Proving that our fascination with the ancient world shows no signs of stopping, this autumn World Museum will host a packed series of events featuring broadcaster and academic Professor Mary Beard and leading author Natalie Haynes, as well as experts from National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.

Inspired by the Return of the Gods exhibition, talks and tours will bring to life just how the Emperors ruled, how people lived and how the gods presided – and why the ancient goddesses cast just as powerful a gaze as their male counterparts.

National Museums Liverpool will be hosting an evening in conversation with acclaimed author and broadcaster Professor Mary Beard on Friday 15 December to discuss her new book ‘Emperor of Rome’ and her career as the world’s most famous classicist. The event will explore the colourful and infamous rulers of ancient times.

Bestselling author Natalie Haynes will introduce her new book ‘Divine Might’, delving into powerful and lesser told stories of the ancient Greek goddesses, on Saturday 25 November. The event is in collaboration with Classics for All North and will include a chance to explore World Museum’s special exhibition Return of the Gods and encounter some of the featured goddesses like Athena and Artemis up close.

A host of expert talks will reveal more on the lives of people in ancient times, including; The ever-lasting influence of ancient fashion by Dr Lee Wright, fashion historian from Liverpool John Moores University on Saturday 7 October and Wining and dining like the ancient gods with Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool on Saturday 2 December.

Delving into the more mystical side of things, Jordan Poole from the University of Liverpool will reveal how magic existed in ancient times in a fascinating talk on How amulets protected the ancient world on Saturday 9 December. While Dr Georgia Petridou, Reader in Ancient Greek History at the University of Liverpool, will explore the myth of the abduction of Persephone by the god of the Underworld, Hades – one of the ancient world’s most popular albeit darker tales in The cult of Persephone and Demeter on Saturday 16 December.

Tactile and BSL curator tours will offer a chance for visitors to experience the popular Return of the Gods exhibition in a different way, guided by the subject expert. Family visitors can also enjoy specially curated events for all ages including messy play sessions inspired by ancient pottery and mosaics.

Dr. Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool said:

“We are thrilled to be hosting a packed season of events in collaboration with acclaimed authors, academics and well-known figures in the world of Classics, to delve even further into the world of ancient life and mythology.

“Our Return of the Gods exhibition at World Museum has been immensely popular since we opened, and proves that the enduring fascination with the myths and legends of ancient times shows no signs of stopping. Stories of heroism, rivalry, jealousy and adventure continue to capture the imagination of all ages and we are so pleased to be playing a part in bringing that to life for visitors through our incredible collections.”