Following the rescheduling of the Jewish Culture Month event at the British Museum, the event that took place was a success of scholarship, learning, and historical exploration.
The Ancient History of Israel and Judah lecture took place at the British Museum, and what might have been remembered as a story about disruption instead became a story about public engagement with history at its heart.
The figures alone tell a compelling story. In addition to the sold out audience (through an open booking system), over 4,000 watched online through a livestream we added to the rescheduled event for greater reach. Far from diminishing interest, the rescheduling broadened the lecture’s reach, enabling thousands more people to participate in a thoughtful exploration of one of the world's most significant historical regions.
The lecture, delivered by Dr Paul Collins, Keeper of the Middle East at the British Museum, examined the historical and archaeological record of ancient Israel and Judah. Drawing on evidence from across the region, Dr Collins offered audiences a deeper understanding of the cultures, societies, kingdoms and empires that shaped the ancient Middle East.
For many attendees, this was not simply an academic exercise. It was an opportunity to engage directly with the evidence of history, to better understand the interconnected civilisations of the ancient Near East, and to explore the complex historical landscape from which some of the world's most influential religious and cultural traditions emerged.
At a time when contemporary events can often overshadow historical understanding, the lecture served as a reminder of the value of scholarship and informed inquiry. Museums have a unique role in society by providing a much-needed forum where people can encounter evidence, ask questions and deepen their understanding of the past. This event demonstrated that there remains a substantial audience eager to do exactly that.
The success of the lecture also highlights something encouraging about public interest in history. Thousands of people chose to spend their time learning about ancient kingdoms, archaeological discoveries and the development of early societies. In doing so, they demonstrated that there is a strong appetite for serious, evidence-based discussion of the ancient world.
The real legacy of this event is therefore not the circumstances that led to its postponement, but the knowledge that was shared with the now radically expanded audience that it reached.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE is the director of the British Museum
To get more from opinion, click here to sign up for our free Editor's Picks newsletter.