HST 319 Cultures of Imperial Power Hits a Wall

29/10/2008

This October the class had a chance to see the London Review of Books debate on walls. Three panellists discussing various walls (Hadrian’s, The Berlin Wall, and the new Israeli construction) had an opportunity to assess the political, military and historical significance of each object. The session was followed by a question and answer period. The visit reflected part of the class’s focus on the legacy and significance of imperial power. While Hadrian’s Wall was interpreted as an act of aggression and statement of Roman imperial intent, the Berlin Wall by contrast was seen as an East German defensive reaction. Discussion on the Israeli Wall focused on how people managed to circumvent it, as well as its various political meanings.

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