For centuries, men have been writing histories of antiquity filled with warlords, emperors and kings. But when it comes to incorporating women aside from Cleopatra and Boudica, writers have been more comfortable describing mythical heroines Penelope and Helen of Troy than their real-life counterparts. Award-winning author, classicist and cultural critic **Dr** **Daisy Dunn** seeks to put the women of history at the centre of the narrative. Daisy will show us the ancient world through fresh eyes, and introduce us to an incredible cast of ancient women, weavers of an entire world.

Few women had the luxury of writing down their thoughts and feelings during medieval times. Remarkably, there are a number of women who did, ultimately pushing back against the misogyny of the period and leaving us with incredible insights into the world of medieval life and politics. **Dr Hetta Howes** has spent her working life uncovering these women's stories, and joins Daisy to share valuable insight into their lives that challenges what we think we know about medieval women in Europe. Women did earn money, they could live independent lives, and they thought, loved, fought and suffered just as we do today.

Presented by Conway Hall.

This is an all ages event. Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.