Herakles in the Antipodes: the Greek Hero as World Traveler

Herakles in the Antipodes: the Greek Hero as World Traveler

The Broadhead Classical Lecture 2026

Herakles was the only Greek hero whose Labours and other adventures took him from one end of the Mediterranean to the other. As far as we know, he did not reach New Zealand, though Christchurch artist Marian Maguire has often placed him in a New Zealand landscape, confronting his Māori peers. Thanks to the efforts of 20th century scholars, Classical collections in Christchurch and Dunedin house a rich assortment of vases featuring Herakles. The free public lecture explores how these vases contribute to the ongoing discussion of the hero’s life and works, his death and apotheosis.

Professor Alan Shapiro is W. H. Collins Vickers Professor of Archaeology Emeritus of Johns Hopkins University and is the author of numerous publications on Greek vase painting. He was the Professor of Classics at the University of Canterbury from 1992 to 1996.

The Broadhead Classical Lecture

The Broadhead Classical Lecture is a public lecture in memory of Professor Henry Dan Broadhead (1889-1967) who was on the academic staff of the Department of Classics at what was then Canterbury University College (1915-1954). Professor Broadhead is known principally for work on Latin prose rhythm and Greek Tragedy, his magisterial edition of Aeschylus’ Persae (Cambridge University Press, 1960, re-issued in paperback in 2009) remains highly regarded. The lecture is possible due to a gift by Mrs Hilda Broadhead, made in memory of her husband.

This FREE public talk is one of a series presented by the Department of Classics at the University of Canterbury, with the support of the UC Teece Museum. Seats are limited, so registrations are essential.

WHEN: Thurs 1 Oct, 6pm. Doors open at 5.45pm.
WHERE: Recital Room, Ground floor, UC Arts city location, 3 Hereford St.
REGISTER: https://events.humanitix.com/public-talk-herakles-in-the-antipodes

Image: JLMC 42.57, black figure amphora, attributed to the Group E Painters, mid 6th century BCE