The Baron Thyssen Centre for the Study of Ancient Material Religion (The Open University) has announced some upcoming events.
The Baron Thyssen Centre for the Study of Ancient Material Religion is based in the Department of Classical Studies at The Open University. The Centre supports research into the material, visual and other sensory aspects of ancient religions, focusing primarily on the Greek, Etruscan and Roman worlds. Collaboratively, we explore the sacred objects, bodies and rituals of classical antiquity, addressing such topics as votives, magic, oracles, cult statues, pilgrimage, places and sacred healing. We work with art and archaeology, but we also look beyond these conventional ‘homes’ of ancient material religion, drawing on the methods, tools and perspectives of literature, philology, philosophy, classical reception studies and digital humanities. Our aims are (1) to support the systematic study of how ancient religion happened in and through material things, and (2) to bring this ancient evidence into productive dialogue with the debates and scholarship on material religions in later historical periods, right up to the present day.
All events will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Further information and booking details can be found on the Events page of the Centre’s website at the following link: https://www.
The Gods at Home: Cult Images in Context in the Roman Empire – A Seminar by Dr Philip Kiernan – Online – Monday 7th December 5pm-6pm (UK time/GMT)
Place – A Discussion with Dr Claudia Moser, Dr Jessica Hughes and Dr Emma-Jayne Graham – Online – Wednesday 10th February 2021, 5pm To 6.30pm (UK Time/GMT)
Objects – A Discussion with Dr Eva Mol, Dr Eleanor Betts, and Dr Emma-Jayne Graham – Online – Wednesday 24th February 2021 – 5pm To 6.30pm (UK Time/GMT)
Bodies – A Discussion with Tulsi Parikh, Professor Phil Perkins, and Dr Emma-Jayne Graham – Online – Wednesday 10th March 2021 – 5pm To 6.30pm (UK Time/GMT)
Divinity – A Discussion with Professor Robin Osborne, Professor Graham Harvey, and Dr Emma-Jayne Graham – Online – Wednesday 24th March 2021, 5pm To 6.30pm (UK Time/GMT)
Magic – A Discussion with Dr Stuart McKie, Adam Parker, and Dr Emma-Jayne Graham – Online – Wednesday 14th April 2021 – 5pm To 6.30pm (UK Time/BST)
