A major conference bringing together the latest archaeological and historical research is being held at Cardiff University to commemorate the anniversary of the End of Roman Britain in AD 410.
Emperors, Usurpers, Tyrants: the history and archaeology of Western Britain from AD350 to 500 takes place on 30th and 31st October and is hosted by the School of History, Archaeology and Religion. The conference marks the 1600th anniversary of the formal separation of Britain from the Roman Empire, and will explore the evidence for life in western Britain in the 5th century, at the beginning of the so-called ‘Dark Ages’.
How much of Roman culture and traditions survived into the 5th century in Wales and the West? Did people continue to think of themselves as Romans or Roman Britons after 400 AD? How did events in England affect how the population of Western Britain saw themselves and the world around them?
These are just some of the questions about the end of the ancient world and the making of Wales that will be dealt with by experts at the cutting-edge of historical and archaeological research.
Dr Peter Guest of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion will be presenting his latest work at the conference. “The results of new archaeological research have an important contribution to make to the study of the emergence of an early Welsh identity from the legacy of Roman Britain,” said Dr Guest, “and 2010 is a timely opportunity to bring this work together and attempt a synthesis.”
Alongside the presentations and lectures, members of the audience will also be able to put questions to the experts during a ‘Question Time’ style panel discussion.
The two-day conference is one of a number of events celebrating the merger of the Schools of History and Archaeology and Religious and Theological Studies. It takes place at the Julian Hodge Lecture Theatre, Cardiff University and is open to staff, students and members of the public. For more information or to buy tickets (costing £20 for both days, £10 for one day) please visit http://www.cf.ac.uk/share/newsandevents/events/archaeology/emperors-usurpers-tyrants.html
