Articles by author: Brock University

  • ‪Fascinating link between weather and assassinations of Roman leaders confirmed

    Wednesday, November 29, 2017 | By

    MEDIA RELEASE: 29 November 2017 – R00225

    In times of drought in ancient Rome, leaders looked to the sky — but according to a professor at Brock University, they should have been watching their backs.

    Cornelius Christian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, will give a public talk Thursday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. describing his findings on the relationship between rainfall and the assassination of Roman emperors. His presentation is part of the ongoing Department of Economics Speaker Series.

    By examining weather, agricultural output, political stability and economic well-being in the pre-industrial society of ancient Rome, Christian was able to confirm a pattern of political violence in times of drought.

    “One mechanism that explains our finding is that Germanic tribes outside the Roman Empire face starvation in the midst of low rainfall,” says Christian. “They raid across the frontier to find food, causing political instability in the process. This instability hastens the emperor’s demise.”

    Ancient Rome isn’t the only period of history that interests Christian. His work on weather and witch trials in Scotland was recently featured on The Economist’s blog.

    Christian, who completed his doctorate at Oxford and began teaching at Brock this year, was first drawn to economics because of his love for history.

    “The great stories of history often have underlying economic causes. The research is ultimately about storytelling — using data, statistics and elegant economic concepts,” he says.

    “And, to be honest, I just think it’s fun. Who wouldn’t want to study assassinations of Roman emperors?”

    What: Droughts of Dismay: Rainfall and Assassinations in Ancient Rome

    Who: Brock University Assistant Professor of Economics Cornelius Christian

    When: Thursday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.

    Where: Brock University WH202

    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

    Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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    Categories: Media releases

  • Sold-out crowd to hear Roméo Dallaire address mental health on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

    Tuesday, November 28, 2017 | By

    MEDIA RELEASE: 28 November 2017 – R00224

    Chris Lytle knew there would be community interest in a speaking engagement by Lieutenant General, the Honorable Roméo Dallaire, but even he was surprised by the demand for tickets.

    All of the free tickets to Dallaire’s talk Friday, Dec. 1 at Brock University have now been taken, which is good news to Lytle, the event organizer and Brock’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) co-ordinator.

    “I think it’s fantastic. It really speaks to the fact that people are interested in hearing Romeo speak,” Lytle said.

    Dallaire’s talk will take place in Sean O’Sullivan Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Friday as Brock marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

    Appointed as commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda, Dallaire was witness to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where it’s estimated that between 500,000 and one million people were killed in the span of 100 days.

    Dallaire now lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has become an internationally known advocate for human rights.

    “This is a high-powered talk that will allow us to reanalyze what we think discrimination means,” Lytle said. “This will likely result in many conversations afterward and that’s why I wanted to do this.”

    Those attending Dallaire’s talk Friday night are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be collected at the door for Community Care.

    What: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities

    Who: Lieutenant General, The Honorable Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d)

    When: Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.

    Where: Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Brock University

    Tickets: Event is now sold out

    For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

    * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

    Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

    – 30 –

    Categories: Media releases

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