Event Type: Branch

Takes Place: 11th March 2026

Time: 7.30

Venue: Science Lecture Theatre, Winchester College, Kingsgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9PF

Description: Strategy games such as Civilization, Age of Empires, or the Total War series can provide deep and complex explorations of history. They achieve this largely through their rules and mechanics, which create a model of the past which in turn represents an argument about historical forces. By playing these games, we can interrogate the arguments they represent. However, these games have numerous shortcomings, particularly when it come to the Middle Ages. They are bound by the restrictions of the genre and by audience expectations, and are simultaneously led by popular conceptions of the medieval world. This lecture considers the representation of medieval science and technology in strategy computer games. It highlights how the demands of the medium have led to a depiction of the period very much at odds with the popular 'Dark Ages', but which can be just as troublesome. It will also highlight some more interesting approaches to the period.

How to book: A zoom link will be available nearer the time.

Price: Free to members, £5 for visitors

Tel: 01962 852594

Email: historicalassocwinchester@outlook.com

Organiser: Winchester branch

Lecturer: Dr Robert Houghton, Senior lecturer in Early Medieval History,University of Winchester

Comments: More information will be available shortly.

Region: South-East England

Branch: Winchester