Co-hosted by the CEAH and ISU Lectures, Dr. Robert Cargill (the Roger A. Hornsby Associate Professor in the Classics at the University of Iowa) will present his public lecture entitled “Ancient Origins of Religious Conflict." In this lecture, Dr. Cargill will discuss the ancient origins of several religious conflicts around the world, asking whether religion is indeed responsible for these conflicts, or whether other factors such as nationalism, ethnicity, politics, or socio-economic issues like trade and wealth distribution play a role in these conflicts. Particular attention will be given to the present war between Israel and Hamas, and the ongoing and historical tensions between Israel, Palestine and other regional players.