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A project led by classics experts is using objects from ancient Rome to imperial China, to shed light on sexuality in different times and cultures, and to help today’s young people to discuss sex and relationships. Swansea University is hosting a free talk about the project on Saturday 14 June.
The Sex and History project aims to help people of all ages – and especially young people – to talk more openly about the issues that really matter to them, by using objects from past cultures as a starting point for discussion.
Dr Jennifer Grove of the department of classics and ancient history at the University of Exeter, which leads the project, will be giving a talk at Swansea University at 3.30pm on Saturday 14 June. The talk is PG-rated.
Picture: Chinese ivory carving (Copyright Science Museum- Science & Society Picture Library)
Dr Evelien Bracke, an expert in classics at Swansea University, who has organised the talk, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Dr Grove to Swansea. She’ll be talking about the project and how it uses artefacts from the ancient world to tackle important but sensitive subjects.
The project is a great example of how studying the ancient world can enrich and enlighten us. It adds to our understanding of sexuality and relationships, issues that are as important today as they were thousands of years ago." 
Describing the project’s work with young people, Dr Jennifer Grove said:
"Exploring different cultural attitudes takes people outside themselves and their everyday concerns.
It brings fresh eyes to our own ideas, encourages us to think about our social norms and quite simply shows us that sex is nothing new and it’s OK to talk about it.
Intriguing images from history provide an arresting focus for discussions. It gives us a safe distance from sensitive subjects and allowing participants to bring in as little or as much about their own feelings and experiences as they feel comfortable with."
Picture: Roman terracotta lamp, 1st century AD. (Copyright Science Museum/Wellcome Collection).
• Dr Grove’s talk is from 3.30 to 4 on Saturday 14 June
• The venue is the lawn outside Singleton Abbey, Swansea University. Campus Map.
• The talk is free and open to all.
• No need to book; just turn up.
• Immediately before the talk, there is the first of this year’s Latin in the Park lessons. More information.
Picture: Students examine 18th century Chinese glass paintings (Copyright Sex and History Project).
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