History Lecture: Water as a Sacred and Secular Source in Antiquity

“We worship the sources of mighty rivers...we adore springs of hot water as divine, and consecrate certain pools because of their dark waters or their immeasurable depth.” (Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, first century AD). Water was one of the first renewable sources of power in the ancient world as well as a source of mystery, magic, and religion. Come learn how ancient Europe viewed bodies of water, from the sites of violent sacrifices to a source of power for highly effective factories. Children welcome! Lecture by historian Lauren A. M. Hammersen.

The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria VA 22314