The NHM Trial Series
The NHM Trial Series, established in 2013, has gained renown for its annual live courtroom-style debates centered around cases taken from Greek history and myth. Each Trial explores topics with ancient origins and modern implications. These unscripted events draw over 500 attendees, featuring arguments by top litigators before esteemed judges and a jury comprised of community leaders. Audience participation mirrors ancient Athenian justice, with attendees casting votes to decide guilt or innocence. Past Trials, including that of Antigone, the Parthenon Marbles, Socrates, and Pericles have garnered acclaim and even Emmy nominations.
2025 Trial Of Themistocles
Themistocles is one of ancient Athens’ most celebrated yet controversial figures, yet his life embodied life the tension between public service and personal ambition. He made Athens the world’s foremost naval power, and he was the supreme commander of the Battle of Salamis, the turning point in the Persian War. However, later, he was accused of betraying Athens to its greatest rival, Persia, when after the war he entered the service of the Persian King Ataxerxes I, the son of King Xerxes whom Themistocles had defeated at the Persian War.
2024 Trial Of Pericles
Pericles changed the Athenian Constitution to revoke the citizenship of those without two Athenian parents, claiming this was necessary to protect Athens from foreign influence. Many viewed his actions as tyrannical because citizens lost their civil liberties, including the right to vote. Now, it's up to you, the audience, to decide: Was Pericles a hero or a tyrant?
2023 Trial of Socrates
The Trial of Socrates has fascinated and troubled generations who have struggled to comprehend the death of one of history’s greatest philosophers at the hands of a lawful jury. Charged with impiety and corrupting the youth, Socrates’ pursuit of wisdom was seen as a threat to the survival of Athenian democracy. The Trial of Socrates invites us to consider anew the fragility of democracy, the limits of freedom, and the imperfection of human justice.
2020 Trial of Helen of Troy
Helen of Troy, “the face that launched a thousand ships”, has born the blame of the Trojan War, but is she a traitor or a victim? Helen was the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. Paris, a Trojan prince, was a guest in his home. By the end of the evening’s festivities, Helen and Paris were together on a boat bound for Troy.
