SUMMER SCHOOL
History & Culture of the Ancient World
Monday 5 — Friday 9 January 2026
Spend a week exploring the spectacular and fascinating world of the ancient Greeks and Romans, at the ninth annual Hellenic Museum Summer School presented by Dr Christopher Gribbin.
Anyone is welcome at this series of relaxed, informative and entertaining short courses. Participants can choose to enrol in one, two, three or all four of this year's subjects, with a discount when you enrol in all. Each course consists of 5 sessions over 5 days, delivered in person or online.
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FREE TALK: Myth and Religion in Ancient Cyprus
11AM Sun 30 November | In-person or online
Get a taste of Summer School at this free talk with Dr Christopher Gribbin, exploring the magic of ancient Cyprus through its various religious sites and fascinating myths. Reserve your free spot today.
Explore courses on offer in 2026
Overview
Daily Schedule (AEDT)
In 2026, the Summer School is offering four short courses. Each course consists of five sessions over five days, which can be attended in-person at the Hellenic Museum or online via Zoom (recordings are available to all students afterwards). Participants can enrol in any number of courses, with a discount for those who purchase a Four Subject Multi-Pass.
10.00–11.00
Travel in the Ancient World
City, Town & Country in Ancient Greece
Understanding Greek Society with Aristotle
Ancient Greek Religion
15.00–16.00
11.30–12.30
13.30–14.30
Meet the presenter: Dr Christopher Gribbin
Dr Christopher Gribbin is a public historian, specialising in ancient Greece and Rome. He has a particular interest in understanding how people make sense of the world, whether through religion, philosophy, myth, art or architecture.
Christopher is an Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University and has also lectured at Melbourne and Monash universities. He founded the University of Melbourne’s Classics Summer School in 2002 and ran it for 15 years. He has run the Hellenic Museum Summer School since 2018.
Christopher is actively involved in bringing the ancient world to the community in a meaningful and entertaining way. He regularly talks to community groups, professional organisations and school groups. He has worked on special events with the Hellenic Museum, Humanities 21, the National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Museums. He has developed educational products with the ABC and the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria. He also records podcasts and leads cultural tours visiting ancient sites with Australians Studying Abroad.
He is well regarded as a clear and enthusiastic teacher who loves to share his passion about the ancient world with the community. Find out more about Christopher on his website.
