Dialogue between the West and East

Amid growing geopolitical tensions, scholars and the public are increasingly looking to the Late Antique period for insight and context. This remains one of the most influential periods in human history, offering powerful resonances with our challenging present. In Late Antiquity, we see empires in the East and West make significant contact; the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty dominated the Eurasian landmass, exchanging goods and ideas along the ancient Silk Roads to create a new sense of the world and a longstanding cultural confluence.

This event will foster a dialogue between the East and West, focusing on governance, religious practice, and material culture. This event will provide a space for comparative research and raises awareness of the cultural interdependence among ancient civilizations.

In addition to individual presentations, we will have the rare chance to discuss, exchange knowledge, and learn from one another through open inquiry regarding the relationship between the West and the East.

The one-day event will conclude with a concert. Inspired by the ancient Silk Road, this performance transcends geographical boundaries, weaving together diverse melodies and stories from across continents.