What can ancient DNA tell us about... the Romans

Renowned classicist, Mary Beard, chairs a panel discussing how ancient DNA is reshaping our understanding of the Roman era.

Drawing on revolutionary scientific research the discussion will examine how ancient DNA is shedding new light on migration, ancestry, mobility and population change across the Roman era, offering fresh perspectives on one of history's most influential civilisations.

Whether you're fascinated by the Romans, archaeology or the intersection of science and history, this event will explore how ancient DNA is helping us ask new questions about the past.

Speakers include:

• Mary Beard (chair), Professor of Classics, University of Cambridge
• Hella Eckardt, Archaeologist, University of Reading
• Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History, University of Oxford
• Marina Soares Da Silva, Postdoctoral Fellow, Ancient Genomics Group, The Francis Crick Institute

This event runs alongside our new exhibition, We Go Way Back.

Doors open at 18:30. The event will start promptly at 19:00.

This event is aimed at audiences aged 12 and above.

The panel discussion will be followed by a short audience Q&A.

Please note that the event will be filmed and put on the Crick YouTube channel shortly after.

Getting to the Crick

The Francis Crick Institute is next to St Pancras station and is easy to get to by bus, tube or train. 

Accessibility

The panel discussion and audience Q&A will be subtitled.

We have limited spaces for wheelchair users. If you need to book one of these spaces or if you have any other questions about accessibility, please email us at engage@crick.ac.uk.