This discussion highlights how the Cleopatra in popular culture is a creation of what we would now call “fake news”—i.e. slander—by ancient Rome. The talk will review the historic Cleopatra and how Roman political needs led to her modern phantasm. The speaker, who was interviewed on the recent Netflix documentary about Cleopatra, will also discuss how this new documentary created yet another imaginary Cleopatra.

Cosponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason).

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Jacquelyn Williamson is associate professor of Ancient Art and Archaeology at George Mason University. Focusing on gender and religious power, her first book is on her identification of the Sun Temple of Nefertiti, published with Harvard Egyptology Series/ Brill. She has taught at Harvard, Brandeis, and U.C. Berkeley and received a Fulbright for her dissertation research.

ABOUT OLLI MASON

OLLI Mason provides intellectual and cultural experiences to curious individuals. Learn more at OLLI.gmu.edu.

INVITE

This program is appropriate for ages 18+. Register by clicking on the "Begin Registration" button. A Zoom link will be emailed two days before start of each program.