Maria Nousias Zamanakos, Alexandria Zamanakos and Alice Fleury Zamanakos Endowed Lectureship in Hellenic Studies

The Zamanakos Endowed Lectureship in Hellenic Studies is an annual lecture to be held on behalf of the Hellenic Studies Program of UMass Lowell.

The Hellenic Studies Program is dedicated to forging partnerships between the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Hellenic-American community of the Greater Merrimack Valley. This annual lecture shall provide a forum for those interested in the historical and cultural contributions made by Greece and the Hellenes around the world. The program is committed to bringing the best in intellectual and cultural events to Lowell to further that goal.

"1956 is Greek to Filmmakers:" Recreating the Ancient Battlefield in Cold War Hollywood

Konstantinos P. Nikoloutsos.

Konstantinos P. Nikoloutsos, Professor, Department of History, Saint Joseph’s University

  • When: Thursday, March 26, 2026
  • Lecture: 6-7 p.m.
  • Reception: 7-8 p.m.
  • Where: Coburn Hall 255

Free and open to the public.

This lecture examines the sociohistorical conditions that led to the emergence of Greek antiquity as a cherished theme in American cinema during the early Cold War years. It traces Hollywood’s fascination with armed conflict in the classical world and explores how cinematic re-creations of ancient warfare reflect, and refract, the geopolitical tensions of the modern era.

For more information, contact Assistant Professor Jane Sancinito, Department of History, UMass Lowell by email: Jane_Sancinito@uml.edu, .

Sponsored by the UMass Lowell History Department and the Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS) Dean’s Office, with support from the Hellenic Cultural and Heritage Society of Lowell.

Learn more about previous Zamanakos Endowed Lectures.