12
November 2025

Io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way

Welcome to The Arts Society Ebor
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - 18:30
Priory Street
Priory Centre York YO1 6ET
Online Event

This talk will revel in artwork that is ancient and modern as we un-wrap the images and stories behind our festive season.

Early Christians celebrated Christmas at the same time as the ancient Romans were feasting and partying for their pagan Saturnalia festival. Many of the pagan habits were therefore absorbed into our Christmas traditions. Present-giving, holly and even party-hats all have their origins in this 2,000 year old party. This talk will revel in artwork that is ancient and modern as we un-wrap the images and stories behind our festive season.

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mrs Gillian Hovell

BA (Hons) Latin and Ancient History, Exeter University, and then branched out into archaeology. Ex-BBC, lecturer for British Museum and York University, an award winning writer and author who specialises in relating the ancient world to our modern lives, in person, in the field, on line and in the media (most recently on BBC News Channel, Radio 4 Today programme and BBC World Service). Publications include Visiting the Past: A guide to finding and understanding Britain's Archaeology and Roman Britain. Forthcoming Latin Yesterday, Today and For Ever, and A Mediterranean Tour: Not just a Load of Old Stones. Teaches adult education courses in Latin, archaeology and ancient history and has publicly lectures widely and passionately, on cruises and tours and for museums such as the British Museum & Ashmolean, national press, universities, literary festivals, and diverse societies including Classical Associations, the U3A and the National Trust. 

Also London-based for lectures in the South-East.