We Refugees: a trail on seeking refuge in the ancient world

Hannah Arendt’s essay – We Refugees – was published in 1943, after she and her family escaped to New York following the Nazi occupation of France. Arendt details the personal trauma of exile and forced migration and reads the refugee as a product of the limitations of the nation state. However, the exile, the émigré, the refugee, has a history much older than any particular mode of political organisation.

This trail, available during a special Saturday opening, traces one part of this history by looking back to Greece and Rome. It draws connections between the experience of the ancient refuge seeker and Arendt’s experience in twentieth century Europe, showing how these worlds are, in some ways, fundamentally different, and, in others, hauntingly similar.  

This trail is part of the Cambridge Refugee Arts Festival.

Accessibility

• The Cast Gallery is on the first floor.
• Unfortunately, our lift is currently our of order which means we are unable to provide step-free access at this time.
• There are seats scattered around the Gallery, which you are welcome to use and which can be moved. Please ask Museum staff for assistance if you require it.
• Find out more about Museum Access.
• Please contact us on 01223 330402 or email museum@classics.cam.ac.uk if you have any questions or concerns about accessibility.