The Muddy Archaeologist Online Courses

Hi, I'm Gillian Hovell, known professionally as 'The Muddy Archaeologist'.

Welcome to this thrilling 'Phaedra: Dramatic Lust & Power, Ancient & Modern' illustrated talk, part of the Muddy Archaeologist Online Courses. Want to really understand what the National Theatre's 2023 production of Phaedra is all about?

Find out more about the ancient Greek drama that started this remarkable story - one of the simplest plots of Greek tragedies, yet one of the most powerful . Shocking with its tale of a queen's lust for her stepson, it was re-written in antiquity by the original author as well as by the later Roman philosopher, Seneca. How did the Romans re-imagine the story to fit their own society; and how has the story been re-imagined yet again in 2023 for our own times?

It's a tale of timeless humanity; lust and power are entwined; the role of a less-than-impressive king (once a great hero!) creates a nuance that is not lost today; and what of the lover - who is guilty and is anyone not guilty? What pushes us out of the social norms and who do we sympathise with, if indeed we do?

My life is spent lecturing nationally and internationally, and on tours and cruises of ancient sites from Orkney's Neolithic to the diverse cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean - some of you will know me from our travels in the UK and throughout the Mediterranean. I lead groups for the Smithsonian Journeys, Australians Studying Abroad (ASA) and many other UK and international companies. I have lectured on many tours and cruises that have explored the dramatic world of the ancients as we explored the theatres that such tragedies were originally performed in, and I look forward to doing so again in the future. And I love it. My joy is to transform your experience of destinations into ones that are not 'just a load of old stones'; I help you to connect with the civilization, discover and share our common humanity with it and enjoy and appreciate the diversity, individuality and richness of each and every culture. Ancient sites never look the same again ...

For I am passionate about revealing how ancient history and mythology are full of human life and passion. I love sharing the joy of ancient history in person, in books and articles, on the media and on line. I'm a prize-winning author and one of my books, Visiting the Past: Finding and Understanding Britain's Archaeology, shares with you how to explore the archaeology of the British Isles from prehistory up to the medieval age and even beyond. My next book will explore the ancient civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean - the tragedy-writing Greeks and the Romans included.

After graduating in Latin and Ancient History from Exeter University, I worked in BBC Television and went on to become an award-winning freelance writer, author. I have led a community archaeology project in Yorkshire and I have excavated at major sites in the UK and Europe, from Mesolithic Star Carr right up into the Roman fort of Vindolanda and Pompeiian Roman Oplontis.

I now lecture at York University and have spoken at the British Museum. You may have seen me recently on BBC TV news as an expert, and heard me on various BBC national and local radio programmes. My expert contribution will air in the Sky series Sex: A Bonkers History in Spring 2023. I share courses around the country and lecture throughout the UK and abroad for audiences that range from local societies and luncheon clubs to Classical Associations, The Arts Society, and international groups. Every event is tailored to YOU, whoever and wherever you are. Why not book me for a talk or event in person or online for YOUR society or organisation - it's always a pleasure!

I offer you expertise, passion and a warm welcome. Archaeology is for everyone: let me lead you on a journey into the past with knowledge, great images, and a sense of fun and enjoyment.

Adding colour and depth to our lives today by digging deep into the past.