Talk

The Leonid and Justinianic Dynasties (‘the long sixth century’)

20 August 2025
7.30pm
£7.5

Curator Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews will be delving into the lives of emperors throughout the ages in this series of talks.

Curator Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews will be delving into the lives of emperors throughout the ages in his series ‘The Roman Empire from Caesar to collapse’.

In the East, Leo I founded a short-lived dynasty; after the death of his son-in-law Zeno, the elderly Anastasius undertook important reforms and was succeeded by Justin I, whose dynasty lasted until Maurice was executed by Phocas.

In the West, a succession of increasingly weak emperors reigned until the child Romulus was deposed in 476 by Odoacer, who refused the title of emperor and sent the imperial regalia to Zeno, acknowledging him as his overlord. Justinian I’s attempt to reconquer the West foundered partly for financial reasons and partly from the effects of Plague.

  • Wednesday 20 August, 7.30pm

£7.50 per person

Doors open 15 minutes before the start of this event.

Purchase through the ticket link or drop into the museum and pay at the welcome desk. Places are limited so buy in advance to secure your place.

Email: northhertsmuseum@north-herts.gov.uk for more information

Tel: 01462 474554

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Visitor information

Address

North Hertfordshire Museum

Brand Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1JE
01462 474554

Free to all

Opening times

Museum: Tue-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm, Sun 11am-3pm

Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays

Nb. The cafe closes one hour before the museum

Hitchin Town Hall: Mon - Fri, (Closed Bank holidays)

You are welcome to bring your dogs provided they are well behaved and on a lead.

Refurbishments

North Hertfordshire Museum opened in 2019. We have four galleries for you to visit: downstairs explore the Discovering North Hertfordshire Gallery, which deals with the history of the district from geological times to the present day, and our Exhibition Gallery, with a range of exhibitions, from fine art to exhibitions aimed at children (past shows include Rembrandt etchings, Diane Arbus photos and Camden Town paintings, as well as The BFG in Pictures, The World of Peter Rabbit and The Tiger who came to Tea). Upstairs discover how people’s lives have changed over time in the Living in North Hertfordshire Gallery. The Terrace Gallery displays items from our football collection, our world cultures collection, a taste of our art collections, as well as local suffrage. You can watch animations of folklore tales and view local artworks in the Arches Gallery, part of the Terrace Gallery. Our museum shop sells books, gifts, and souvenirs, and we have a good cafe serving a variety of food, and hot and cold drinks. Admission is free.

Visitor information