Oxford University Professor Peter Frankopan to Visit Vilnius University

On 23 October at 6 p.m., Vilnius University (VU) will host a meeting with Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History at the University of Oxford, in the Aula Parva Hall. The event, which will be held in English, will explore global historical processes, relations between East and West, and the role of Lithuania and the Baltic states in world history.

Peter Frankopan is Professor of Global History at the University of Oxford and Director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research. His internationally acclaimed book The Silk Roads, recently published in Lithuanian, has been translated into more than 25 languages. In the book, the author proposes a fresh perspective on relations between East and West.

The Baltic states are also among Professor Frankopan’s research interests. He is currently working on a new book that will also explore the history of this region. Lithuania and the historical Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth are important subjects of his research.

“My aim is to show that the less visible parts of Europe are essential to understanding not only European but also world history. Lithuania, its former state – the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth – and its historical role are among my research interests. I am interested in why it was successful for so long, what ultimately led to its decline, and what parallels can be found in other parts of the world,” Frankopan said in an interview.

The event will be moderated by Aidas Puklevičius.

The meeting will take place on 23 October at 6 p.m. in the Aula Parva Hall at Vilnius University. The event will be held in English, and admission is free.