Secret Communication in Greco-Roman Warfare
By: 
Talk by Dr Martine Diepenbroek
Date: 
Thu, 06/02/2025 - 19:30
Venue: 
The Auditorium, Roedean School, 35 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg
Branch: 
Northern
Secret Communication in Greco-Roman Warfare
Talk by Dr Martine Diepenbroek
Date: Thursday, 6 February 2025 
Time: 19h30 
Venue: The Auditorium, Roedean School, 35 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown. 
Charge: Non-members: R50, members: free

Communication security seems like a modern topic to many. However, nothing is further from the truth. In ancient societies, like those of Greece and Rome, we can find dozens of examples of secret messaging and ways to trick one's enemy, especially in times of war. In this talk, we will explore some of the ways in which Greek and Roman generals tried to trick their enemies or to hide secrets from them. We shall explore the works of Aeneas the Tactician and Caesar, among others.
 
Dr Martine Diepenbroek is a Dutch Classicist and Ancient Historian. After completing a BA and MA in Classics and Ancient History at the Free University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam, she pursued her PhD in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Bristol (UK). Dr Diepenbroek currently works as a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Classical Cultures and Mythologies at the University of Johannesburg (South Africa). Her research focuses on communication security, secret messaging, and secret services in Greco-Roman warfare.