Early Christians celebrated Christmas at the same time as the ancient Romans were feasting and partying for their pagan Saturnalia festival.
Many of the pagan habits were therefore absorbed into our Christmas traditions.
Present-giving, holly and even party-hats all have their origins in this 2,000 year old party.
This talk will revel in artwork that is ancient and modern as we un-wrap the images and stories behind our festive season.
Meet the Speaker
After graduating in Latin & Ancient History from Exeter University in 1983, Gillian Hovell spent several years working in BBC Television before moving to North Yorkshire where she began to throw herself(often literally) into archaeology and started an award-winning writing and public speaking career.
Styling herself as "The Muddy Archaeologist", she has been involved in various digs since 2003 and now co-leads the Nidderdale Iron Age archaeology project.