Zócalo Public Square

Zócalo Public Square and the Getty Villa convened a panel of historians and classicists at the Villa in Malibu to discuss what lessons today's democracies can draw from ancient Greece and Rome. Los Angeles Times political writer Seema Mehta moderated the lively "Open Art" event, which focused heavily on one particular American demagogue—presumptive Republican party presidential nominee Donald Trump, but also touched on the demagogue value of presumptive Democratic party presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (low, but not for lack of trying) and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (high). Eric Robinson, a historian of ancient Greece and Rome, reminded the audience of one of history's most famous demagogues, Cleon, who stirred up Athens by breaking the rules of decorum to deliver fiery speeches. University of Florida classicist Victoria Emma Pagán reminded the audience that while Trump may seem shocking, his insults were nothing compared to what the Roman Cicero would hurl at his political opponents. Jennifer Merciec