This lecture series focuses on ancient constitutional debates as a dynamic interplay between political theory, institutional practice and the contexts of everyday life. It explores their long-term relevance to the history of political ideas, political institutions and political order.
The starting point is the Greek term ‘politeia’: it refers not only to formal institutions, offices and procedures, but also to ways of life, norms, values, virtues, educational programmes and symbolic orders through which political communities are constituted in the first place. The constitution thus appears less as a mere ‘text’ than as a culturally, socially and materially embedded order, which is called into question in the face of possible alternatives and which proves its worth, changes and gains legitimacy through conflict.
Across 11 lectures, this lecture series explores how ancient concepts and issues – such as the common good, freedom, equality, citizenship, law, demagoguery and populism – continue to exert an influence through diverse lines of tradition right up to the present day and continue to shape our debates on a good political order.
The event is organised as a collaboration between the Chair of Political Philosophy, Theory and History of Ideas, held by Prof. Dr Eva Helene Odzuck, and the Chair of Ancient History, held by Prof. Dr Angela Ganter, in cooperation with the Centre for Classical Studies.
The lecture series is aimed at students of all disciplines as well as the interested general public.
From 21 October 2026, on Wednesdays, from 6 pm to 8 pm, in Lecture Theatre H22 at the University of Regensburg.
