Scene from the Column of Trajan (detail) depicting the Roman emperor giving a speech to his troops, dedicated in A.D. 113, Roman, marble, from casts 202-203 in the Museo della Civiltà Romana, Rome, scene 77.
Thinking Like a Roman: How to Renew America's Polarized Landscape
GETTY VILLA
Auditorium
Can lessons from ancient Rome help resolve contemporary political struggles? While many historians are skeptical given Rome's history of conquest, slavery, and autocratic rule, classicist Joy Connolly suggests that the Roman example paves the way toward lively, civil discourse on hot-button issues. Connolly proposes that Roman thinkers, especially Cicero, can help us better understand our political values and talk with one another across personal affiliations. While the Roman republic was not a democracy, its politics offers a surprisingly useful model in a new age of polarization, truthiness, and social media.
Planning your visit
The Getty Villa and its galleries are open to the general public from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Check in begins at 12:00 p.m., the auditorium opens at 12:30 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Café is open for lunch service from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and the Getty Store is open until 5:00 p.m. Please note that some galleries are currently closed as we reinstall the collection in a new presentation. Click here for details.
