The Hellenic Cultural Institute California Central Coast announces the First Annual Zavitsanos Invitational Lecture and Symposium, October 23, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Monterey Institute of International Studies, Irvine Auditorium, The McCone Building, 499 Pierce Street, corner of Jefferson Street, Monterey.

Internationally famous historian and social and political commentator, Dr. Victor Davis Hanson, will speak on: "Who Killed Homer? How Greek and Roman Classics Illuminate Our Current Crises."

Mr. Hanson's 15 books include such historical works as Warfare and Agriculture in Classical Greece and Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the Rise of Western Power, as well as such social and political analyses as An Autumn of War (on of the aftermath of 9/11), Mexifornia, A State of Becoming (immigration policy), and Who Killed Homer? The Decline of Classical Education and the Recovery of Greek Wisdom (education). Author of hundreds of articles, he frequently comments on history and social and political issues for PBS-Jim Lehrer News Hour, Talk of the Nation-National Public Radio, International Public Radio, C-Span, A & E-History Channel, The Learning Channel, The Wall Street Journal, Commentary, The Washington Times, The Daily Telegraph and The New York Times.

Nationally recognized as an outstanding teacher and public speaker, he is Professor of Classics at California State University-at Fresno and Senior Fellow of The Hoover Institution, Stanford University. In the words of one media critic, "Hanson is brilliant, erudite, passionate, provoking, high-minded, and incredibly well-informed about the toughest problems of our time."

For this exceptional event, The Hellenic Cultural Institute is joined by a growing number of local cultural and educational institutions as co-sponsors, including UC-Santa Cruz History Department-Classics Division, The Santa Catalina School, The York School, The Diocese of Monterey-Department of Catholic Schools, The John Steinbeck Foundation, and Hartnell College.The evening will begin with a social hour and refreshments, pass on to Hanson's talk, and continue with what will doubtless be a fascinating and passionate open discussion.

Because the event is a fund-raiser for the Institute, a modest donation is suggested. Information about tickets, suggested donation amount, and student, senior and military discounts will be shortly available. .