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CALL. 23.10.2016: Religious space and topography of the Cyclades, 8th century BCE to 8th century CE.



FECHA LÍMITE/DEADLINE/SCADENZA: 23/10/2016


FECHA CONGRESO/CONGRESS DATE/DATA CONGRESSO: 25-26-27/05/2017


ORGANIZADOR/ORGANIZER/ORGANIZZATORE: Rebecca Sweetman ; Erica Morais Angliker


INFO: web - rs43@st-andrews.ac.uk ; erica.morais.angliker@access.uzh.ch


CALL:


Throughout their history the Cycladic islands have played a central role in the communication networks of the Eastern Mediterranean; in some respects this is reflected in the desires of the larger surrounding powers (Athenians, Persians, Ptolemies) to control them for their location and resources. Such a view somewhat distracts from the more complex interactions that existed within and between the Cyclades themselves which are probably best represented by the rich variety of religious spaces in the islands. When viewed from the perspective of the islands themselves, the diachronic history of the topography of sanctuaries reveals for some a more conscious intention of development that goes beyond simply religious veneration. Furthermore, scrutiny of local cult sites adds to the complexity of control within such contrasting landscapes. Central to most religious sites was the undertaking and in some cases, the accomplishment of the journey. Different landscapes formal or otherwise, natural, enhanced or built, embellish the journey helping to create more intense experiences. The variety of religious spaces in different landscapes; from easily accessible coastal ones to more secluded rural sanctuaries, reflect interrelated cultural terrains for communication and interaction on regional and supraregional networking contexts. As residents and visitors moved through the sea- and land-scapes to reach these cult sites, network connections were made and different social functions and meanings were articulated; from control of land to community identity to connecting people. The aim of this workshop is to bring together scholars working on networks and religion, particularly in the Cyclades, with a view to understanding how the movement to places and their topography shaped the foundations of cult sites, as well as their development and functions over time. By including all the Cycladic islands within a period from the 8th century BC to the 8th century CE, the range and scope will enable an enhanced diachronic view of the functions of religious spaces in the Cyclades and their contribution to a variety of levels of network connections. Under the broad topic of movement through religious landscapes, a range of topics will be addressed including:

• Cult site location: the journey and how it was defined. • Who were the pilgrims to the Cyclades and why did they travel? • Regional and local sanctuaries; interaction and reaction. • Religious space and island topography. • Creation and termination of religious networks. • Religious hubs and their growth. This workshop which will run under the Centre for Landscape studies, St Andrews will bring together European scholars working on a range of periods and theoretical approaches to cult sites, religious journeys, networks and the Cyclades. Invited scholars include: Dr Dimitris Athanasoulis (Ephor of the Cyclades) Dr Christy Constantakopoulou (Birkbeck University) Dr Yannos Kourayos (Director of Archaeological Museum, Paros) Dr Christina Televantou (Ephorea of the Cyclades) Professor Onno van Nijf, University of Groningen Dr Mantha Zarmakoupi (University of Birmingham) Call for papers If you are interested in offering a 20-minute paper, please send an abstract of up to 400 words by the 23rd October to both Rebecca Sweetman (rs43@st-andrews.ac.uk) and Erica Morais Angliker (erica.morais.angliker@access.uzh.ch)

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