more than glitter: ancient jewelry in greece and italy

February 7, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time

Presenter: Alexis Q. Castor

Location: Zoom (register here)

AIA Event Calendar Link: here

Gold necklaces, earrings and other jewelry made by ancient goldsmiths s􀆟ll a􀆩ract a􀆩en􀆟on today. Their expert manufacture, intricate detail, and lavish use of precious metal evoke images of glittering women and men, enriching our understanding of Greek and Etruscan costume. But what do we know about how and when men, women, and even children, used jewelry?

I will discuss how people of all ages wore personal ornaments as protective amulets against harm, to show badges of office, to enchant, and to display wealth. Jewelry also served as wearable wealth that could be melted down in times of crisis. We explore ways that jewelry functioned as bridal gifts, heirlooms, and even played a role in espionage.

Beyond the shimmer of metal, we will see that these ornaments served as a beautiful, practical form of personal wealth.

All presentations are free and open to the public.  Prior to the pandemic, most events were held on the campus of Wittenberg University.  We look forward to meeting there again as public health considerations permit.

Be sure to place your name on our email list to receive a reminder prior to each meeting. 

Currents and Commodities: How Oceanographic Effects Influenced the Prehistoric Colonization of Islands

April 5, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time

Presenter: Dr. Scott M. Fitzpatrick

For many island societies worldwide, the acquisition and exchange of prized resources was fundamental to developing and maintaining social, political, and economic relationships. The patchiness of resources like stone, clay, tempering agents, shell, and animals often led to differential access which then helped to fuel the rise of social complexity.  This presentation considers questions of resource acquisition as mediated by oceanographic and wind conditions, comparing results from archaeological projects in the Pacific and the Caribbean.

All presentations are free and open to the public.  Prior to the pandemic, most events were held on the campus of Wittenberg University.  We look forward to meeting there again as public health considerations permit.

Be sure to place your name on our email list to receive a reminder prior to each meeting. 

Working the Night Shift: Life After Dark in the Ancient World

Oct 7, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time

Presenter: Dr. April Nowell

Location: Zoom (register here)

As twilight settled in the ancient world, a host of activities ensued, some of which were significantly different from what people did during the daytime. Some artifacts, features, and buildings associated with these activities were particular to the dark, while other material culture was transformed in meaning as the sun set.

So much of our economic, social, and ritual lives take place at night and yet, until recently, relatively little archaeological research has been undertaken specifically on nocturnal quotidian practices. Many tasks are uniquely suited to the affordances of nighttime. Night is often quieter, and its darkness provides refuge from heat and offers freedom from surveillance and from the demands of the day.

In this talk, I consider those who worked the “nightshift” in ancient societies—from the hunters, agriculturists, sewage workers, and ironsmiths to the poets, navigators, and rebellion leaders. Drawing on archaeological data and textual evidence, I argue that nighttime in the ancient world was anything but sleepy.

All presentations are free and open to the public.  Prior to the pandemic, most events were held on the campus of Wittenberg University.  We look forward to meeting there again as public health considerations permit.

Be sure to place your name on our email list to receive a reminder prior to each meeting.