Since time immemorial bees have enchanted and perplexed human beings. From Mesopotamia to Mexico bees have figured in the ritual and mythology of the world's most vibrant cultures. Egyptian Pharos, Renaissance popes and nineteenth century emperors have all chosen the modest insect as their emblem, while the hive itself has been seen as a model of everything from the ideal democracy to the ecclesiastical hierarchy, to the perfect urban dwellings. In ancient times bees supported mankind from birth to death; honey served as a tax, an offering, a propitiation and a libation, it was daubed on the lips of newborns and preserved corpses after death. Predating both bread and wine it was man’s first sweetener and first intoxicant. Being both antiseptic and antibacterial it was also essential in medicine, cosmetics, preservation and contraception. Virgil and the Bees will look at the social history of beekeeping, exploring the myths and misconceptions, the products of the hive and the history of the apiary.

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This ticket costs £8 for both sessions or you may purchase a ticket for individual sessions, costing £5 via the links below.

Attendees will be sent a Zoom link 2 days prior to the start of the talk, and again a few hours before the talk. A link to the recorded session (available for 1 week) will be sent shortly afterwards.

Due to a recent Apple decision to charge a 30% fee for paid online events unfortunately you may no longer be able to purchase this ticket from the Eventbrite iOS app. Please use a web browser on desktop or mobile to purchase or follow the link here.

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Week 1. 7 June. The Song of Increase: First in a series of 2 online lectures, £5 each or both for £8.

Week 2. 14 June. The Celestial Gift: Second in a series of 2 online lectures, £5 each or both for £8.

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