Campus Connection

Understanding the daily lives of ordinary people in ancient times is a challenge for historians and archaeologists — especially when the subject is infants and children. The Romans opened a special window into the lives of these little ones by leaving information chiseled in stone. Most of what people know about the lives of Roman children — especially those of the lower classes — is from funerary engravings or epitaphs. Nicholas Gresens, senior lecturer in classics at the University of Rochester–New York, will present a free public lecture “Heard But No Longer Seen: Epitaphs as a Window into the Lives of Roman Children” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. The event is organized through the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC). Gresens will discuss the world of Roman epitaphs, comparing those of children and adults, and those of lower-class children and their wealthier peers. He will explore how childhood was constructed and perceived in ancient times. Call Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC) at 608.785.6473 or email mvac@uwlax.edu for more information. If you go — What: Heard but No Longer Seen: Epitaphs as a Window into the Lives of Roman Children When: Social begins at 6 p.m., awards at 6:30 p.m. and lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Port O'Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition Admission: Free