INTERTWINED PATHE IMPACT OF HUMAN AGENCY ON ANCIENT UPLAND SANCTUARIES BETWEEN NATURE AND RITUAL
CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE SESSION #26 – “INTERTWINED PASTS”:
EAA 2025 BELGRADE (3-6 SEPTEMBER)
EMPOWERING HEIGHTS: THE IMPACT OF HUMAN AGENCY ON ANCIENT UPLAND
SANCTUARIES BETWEEN NATURE AND RITUAL
This session aims to examine the significance and functions of upland sanctuaries in ancient
civilizations, with a particular focus on – but not limited to – Etruscan-Italic, Greek, and Roman
examples. The discussion will address the ways in which they were integrated into the broader
socio-political and economic structures of their respective cultures, as places where collective
memory was both created and sustained. These sites, frequently situated on mountain peaks,
but not limited to them, played a pivotal role in a multitude of contexts extending beyond the
purely religious. Consequently, they have been inadequately addressed in a multitude of
scenarios. The exception to this seems constituted by the case of Minoan peak sanctuaries. The
analysis of the spatial distribution and ritual practices associated with these sanctuaries, in
addition to an exhaustive examination of the archaeological evidence, including artifacts and
structural remains, are among the anticipated outcomes. Both the artifacts and the landscapes
surrounding these sanctuaries retain their significance over time becoming an integral part of
our heritage. The principal objective is to identify the defining characteristics of an upland
sanctuary. In what circumstances might it be appropriate to adopt an emic or an ethic
perspective? Can common patterns of development be recognized in these sanctuaries,
despite the unique characteristics of each culture? What characteristics do these sanctuaries
possess? What can be said about the rituals performed at these locations? Can specific societal
layers be identified? What were the functions of upland sanctuaries within the social and
political structures of ancient communities? How were natural landscapes integrated into the
religious and mnemonic discourse of these sanctuaries?
For information, you can contact the session organizers: Dr. Aura Piccioni, Universität
Trier (
(
Submissions open:
20th December 2024
Deadline for submissions:
6th February 2025
Format: Hybrid
Guidelines for Contributions from the EAA Belgrade Meeting 2025 internet site:
https://www.e-a-
a.org/EAA2025/Programme/Papers%20and%20Posters/EAA2025/Programme_tabs/Contributi
ons.aspx?hkey=b7494f1c-68d2-4536-9c48-d846b0b66592; https://www.e-a-
a.org/EAA2025/EAA2025/Programme_tabs/Guidelines.aspx (please, check also in the case of
different accepted languages)