Recent Work on the Cults of Boeotia: Archaeology, Epigraphy, and History
A conference organized by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Boeotia
4–6 December 2023, Athens
As we approach thirty years since Albert Schachter completed his foundational study Cults of Boiotia (1981–1994), new evidence and innovative approaches encourage a reconsideration of how religious activity shaped life in ancient Boeotia. Recent finds have emerged from rescue work, surveys, and excavations that contribute additional data that both build upon and challenge Schachter’s work. At the same time, projects centered on re-examining old finds have proven equally fruitful. It is certainly not an exaggeration to say that some of the most exciting epigraphic discoveries of the last decade have emerged from Boeotian storerooms. We invite proposals that address new archaeological or epigraphic discoveries and the intersections of cult with regional politics and identity, from the end of the Bronze Age through the Byzantine period. We encourage approaches that incorporate scientific analyses or cross-disciplinary approaches. Papers addressing one or more of the following topics are most welcome:
- How did the Boeotians construct and experience sacred spaces?
- What have we learned in the past thirty years about Boeotian votive practices?
- In what ways did gender, sexuality, and social status limit or foster shared religious experiences?
- How did ritual activity contribute to regional identity?
- How did religious cults support/resist centralized structures of power?
- To what extent can we observe continuity/discontinuity in religious cults?
The conference will prioritize papers that present material from recent excavations or previously unpublished finds, new epigraphic interpretations, and novel historiographical approaches as they relate to the cults of Boeotia. Please send a title and short abstract (up to 200 words) for a 15–20 minute presentation in English or Greek to CultsofBoeotia@gmail.com no later than 15 September 2023.
Applicants will be notified by 15 September 2023. Questions may be sent to the organizers, Brendan Burke, Bryan Burns, Kyriaki Kalliga, Evi Tsota, Trevor Van Damme at the above email address.
