We are delighted to present this long awaited conference with Professor A B A leading authority on the Roman world, Prof. B will talk about his pioneering work on the administration of the Roman Empire, and most notably on the Vindolanda Tablets.
The Vindolanda tablets are along Britain’s and Northern Europe’s oldest surviving handwritten documents, offering unparalleled insights into life of Roman Britain, including the earliest known birthday party invitation written by a woman. Discovered in 1973 at the Roman fort of Vindolanda, they have transformed our understanding of the early Roman occupation of Britain and (military) life in Northern Europe.
We will hear how Professor B and his team enlisted the aid of medical imaging facilities of the Oxford University medical faculty to help in the task of deciphering the tablets.
This conference is organised in collaboration between Oxford Alumni, INRA and partners. It ties in with Camsoc-organised event with Professor Martin Millett 19 June, in an Oxbridge miniseries on Ancient History. Members of both societies are warmly invited to attend both events.
Venue: The Bowman Conference will take place in the large auditorium of Musée Dräi Eechelen, 5, Park Dräi Eechelen, L-1499 Luxembourg.
There is no need to sign up for the talk as there is free access.
AFTER THE TALK, the OUSL is fortunate to have the opportunity to continue the evening over dinner with the speaker for a limited number of guests. See details below.
DINNER: We have secured the nearby Restaurant Feierwon, for an exclusive post-conference dinner with Professor Bowman. The dinner is limited to 20-25 seats, so if you wish to join, do not hesitate to register.
Dinner Sign-up: Apéro, three-course menu with wine at €110/pp. Please write an email to Mette Ahlefeldt-Laurvig and Bob Kieffer
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Alan Bowman, Professor emeritus is a historian of the Roman empire with particular research interests in the documentary evidence from Egypt and northern Britain. Positions he has held include tutor in Ancient History at Christ Church, University of Oxford, Camden Professor of Ancient History and Principal of Brasenose College, President of the Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, Vice-President (Humanities) of the British Academy (elected Fellow in 1994).
So, to sum up:
Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Time: TALK : 18.30.
Dinner: c. 20.00
Venue for talk: Musee 3 Eecheleen, hosted by the National Museum.
Venue for Dinner (must be pre-booked): Restaurant de Feierwon, 6 Rue du Fort Niedergruenewald, 2226 Kirchberg, Luxembourg.
Organisers: INRA (organiser), /MNAHA(host)/OUSL(organiser)/University of Luxembourg OUSL (co-host) in cooperation with INRA (Institut national de recherches archéologiques)
