Dialogue of Times Seminar
Rennes 2 University, CELLAM laboratory, Mouseion group
For the year 2024-2025, the Dialogue des temps seminar offers a new cycle of conferences on current publications and research projects linked to Antiquity and its subsequent deployments (more specifically the Renaissance, but not exclusively) .
The second session will welcome two guests around the theme Imaginary Rome, fantasy Rome, November 20, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
17h-18h
Dimitri Tilloi d’Ambrosi (HiSoMa) :
Ancient Rome: truths and legends
18h-19h
Dimitri Maillard (Anhima) :
Tolkien and Antiquity
The session will take place in hybrid.
Lieu : University of Rennes 2, Villejean Campus, Building. P, council room, 7th floor
For the link: contact anne.rolet@univ-rennes2.fr
—
To view the entire program for the year:
To consult the seminar archives:
How has J.R.R. Tolkien’s portrayal of Ancient Rome influenced contemporary literature and public perceptions of history according to Dimitri Maillard?
Website editor: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Dimitri Tilloi d’Ambrosi and Dimitri Maillard, two esteemed scholars who will be sharing their insights on the theme “Imaginary Rome, fantasy Rome” at the upcoming Dialogue des temps seminar. Dimitri Tilloi d’Ambrosi is an expert in Ancient Rome, while Dimitri Maillard is well-versed in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and Antiquity. As the website editor for world-today-news.com, I am excited to explore the various facets of this intriguing topic with you both.
Firstly, Dimitri Tilloi d’Ambrosi, could you please tell us more about your presentation titled “Ancient Rome: Truths and Legends”? How do you plan to distinguish between historical facts and popular myths surrounding Ancient Rome? Additionally, how has your research on this topic influenced your perspectives on contemporary culture?
Secondly, Dimitri Maillard, your talk focuses on the relationship between Antiquity and J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. How did Tolkien incorporate elements of Ancient Rome into his writings, and what impact has his fantasy reimagining had on public perception of historical events and figures? Furthermore, do you think there are any contemporary authors who similarly draw from historical sources in their works, and if so, how do their approaches compare to Tolkien’s?
Moving on to the broader theme of “Imaginary Rome, fantasy Rome”, how do you believe our modern imaginations of this ancient civilization have been shaped by historical events and subsequent cultural references? Are there any specific aspects of Ancient Rome that seem to capture the public imagination more than others, and why do you think that is?
both of your presentations suggest a deep interest in the ways that past societies continue to influence our present-day understanding of the world. Do you think it’s important for scholars to study history through the lens of contemporary culture, and how might that perspective change our understanding of the past? Additionally, are there any upcoming research projects or publications that you are particularly excited about in this area?
D
