Matthew A. Byron, assistant professor of history at Young Harris College in Georgia will give a talk titled “Sporting Masculinity: Concepts of Gladiators and Gender in the Roman Games” on Thursday, April 12, at 3 p.m. in the Kline Hospitality Suite at Coastal Carolina University’s Brooks Stadium. The event is free and open to the public.

In the 1st century B.C., Roman gladiators reached their peak in popularity, battling each other as well as wild animals in front of large crowds. Although detested as slaves, gladiators were often praised for their courage, spirit, fortitude and perseverance. The sport was an essential aspect of Roman life from both a political and social standpoint, and has been a prevalent theme in history and art ever since.

Byron joined the Young Harris faculty in 2010 after receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. He earned a master’s degree from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. His areas of expertise include the Roman Empire and United States history, with a special emphasis on honor culture and violence.

The event is sponsored by the Clark Chair in History at CCU. For more information about the event, contact Amanda Brian, assistant professor of history, at 843-349-6653.