A Tale of Two Princes: Constantine and Maxentius before 306 (original) (raw)
1. Katherine Prouting (The University of Queensland) Physical and Sexual Abuse in Athenian Lawcourt Speeches Domestic violence is a common topic in Athenian literature. Often writers or speakers introduced it to emphasise didactic statements or as a way to continue a story’s narrative. However, unlike other genres of Athenian literature, the analysis of domestic violence in Athenian legal speeches is underdeveloped. Domestic violence involves a person perpetrating acts against a victim in which there is a relationship. These acts are often categorised as physical abuse, such as hitting, slapping and kicking, and as sexual abuse, such as rape and non-consensual sexual acts. The Athenians responded to these complex phenomena through the overt and covert use of legal procedures. The latter provided a legal and rhetorical way to examine domestic violence. These procedures could deal directly with alleged domestic violence (e.g. the trauma ek poronias) or indirectly, as was the case with the dokimasia tōn rhētērōn (‘public scrutiny of speakers’). In this paper, I shall discuss how the Athenians used forensic speeches to discuss physical and sexual abuse, while contextualising these behaviours through modern studies of domestic violence that are applicable to the world of classical Athens. 2. Dr Kit Morrell (The University of Queensland) Talking about Laws in the Roman Republic Roman public discourse typically privileged tradition over innovation: ‘let no innovation be made contrary to the precedents and customs of the ancestors’, as Cicero put it in Pro Lege Manilia (60), summing up his opponents’ views. Yet, Roman lawmakers frequently did introduce significant innovations. The language of making and naming laws also suggests an attitude to innovation different from the rhetoric of mos maiorum (‘ancestral custom’). A vote in favour of a proposed law was precisely a vote for change: uti rogas (‘as you ask’), abbreviated to V on the voting tablet, as opposed to A for antiquo (‘I maintain things as they are’). Roman statutes were named for their proposers (lex Acilia, lex Julia, etc.), and it was a source of prestige to give one’s name to a new law. Even the inclusion of a so-called sanctio clause to try to prevent the repeal of a law anticipated further legislation in the future. This paper will consider what Roman ways of speaking and writing about laws might tell us about attitudes to lawmaking and innovation in the Roman republic. 3. Associate Professor Anne-Sophie Noel (École Normale Supérieure de Lyon/HiSoMA) What Can We Do with Objects in Greek Theatre? From Performance Studies to Thing Studies Material objects are now a well-established research topic in Greek tragedy. In the past decade, the most remarkable critical turn has been a shift from a performance-oriented interest to an ontological questioning. While the first generation of scholars investigated how objects participated, sometimes crucially, in the performance of Greek tragedy, the current generation is more interested in the ontology of objects, namely the set of defining properties that characterise their being in ancient plays, and, more widely, how non-human and human beings coexist in the ancient tragic Weltanschauung. This shift raises epistemological questions that have not been explicitly formulated. Moreover, a response to these ontological debates on the ‘life’ of objects has been to absorb and apply new theories: posthumanism and new materialisms are now deployed as new heuristic tools broadening classicists’s range of interpretative strategies. However, through a critical reading of Jane Bennett’s acclaimed 2010 opus, Vibrant Matter, I show how radical new materialist ideas – advocating for the non-human turn – clash with ancient Greek culture. The ancient, tragic materialism indeed grants a relational existence to objects, entangled with human bodies, emotions and cognition. 4. Lucile Myers (The University of Queensland) Celebrating the Transgressive: Charles Townley and the Collection of Intersex Sculptures in Eighteenth-Century Britain Few figures dominate the collection of antiquities in England in the eighteenth century like Charles Townley. Over the course of three tours of Italy, Townley and his agents acquired some of the most significant Graeco-Roman sculptures to enter Britain. Today, the Townley Marbles form an important part of the Greek and Roman Department of the British Museum. This paper focusses on one type of sculptures collected by Townley, namely his collection of sculptures of Hermaphroditus and other intersex divinities. These works included a recumbent nursing intersex sculpture, an ancient well-head decorated with scenes of sexual conquest, including the rape of an intersex youth, and a carved marble herm. I will detail what we know about the nature, provenance and acquisition of these sculptures. My paper also discusses the reasons for Townley’s collecting of them and the nature of their display in his collection. It contrasts his display practices with his contemporaries. Unlike other collectors, Townley did not attempt to minimise or hide the transgressive nature of this material. Instead, he used these sculptures as part of his own self-presentation to show his morally liberal leanings. In examining this aspect of Townley’s use of intersex sculptures, we can see the way in which the ancient world could be used to make explicit and validate non-normative moral positions. 5. Justin Pigott (The University of Auckland) “These Heaven-Bound Dung Beetles”: Late Roman Attitudes towards Slaves Entering the Clergy The fourth-century theologian Gregory of Nazianzus considered the entry of slaves and freedmen into the clergy as debasing the church, calling bishops drawn from slave stock ‘heaven-bound dung beetles’. Such sentiments were shared by the broader church hierarchy and imperial government of the day with council canons, episcopal rescripts and imperial laws all prohibiting the ordination of slaves. However, despite these proscriptions, the ordination of slaves was widespread. Indeed, on more than one occasion we find Gregory himself ordaining slaves. That we find such inconsistency is unsurprising. The act of slave ordination struck at the heart of tensions between traditional Roman social practice and the emerging Christian institution. By exploring the nature of such tensions, the post-Constantinian church’s opposition to slave ordination and the drivers that led men such as Gregory to ignore its prohibition, this paper seeks to provide fresh insight into the social contours of Christianisation. 6. Dr David Rafferty (The University of Adelaide) Revisiting Christian Meier’s Res Publica Amissa Christian Meier’s Res Publica Amissa, and especially the long introduction to its second edition of 1980, is the most theoretically sophisticated explanation of the collapse of the Roman republic that we possess. Yet, the book has not been translated into English and has made relatively little impact on Anglophone scholarship. It has belatedly become influential in German scholarship and has been a starting point for much of the recent work on Rome’s political culture. This paper will explore what we can gain from Meier’s work in the light of fifty years of detailed scholarship on the republic and recent work in Political Science that is theoretically similar. The simple concept of ‘crisis without alternative’ is only one of the riches that Meier’s approach offers. 7. Edward L’Orange (The University of Queensland) Far from Conservative: Athenian Religious Change in the Fifth Century BC Cleisthenes’s democratic reforms after 508/7 had a huge impact upon many aspects of Athenian politics and society. However, religion in Athens has often been viewed as a matter quite separate from the sphere of politics, with the common view being that the democratic revolution hardly affected polis-level religion at all. Students of the great Geoffrey de Sainte Croix – notably Robert Parker and Emily Kearns – have spearheaded this view, arguing that any religious changes brought about by Cleisthenes were conservative changes, simply continuing existing trends in state religion. According to their view, religious changes seen in the fifth century BC were a result, not so much of democracy, but of a natural progression in religious practice. This paper directly challenges this view of Athenian religious history. I will demonstrate that the reforms of Cleisthenes led to changes to polis religion that can be described only as rapid and quite profound. In little more than fifty years, Athenian democracy demonstrably changed the traditional priesthood and cult personnel as well as the financing of, and the participation in, religious cults and festivals. It also introduced state-based control systems into deme cults, and democratic ideals into distinctly religious settings. The reforms of Cleisthenes were thus a watershed in the history of Athenian polis religion.
2021
This conference had its genesis in casual conversations between colleagues from different departments in AAIA, CCANESA, CCWM (et al), united around the possibility of a joint outreach project in 2019. Initially, we had planned on running a short series of in-house workshops, but the interest in the topic of ancient historical women soon outgrew this aim. With the help and support of many colleagues at the University of Sydney, the project developed into an online international conference (with a little push from the global pandemic), representing many different research groups both at the University of Sydney and beyond. The response to our call for papers was enthusiastic and genuinely interdisciplinary. The breadth and diversity of scholarship is both stunning and humbling.
HARTFORD: BELKNAP AND HAMERSLEY, 1839
This super rare book by rev. Royal Robbins(1839) has Full volumes all in this book with each Volume having its own Contents in the first few pages of each Volume.... This 731 page book is very old and was written before allot of the Akkadian/Babylon findings in the Euphratic 2 River Valleys in the later years so forgive this author and always use "recent Scholarly papers and prominent scientists to researchers of our times and compare and just accept theses authors didn't have the luxury of how knowledge is spread today- Also don't be surprised if the Author uses a new Earth time ! The dates in the book are a whole lot different than our outlines in modern times hence this again is a word of caution and always research more into these topics with what you deem trustworthy in our age but don't fault the author bc the book(pub. In 1839!) still has tons to offers! This book was hard to locate(when I found it a few months back) and a known goal is to bring the Old treasures to light! If Your believer then always Trust in the Lord God AKA Yahweh and he will send the holy spirt to guide you on your Journeys into the The son of Yahweh the Messiah Yeshuah the Christos aka Jesus Christ always and amen and Godspeed! And On to the Volumes This comprehensive historical work covers not only the well-known civilizations of the ancient world, such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, but also delves into the histories of more obscure regions and peoples. It explores the early development of Assyria, Phoenicia, Lydia, and Carthage, offering insight into their unique contributions to military, religious, and cultural practices. Royal Robbins also examines lesser-known civilizations like the Medes and Lydians, and includes extensive accounts of the histories of China and the Canaanites, offering readers a rare glimpse into ancient societies often overlooked in modern history texts. Additionally, it provides a deep dive into the early Hebrews and their interaction with neighboring cultures, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East VOLUME 1 - The Introduction outlines the benefits to be expected from the study of history, the sources of historical knowledge, and a general division of history into ten distinct periods. Period I begins with the Antediluvian World, covering the history before the Great Flood, and includes an account of the distinguished characters from that era. Period II covers the events following the Deluge, with a focus on the history of Assyria and China, as well as biographical notices of prominent figures from these regions. This period also explores the history of the Hebrews, the Canaanites, Greece, and Egypt, with China and Egypt continuing from earlier accounts. Distinguished characters from these civilizations are also highlighted. In Period III, the narrative shifts to the history of the Israelites and continues with the Canaanites and Phoenicians. The history of Greece and Egypt is further developed, alongside accounts of Lydia and Italy. Distinguished characters from these cultures are included, providing a personal dimension to the broader historical narrative. Period IV continues the history of the Israelites and Greece, with a new focus on Macedon. The histories of Assyria, Egypt, and the Phoenicians are continued, along with an introduction to the history of Carthage. The developments in Italy are also extended from the previous period. As before, distinguished characters from these regions are featured. Finally, Period V delves into the rise of the Romans, alongside the ongoing history of Greece, the Israelites, and the Jews. This period includes the histories of Nineveh, Babylon, the Medes, Persia, and the Lydians, with Egypt's history continuing from previous periods. The lives and accomplishments of prominent figures from these civilizations are once again examined, offering a comprehensive view of the important historical figures who shaped the world. VOLUME 2 - pages 1-412 The Introduction opens with general remarks about the structure and scope of the book, followed by a general division of history into ten periods. Period I begins with the History of the Roman Empire, touching on the regions of Judea, Parthia, Persia, and China. This section highlights the political and cultural significance of each of these regions. Distinguished characters of the time are also discussed, providing insight into the notable figures who shaped these civilizations. In Period II, the History of the Roman Empire continues, along with a detailed exploration of Persia and China. The accomplishments and key events of these regions are expanded upon, along with a continuation of the distinguished characters who influenced the course of history. Period III focuses on the continued development of the Roman Empire and the emergence of the Kingdom of Italy. The histories of Persia, China, Spain, France, and England are covered in this section, each with their own set of distinguished characters who left a lasting legacy in politics, culture, and military affairs. Period IV shifts focus to the rise of the Arabs or Saracens and the Eastern or Greek Empire, while continuing the history of the Kingdom of Italy and the ongoing narratives of Spain and France. This period also features notable figures who played significant roles in the development of these regions. In Period V, attention turns to the History of the New Western Empire, with continued discussions on France, Italy, Spain, Germany, England, the Eastern Empire, China, and the Saracens. The period emphasizes the dynamic interplay between these regions and the notable characters who shaped their histories. Period VI covers the Crusades, which had a profound impact on both Eastern and Western civilizations. This section continues with the histories of France, England, Germany, the Eastern Empire, the Saracens, and China, highlighting the significant developments in each region and the individuals who drove these changes. In Period VII, the book delves into the History of the Turkish Empire and continues the histories of the Italian States, France, England, Germany, and China. This section also discusses the significant achievements of these regions, along with the lives of distinguished characters from various nations. Period VIII focuses again on the Turkish Empire, with additional emphasis on the Italian States, France, England, Germany, Spain, Holland, and America. Distinguished characters continue to be a key feature of this period, as the book outlines the influence of individuals in shaping the political and cultural landscapes of these nations. Period IX provides a comprehensive overview of France, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, the Turkish Empire, and the British Colonies in North America. The section also includes narratives on Russia and Sweden, detailing the historical significance of these regions and their notable figures. Finally, Period X covers the histories of Sweden, Prussia, Germany, Poland, Russia, England, France, the Italian States, Spain, the Netherlands, the Turkish Empire, China, Persia, India, the United States, and South America. Distinguished characters from each region are presented, offering a look into the individuals who played a crucial role in shaping the modern world. The General Views section discusses various overarching themes, such as the Feudal System, Chivalry, Romances, and Pilgrimages. It also delves into the manners and character of the Gothic or Scandinavian nations, as well as the development of Learning and the Arts. Further discussions are provided on Discoveries and Inventions, Incidents and Curious Particulars, and the present state of several nations in areas like Agriculture, Roads, Conveyances, Intercourse, Education, Trade, and Manufactures. Volume 3 -28 pages of more in depth questions (the first part is standard knowledge the next are on everything from relics to Monuments to coins to other arcane Questionss -(to state it simply bc I'm out of room on Academias limited room on abstracts! QUESTIONS ON OUTLINES OF MODERN HISTORY. BY REV. ROYAL ROBBINS. (To SEE? Scroll down on to he last Part of Book ) Tags : but not limited to - I. Ancient History, II. Modern History, III. Biography, IV. Geography, V. Politics, VI. Religion, VII. Military History, VIII. Naval Affairs, IX. Arts and Literature, X. Customs and Society, XI. Biblical History, XII. Near Eastern Studies, XIII. Egyptian History, XIV. Greek History, XV. Chinese Dynasties, XVI. Roman Empire, XVII. Canaanites, XVIII. Assyrian Empire, XIX. Phoenician Trade, XX. Hebrew Scriptures, XXI. Historical Figures, XXII. Cultural Exchange, XXIII. Early Civilizations, XXIV. Social Structure, XXV. Historical Events, XXVI. Ethnography, XXVII. Ancient Warfare, XXVIII. Oral Traditions, XXIX. Ancient Rituals, XXX. Historical Narratives, XXXI. Philosophical Thought, XXXII. Political Philosophy, XXXIII. Economic Systems, XXXIV. Religious Practices, XXXV. Ancient Literature, XXXVI. Civilizational Progress, XXXVII. Historical Geography, XXXVIII. Technological Innovations, XXXIX. Cultural Heritage, XL. Genealogies, XLI. Cultural Identity, XLII. Comparative History, XLIII. Historical Reflection, XLIV. Historical Context, XLV. Transition of Power, XLVI. Political Alliances, XLVII. Trade Routes, XLVIII. Historical Critique, XLIX. Historical Documentation, L. Political Dynamics, LI. Cultural Syncretism, LII. Societal Evolution, LIII. Historical Insights, LIV. Ancient Beliefs, LV. Influence of Geography, LVI. Cultural Symbols, LVII. Cultural Heritage Preservation, LVIII. Artistic Movements, LIX. Maritime History, LX. Genealogical Studies, LXI. Political Structures, LXII. Legacy of Empires, LXIII. Cross-Cultural Interactions, LXIV. Antiquities, LXV. Historical Patterns, LXVI. Historical Analysis, LXVII. Social Movements, LXVIII. Historical Reappraisal, LXIX. Societal Change, LXX. Legacy of Traditions, LXXI. Ancient System...
Research seminars in Classics and Ancient History are held on Fridays from 4 pm. The venue is room 219 of the Michie Building (building no. 9), which is located on the University's St-Lucia campus. Seminars 2-4 and 5 are being recorded. Their podcasts will be found at https://hapi.uq.edu.au/classics-and-ancient-history-seminar-listing. Each seminar is followed by a wine-and-cheese reception, which is made available through donations of $2 per person. The Friends of Antiquity, which is an alumni organisation of the University, runs its own series of public lectures, which take place on Sunday afternoons. The Friends's program for 2017 can be found at http://www.friendsofantiquity.org.au. All questions about the Discipline's seminars as well as offers of papers for 2 nd semester 2017 can be directed to Dr David M. Pritchard (d.pritchard@uq.edu.au or [07] 3365 5558).
SBL 2022 Conference Speaker in the Greco-Roman Religions Program Unit (Nov. 20, 2022) - Denver, CO
Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), 2022
I presented my paper, "Becoming ‘Monsters’? Paul’s Use of Dehumanizing Terms as Boundary Markers in Philippians," on Nov 20, 2022 for the Greco-Roman Religions program unit at the 2022 SBL Annual Meeting in Denver CO. Grateful to the co-chairs (Drs. Barbette Stanley Spaeth [College of William and Mary] and Maria Doerfler [Yale University]) for giving me the opportunity to present my research. From the Program Unit CFP: "Description: This unit is highly interdisciplinary and comparative, a forum regularly bringing together historians of religion, specialists in Christian origins, classicists, archaeologists, and social scientists from across the world to pursue questions that foster new cooperative research initiatives. Call for papers: We invite papers for the following sessions: 1. Materiality and Religion in the Greco-Roman World: on the “material turn” in the study of religion, including studies of amulets, clothing and cosmetics, cult architecture, the protection of doorways, funerary artifacts and spaces, the arrangement of altars and votives, iconic books, etc., that discuss matters of efficacy, agency, assemblage, human/thing interaction, and discursive reflections on object-agency. Papers should be explicit in their understanding of “materiality of religions.” 2. Sex, Embodiment, and Cult Spaces in Greco-Roman Antiquity: on embodied religious experiences associated with cult spaces, including pilgrimage, devotional behaviors, ritual performances, sacred prostitution, therapeutic practices. We welcome papers mapping processes of religious continuities and discontinuities, individual or collective conversions, transformations and reconstructions of places and space. 3. Encountering Monsters: Religious Interactions with the Monstrous in Greco-Roman Antiquity: on interactions with monstrous beings in the literature and material culture of ancient Mediterranean religions. We welcome papers exploring the place and function of a wide range of human and non-human monstrous entities in myth, cultic rites, apotropaic contexts, processes of identity construction, including mutation from/into human form, and other phenomena of relevance for Greco-Roman religions. 4. Remodeling the Motel of the Mysteries: Innovations in the Study of Secret Cults (joint session with the Society for Ancient Mediterranean Religions): on recent innovations in the study of mystery religions, including analyses of soundscapes, affective impact, social identities, network analyses, digital reconstructions of sacred spaces, the descriptions of mystery rites by the Church Fathers, the intersections of mystery cult with magical practices, and distinctions between Greek and Roman mystery rites."