Many cities in antiquity had intra-, sub- and extra-urban sanctuaries and/or sacred places. What kind of rituals were performed there, how, when and why? Votive material, iconographic sources, inscriptions and historical sources may cast light upon the relation between town and country. The influence of cities on isolated sanctuaries (e.g. Oropos, Gravisca) will also be analyzed, further the function and character of processions and games (e.g. Olympia, Athens, Rome).
Admission requirements
BA degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology or a relevant discipline.
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.
Learning objectives
Profound reflection and discussion on the role of ritual in the past and today, the shaping of ethnicity and identity;
Is able to critically view the role of ritual in a multidisciplinary approach;
Is able to critically use and apply theoretical approaches on archaeological data connected with rituals;
Academic skills:
Is able to voice the pro’s and contra’s of the different theoretical approaches;
Is able to critically analyze recent literature with respect to the role of ritual and the shaping of ethnicity and identity;
Is able to voice one’s own well argumented opinion on the role of ritual and the shaping of ethnicity and identity in discussion with colleagues, in a presentation and in a essay;
Is able to critically assess the different presentations;
Is able to write analytical essays on this subject.
Method of instruction
Seminar.
Examination
Student presentation and essay (10 pp.).
Required reading
T. Insoll, _Archaeology, Ritual, Religion. _London/New York. 2004.