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Renske Janssen, MA is PhD Researcher at Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society

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LUCAS Explains #2: What would happen to Brexit negotiations if the EU put the Roman emperor Trajan in charge?

On January 31st, the United Kingdom formally left the European Union. Negotiations were, and continue to be, long and difficult. Could things have turned out differently? Renske Janssen explains how a Roman emperor might have approached the situation.

Renske Janssen • February 25, 2020

Curse and Comfort: Classics and the First World War

Can ancient texts be relatable to those who have just gone through the traumatic experience of armed combat? Well, according to some of the poets who composed their works during the First World War they can – while others suggest that they really can’t.

Renske Janssen • January 30, 2020

The Crux of the Matter: The Truths and Fictions of Crucifixions

How did Roman crucifixions work? And did medieval artists depict the Crucifixion accurately? An ancient historian and a medievalist combine forces to shed their light on matters of the cross.

Lieke Smits and Renske Janssen • October 17, 2019

Digging Deeper

Why spend your summer digging and carrying dirt? Because it’s both educational and incredibly worthwhile, that’s why. Renske Janssen talks about participating in the Kinneret Regional Project’s excavations at Horvat Kur (Israel).

Renske Janssen • October 25, 2018

Napoleon’s stolen sea monster: repatriating cultural objects

When it comes to repatriating cultural objects, even an ancient sea monster has trouble swimming upstream

Nynke Feenstra and Renske Janssen • February 08, 2018

Dancing on Ruins: Rome’s political afterlife

Vast and powerful, the Roman Empire has always been used as a parallel for modern politics. These days, however, Rome might just need a PR-campaign.

Renske Janssen • August 31, 2017

Who’s with me? Cultural Identity and the Alexandrian riots of 38 CE

Disputes about cultural identity can be traced throughout history. In the first century C.E., Alexandria was one of the most diverse, multicultural cities of the Roman Empire. In 38 CE large-scale riots broke out between Greek and Jewish Alexandrians.

Renske Janssen • April 27, 2017

The Emperor’s New Laws

Research has a habit of catching up with you everywhere and anywhere.

Renske Janssen • September 15, 2016