This colloquium is concerned with the production and use of classical texts before 1200. What did classical books look like in this period? Who were their readers? The papers shall evaluate the relationship between the demands by scholars and other readers for ancient texts, how they were presented on the page, and their production in a variety of intellectual contexts. The symposium focuses on the presence of the classical heritage, both Greek and Roman, in the Latin manuscript tradition.

The keynote lecture shall be given by Sten Ebbesen of the University of Copenhagen, a leading scholar of the history of Aristotelian reception in the Middle Ages. Other speakers include Mariken Teeuwen (Universiteit Utrecht), Rodney Thomson (University of Tasmania) and Irene O’Daly (Universiteit Leiden).

The papers shall be complemented by two displays of relevant material from the Leiden collections. The Universiteitsbibliotheek has a superlative selection of medieval classical manuscripts and the displays will provide a unique opportunity to view some treasures.

[Please note that Prof. Ebbesen’s paper (which is part of the Lieftinck lecture series) can be attended separately from the rest of the colloquium, and will be followed by a drinks reception. Those who wish to attend the keynote only are invited to join the colloquium guests during the afternoon coffee break (3:15-3:45 pm).]

10h30 : Coffee and Welcome

11h00 : Mariken Teeuwen (Utrecht University/Huygens ING) – Carolingian Scholarship on Classical Authors

11h45 : Irene O’Daly (Leiden University) – Diagrams and the Transmission of Roman Rhetoric

12h30 : Display of manuscripts related to the morning lectures & lunch (not included in colloquium)

14h15 : Rodney Thomson (University of Tasmania) – William of Malmesbury and the Latin Classics

15h15 : Coffee Break

15h45 : Sten Ebbesen (University of Copenhagen) – How a Few Manuscripts Made a Big Difference – The Aristotelian Revolution of the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries

16h45 : Book launch: Writing in Context (Leiden University Press) 

17h00 : Drinks & display of manuscripts related to the afternoon lectures