A fresh look at an ancient legend
On 7 October 2026, Museo L’Iber in Valencia will host the presentation of «Dido, Queen of Carthage», the historical novel by Isabel Barceló Chico that brings to life one of antiquity’s most fascinating women. The author, a finalist for the Valencian Literary Criticism Awards, re-examines the myth of Dido—also known as Elissa—to recount her journey from Tyre to the shores of North Africa, where she founded Carthage, and her tragic encounter with Aeneas, immortalised by Virgil in the Aeneid.
This new edition invites readers to rediscover Dido’s story from her perspective: not just as a queen and founder, but as a woman, leader, and symbol of resistance. The novel explores themes of power, ambition, love, and betrayal, challenging the traditional narrative that has relegated Dido to a secondary role in her own legend.
The presentation: conversation and context
The event, starting at 19:30, will feature Isabel Barceló, who will discuss the intricacies of her work, the historical research behind it, and the importance of reclaiming female voices in classical narratives. Admission is free, but the museum’s capacity is limited, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
For those unable to attend on 7 October, the museum has scheduled a second session on 21 October, also at 19:30, with the same format and content.
