CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE SESSION #26 – “INTERTWINED PASTS”:
EAA 2025 BELGRADE (3-6 SEPTEMBER)
EMPOWERING HEIGHTS: THE IMPACT OF HUMAN AGENCY ON ANCIENT UPLAND SANCTUARIES BETWEEN NATURE AND RITUAL
This session aims to examine the significance and functions of upland sanctuaries in ancient civilizations, with a particular focus on – but not limited to – Etruscan-Italic, Greek, and Roman examples. The discussion will address the ways in which they were integrated into the broader socio-political and economic structures of their respective cultures, as places where collective memory was both created and sustained. These sites, frequently situated on mountain peaks, but not limited to them, played a pivotal role in a multitude of contexts extending beyond the purely religious. Consequently, they have been inadequately addressed in a multitude of scenarios. The exception to this seems constituted by the case of Minoan peak sanctuaries. The analysis of the spatial distribution and ritual practices associated with these sanctuaries, in addition to an exhaustive examination of the archaeological evidence, including artifacts and structural remains, are among the anticipated outcomes. Both the artifacts and the landscapes surrounding these sanctuaries retain their significance over time becoming an integral part of our heritage. The principal objective is to identify the defining characteristics of an upland sanctuary. In what circumstances might it be appropriate to adopt an emic or an ethic perspective? Can common patterns of development be recognized in these sanctuaries, despite the unique characteristics of each culture? What characteristics do these sanctuaries possess? What can be said about the rituals performed at these locations? Can specific societal layers be identified? What were the functions of upland sanctuaries within the social and political structures of ancient communities? How were natural landscapes integrated into the religious and mnemonic discourse of these sanctuaries?
For information, you can contact the session organizers: Dr. Aura Piccioni, Universität Trier (piccioni(at)uni-trier(dot)de); Marianna E. S. Negro, M.A. University of Cambridge (mesn2(at)cam.ac(dot)uk); Laura Sarli, M.A. Universität Trier (laurasarli1994(at)gmail(dot)com)
Submissions open: 20th December 2024
Deadline for submissions: 6 th February 2025
Format: Hybrid
Guidelines for Contributions from the EAA Belgrade Meeting 2025 internet site: https://www.e-a-a.org/EAA2025/Programme/Papers%20and%20Posters/EAA2025/Programme_tabs/Contributi ons.aspx?hkey=b7494f1c-68d2-4536-9c48-d846b0b66592; https://www.e-a-a.org/EAA2025/EAA2025/Programme_tabs/Guidelines.aspx (please, check also in the case of different accepted languages) The Session Organizers Aura Piccioni Marianna Negro Laura Sarli
The Session Organizers
Aura Piccioni
Marianna Negro
Laura Sarli