Brownstone Midwest Supper Club, November 3, 2025: Indiana University Professor Colin Elliott

November 3, 6:30PM – 9:30PM

We are pleased to announce the next meeting of the Brownstone Midwest Supper Club on Monday, November 3, featuring Indiana University Professor Colin Elliott.

“After Charlie Kirk: Ancient Rome’s Lessons on Political Violence and the Death of Republics”
The assassination of Charlie Kirk was shocking not only because a man was killed for his political and religious beliefs, but because of the troubling revelation that many Americans believe such murders as justified and even worthy of celebration. Can anything be done to prevent the United States from entering a dark new period in which open factional violence becomes normalized? The ancient Roman Republic final phase offers stunning insights into how such embedded violence could play out. After the murder of political activist Tiberius Gracchus in 133 BC, some in Rome—including many senators—endorsed the killing. Despite opportunities to restore political stability, Rome’s elites failed to act, and in the decades that followed, cycles of violence grew increasingly frequent and intense. This chaos gave rise to dictators, warlords, and civil wars, ultimately leading to the permanent collapse of the Roman Republic.

About Professor Elliott:
Colin Elliott is a Professor of History at Indiana University, Bloomington, specializing in the Roman Empire’s economic, social and environmental history. He authored Pox Romana: The Plague that Shook the Roman World (Princeton, 2024) and Economic Theory and the Roman Monetary Economy (Cambridge, 2020). His next book, Tyrant & Gladiator: Commodus, Last Emperor of the Pax Romana (Princeton University Press), is a biography of the Roman Emperor Commodus. Elliott is also host of The Pax Romana Podcast—a podcast exploring the exciting stories and sources from Roman history. He teaches several popular courses at Indiana University, including ‘Ancient Leaders and Leadership’—a favorite of students of the Kelly School of Business. In 2020, his teaching earned the David and Cheryl Morley Career Distinguished Teaching Award—the College’s highest teaching honor for early career faculty.

Venue & Details
Lennie’s is a beloved Bloomington institution known for its warm atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and craft beer selection. For over 30 years, Lennie’s has been bringing people together over delicious food and drink in a setting perfect for meaningful conversation.

Location & Parking
Lennie’s is located at 514 E. Kirkwood Ave in the heart of downtown Bloomington, Indiana. Free parking is available after 5PM in the Indiana University Von Lee Parking Lot at the corner of Sixth and Dunn, and in the Indiana University Parking Lot #402 at 4th and Dunn. There is also metered parking (metered until 9PM) available on streets surrounding Kirkwood Avenue (Kirkwood is closed to traffic through November). Several parking garages are within walking distance.

Ticket Information
$50 per person includes a tasty buffet dinner and drinks. Space is limited so secure your spot now!

Accommodations
Excellent hotels within walking distance of Lennie’s:

• Grant Street Inn – A historic charming local inn
• Graduate Bloomington – A boutique hotel celebrating Indiana University’s heritage

For more information contact Joni McGary at jonimcgary@me.com. Please include “supper club” in the subject line.