Duel and Battle: The Unspoken History of Aboriginal Warfare

Did Aboriginal people live in harmony with the land and each other, as often portrayed? Inspired by the writings of Geoffrey Blainey, 'Duel and Battle: The Unspoken History of Aboriginal Warfare' uncovers a lesser-known history of frequent armed conflicts, duels, and battles among Aboriginal tribes. Drawing from first-hand accounts by early European settlers like William Buckley and Edward Stone Parker, this course reveals the brutal cycles of revenge, territorial disputes, and violent retributions that shaped Aboriginal life, and the devastating toll these conflicts had on Aboriginal populations. In addition, the course sheds light on the often-overlooked killings of Europeans by Aboriginal groups and head-hunters from the Torres Strait, further complicating the narrative of peaceful coexistence or the idea of being welcomed onto lands. By exploring these complex and often neglected aspects of Aboriginal warfare, participants will confront a reality that contrasts sharply with modern depictions. This course provides a nuanced understanding of the fierce conflicts that shaped both pre- and post-colonial Australia, offering insights into a history too often minimized in contemporary discourse.