Seminar: What made the Greeks so anxious? | Dr Robert Nelson
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Speaker: Associate Professor Robert Nelson
Topic: What made Greeks so anxious?
This event is free and in-person only.
ABSTRACT
Why did the ancient Greeks, despite living with constant uncertainty and danger, have no concept of anxiety? In this thought-provoking seminar, Associate Professor Robert Nelson argues that while the Greeks had much to fear, anxiety as we understand it today emerged much later.
The seminar explores three key ideas: first, that anxiety did not exist as a concept in ancient Greece; second, that historically anxiety developed from a sense of care rather than fear, becoming more pronounced during the Christian era; and third, that anxiety is largely a Byzantine invention, as the doctrine of divine providence replaced the pagan idea of fate. While God’s grace is infinite, it also introduced a new sense of personal responsibility, repentance and accountability before a God who knows one’s conscience.
BIOGRAPHY
Associate Professor Robert Nelson is a Principal Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne. He trained in art history at La Trobe University, completing a Master’s degree in Baroque art and a PhD in Hellenistic art.
He taught in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at Monash University, where he served as Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies). His most recent book is A Visceral History of Bread: From First Nations Australia to Byzantium (Museum of Innocence, Mildura, 2023), and his forthcoming title with Routledge is Byzantium from the Inside Out. Robert was also art critic for The Age and scene painter for acclaimed artist Polixeni Papapetrou.
SPONSORS
During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice.
You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne.
Please email: [email protected] or call 03 9662 2722.
This event is part of the 2026 Greek History and Culture Seminars.
See the full 2026 program here: https://www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/2026-greek-history-and-culture-seminars/
Topic: What made Greeks so anxious?
This event is free and in-person only.
ABSTRACT
Why did the ancient Greeks, despite living with constant uncertainty and danger, have no concept of anxiety? In this thought-provoking seminar, Associate Professor Robert Nelson argues that while the Greeks had much to fear, anxiety as we understand it today emerged much later.
The seminar explores three key ideas: first, that anxiety did not exist as a concept in ancient Greece; second, that historically anxiety developed from a sense of care rather than fear, becoming more pronounced during the Christian era; and third, that anxiety is largely a Byzantine invention, as the doctrine of divine providence replaced the pagan idea of fate. While God’s grace is infinite, it also introduced a new sense of personal responsibility, repentance and accountability before a God who knows one’s conscience.
BIOGRAPHY
Associate Professor Robert Nelson is a Principal Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne. He trained in art history at La Trobe University, completing a Master’s degree in Baroque art and a PhD in Hellenistic art.
He taught in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at Monash University, where he served as Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies). His most recent book is A Visceral History of Bread: From First Nations Australia to Byzantium (Museum of Innocence, Mildura, 2023), and his forthcoming title with Routledge is Byzantium from the Inside Out. Robert was also art critic for The Age and scene painter for acclaimed artist Polixeni Papapetrou.
SPONSORS
During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice.
You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne.
Please email: [email protected] or call 03 9662 2722.
This event is part of the 2026 Greek History and Culture Seminars.
See the full 2026 program here: https://www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/2026-greek-history-and-culture-seminars/
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Where is it happening?
168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3000
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe Greek Centre
