With the rise of post-colonialism during the latter part of the twentieth century, more focus has... more With the rise of post-colonialism during the latter part of the twentieth century, more focus has been given to non-western perspectives (the so-called nativist turn). In the case of Indian Ocean trade during the early first millennium CE, the view that ‘Roman’ merchants and sailors were the near-exclusive movers of goods, who were also (indirectly) responsible for commercial developments within South Asia, has largely fallen into abeyance. Rightly, the agency of those in South Asia has been acknowledged. The present article goes beyond this basic premise and considers how we can assess evidence demonstrating the role played by sailors and merchants from South Asia. In particular, it is suggested these merchants and sailors played an important role in connecting the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal regions.
democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn some... more democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn somewhere, but the endpoint of 322/1 BCE should not be taken as an indication of the cessation of Athenian democratic decree-making in the fourth century, since many decrees were passed under the restored democracies of 319/18 and 307/6 (and, one should note, by the intervening oligarchic regimes). It is left to future studies to connect L.’s findings with the evidence from the Hellenistic Athenian democracy, with which there is considerable continuity from the late classical period (see, e.g., J. Miller, ‘Euergetism, Agonism, and Democracy: The Hortatory Intention in Late Classical and Early Hellenistic Athenian Honorific Decrees’, Hesperia 85 [2016], 385–435, the Hellenistic evidence of which is briefly noted by L. at Vol. 2, p. 127 n. 64). One can and should compare decree practices of other cities, too (see now F.R. Forster, Die Polis im Wandel. Ehrendekrete für eigene Bürger im Kontext der hellenistischen Polisgesellschaft [2018]). But these are merely further suggestions to the interested reader, not criticisms of L.’s considerable accomplishment. It is an exciting time to be working on the decrees of the Greek city-states, in no small part due to the contribution reviewed here.
democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn some... more democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn somewhere, but the endpoint of 322/1 BCE should not be taken as an indication of the cessation of Athenian democratic decree-making in the fourth century, since many decrees were passed under the restored democracies of 319/18 and 307/6 (and, one should note, by the intervening oligarchic regimes). It is left to future studies to connect L.’s findings with the evidence from the Hellenistic Athenian democracy, with which there is considerable continuity from the late classical period (see, e.g., J. Miller, ‘Euergetism, Agonism, and Democracy: The Hortatory Intention in Late Classical and Early Hellenistic Athenian Honorific Decrees’, Hesperia 85 [2016], 385–435, the Hellenistic evidence of which is briefly noted by L. at Vol. 2, p. 127 n. 64). One can and should compare decree practices of other cities, too (see now F.R. Forster, Die Polis im Wandel. Ehrendekrete für eigene Bürger im Kontext der hellenistischen Polisgesellschaft [2018]). But these are merely further suggestions to the interested reader, not criticisms of L.’s considerable accomplishment. It is an exciting time to be working on the decrees of the Greek city-states, in no small part due to the contribution reviewed here.
The Archaeology of Knowledge Traditions of the Indian Ocean World, 2021
Cobb, M. A. 2021: ‘Conceptualising the Far West: Early Chinese Notions of Da Qin and the Indian ... more Cobb, M. A. 2021: ‘Conceptualising the Far West: Early Chinese Notions of Da Qin and the Indian Ocean Trade’, in Himanshu Prabha Ray (ed.), The Archaeology of Knowledge Traditions of the Indian Ocean World. London and New York: Routledge, pp. 56–78.
Inter duo Imperia: Palmyra between East and West, 2020
International and inter-regional trade has long been recognised as a major facet of Palmyrene eco... more International and inter-regional trade has long been recognised as a major facet of Palmyrene economic life, leading some to even refer to Palmyra as a “caravan city”. The city’s location by the Tadmor Oasis near the edge of the Syria Desert left it quite well-placed to act as a conduit between Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks and the markets of the Eastern Mediterranean. This commercial activity is evidenced by a rich array material finds, such as pearls, agate/carnelian beads and silks (particularly from tombs), as well as by a few dozen inscriptions that refer to the successful arrival of camel caravans. These inscriptions, in particular, underlie the importance of connections with sites in central (Babylon, Seleucia and Vologesias) and southern Mesopotamia (Spasinou Charax and Forat), where imports from India, southern Arabia and beyond could be acquired. A few of these inscriptions even indicate that some Palmyrene merchants sailed directly to regions like “Skythia” (northwest Indian subcontinent).
Given the importance of the traditional Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks, it may perhaps be surprising to find that some Palmyrene merchants eschewed these traditional routes in favour of the Egypt-Red Sea branch of the Indian Ocean trade. The aim of this paper is to explore why this might have been the case. In order to do this, the discussion is split up into three major sections. The first considers the available evidence for Palmyrene participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade routes and whether there are any major phases for this activity. The second section considers whether evidence for Palmyrene presence at certain sites in southern Arabia and on the island of Socotra may relate to Egypt-Red Sea or Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks. The third section analyses the potential “push” and “pull” factors which may have encouraged participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade.
Studies on Roman participation in the Red Sea trade have tended to focus on wider geopolitical ev... more Studies on Roman participation in the Red Sea trade have tended to focus on wider geopolitical events such the unification of the Mediterranean world or the Antonine Plague to explain fluctuations in the level of activity. While such external factors are an important consideration, it would be a mistake to not also consider in tandem more localised developments in the Eastern Desert and Red Sea region. To this end, the aim of this paper is to explore the impact that the indigenous populations of this region had on the operation of the trade during the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
With the rise of post-colonialism during the latter part of the twentieth century, more focus has... more With the rise of post-colonialism during the latter part of the twentieth century, more focus has been given to non-western perspectives (the so-called nativist turn). In the case of Indian Ocean trade during the early first millennium CE, the view that ‘Roman’ merchants and sailors were the near-exclusive movers of goods, who were also (indirectly) responsible for commercial developments within South Asia, has largely fallen into abeyance. Rightly, the agency of those in South Asia has been acknowledged. The present article goes beyond this basic premise and considers how we can assess evidence demonstrating the role played by sailors and merchants from South Asia. In particular, it is suggested these merchants and sailors played an important role in connecting the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal regions.
democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn some... more democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn somewhere, but the endpoint of 322/1 BCE should not be taken as an indication of the cessation of Athenian democratic decree-making in the fourth century, since many decrees were passed under the restored democracies of 319/18 and 307/6 (and, one should note, by the intervening oligarchic regimes). It is left to future studies to connect L.’s findings with the evidence from the Hellenistic Athenian democracy, with which there is considerable continuity from the late classical period (see, e.g., J. Miller, ‘Euergetism, Agonism, and Democracy: The Hortatory Intention in Late Classical and Early Hellenistic Athenian Honorific Decrees’, Hesperia 85 [2016], 385–435, the Hellenistic evidence of which is briefly noted by L. at Vol. 2, p. 127 n. 64). One can and should compare decree practices of other cities, too (see now F.R. Forster, Die Polis im Wandel. Ehrendekrete für eigene Bürger im Kontext der hellenistischen Polisgesellschaft [2018]). But these are merely further suggestions to the interested reader, not criticisms of L.’s considerable accomplishment. It is an exciting time to be working on the decrees of the Greek city-states, in no small part due to the contribution reviewed here.
democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn some... more democracy within the chronological boundaries set by the author. Limits must always be drawn somewhere, but the endpoint of 322/1 BCE should not be taken as an indication of the cessation of Athenian democratic decree-making in the fourth century, since many decrees were passed under the restored democracies of 319/18 and 307/6 (and, one should note, by the intervening oligarchic regimes). It is left to future studies to connect L.’s findings with the evidence from the Hellenistic Athenian democracy, with which there is considerable continuity from the late classical period (see, e.g., J. Miller, ‘Euergetism, Agonism, and Democracy: The Hortatory Intention in Late Classical and Early Hellenistic Athenian Honorific Decrees’, Hesperia 85 [2016], 385–435, the Hellenistic evidence of which is briefly noted by L. at Vol. 2, p. 127 n. 64). One can and should compare decree practices of other cities, too (see now F.R. Forster, Die Polis im Wandel. Ehrendekrete für eigene Bürger im Kontext der hellenistischen Polisgesellschaft [2018]). But these are merely further suggestions to the interested reader, not criticisms of L.’s considerable accomplishment. It is an exciting time to be working on the decrees of the Greek city-states, in no small part due to the contribution reviewed here.
The Archaeology of Knowledge Traditions of the Indian Ocean World, 2021
Cobb, M. A. 2021: ‘Conceptualising the Far West: Early Chinese Notions of Da Qin and the Indian ... more Cobb, M. A. 2021: ‘Conceptualising the Far West: Early Chinese Notions of Da Qin and the Indian Ocean Trade’, in Himanshu Prabha Ray (ed.), The Archaeology of Knowledge Traditions of the Indian Ocean World. London and New York: Routledge, pp. 56–78.
Inter duo Imperia: Palmyra between East and West, 2020
International and inter-regional trade has long been recognised as a major facet of Palmyrene eco... more International and inter-regional trade has long been recognised as a major facet of Palmyrene economic life, leading some to even refer to Palmyra as a “caravan city”. The city’s location by the Tadmor Oasis near the edge of the Syria Desert left it quite well-placed to act as a conduit between Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks and the markets of the Eastern Mediterranean. This commercial activity is evidenced by a rich array material finds, such as pearls, agate/carnelian beads and silks (particularly from tombs), as well as by a few dozen inscriptions that refer to the successful arrival of camel caravans. These inscriptions, in particular, underlie the importance of connections with sites in central (Babylon, Seleucia and Vologesias) and southern Mesopotamia (Spasinou Charax and Forat), where imports from India, southern Arabia and beyond could be acquired. A few of these inscriptions even indicate that some Palmyrene merchants sailed directly to regions like “Skythia” (northwest Indian subcontinent).
Given the importance of the traditional Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks, it may perhaps be surprising to find that some Palmyrene merchants eschewed these traditional routes in favour of the Egypt-Red Sea branch of the Indian Ocean trade. The aim of this paper is to explore why this might have been the case. In order to do this, the discussion is split up into three major sections. The first considers the available evidence for Palmyrene participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade routes and whether there are any major phases for this activity. The second section considers whether evidence for Palmyrene presence at certain sites in southern Arabia and on the island of Socotra may relate to Egypt-Red Sea or Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks. The third section analyses the potential “push” and “pull” factors which may have encouraged participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade.
Studies on Roman participation in the Red Sea trade have tended to focus on wider geopolitical ev... more Studies on Roman participation in the Red Sea trade have tended to focus on wider geopolitical events such the unification of the Mediterranean world or the Antonine Plague to explain fluctuations in the level of activity. While such external factors are an important consideration, it would be a mistake to not also consider in tandem more localised developments in the Eastern Desert and Red Sea region. To this end, the aim of this paper is to explore the impact that the indigenous populations of this region had on the operation of the trade during the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
International & Multidisciplinary Conference 8-10 May 2017, University of Wales Trinity Saint Dav... more International & Multidisciplinary Conference 8-10 May 2017, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, Wales, U.K. Call for papers: “Re-Thinking Globalisation in the Ancient World” is a three-day international and multi-disciplinary conference that aims to explore approaches to the theme of ‘globalisation’ across the ancient world, c. 500 BCE to 700 CE, from a methodological, cultural, and economic perspective. Methodological issues relating to the theme of ‘globalisation’ will be analysed in different contexts, notably the application of this concept in different regions and different periods of the ancient world. For example, one can scrutinise such a concept in the multi-ethnic Seleukid Empire, study concepts of local identities in the ‘global world’ of the Roman Empire or Ancient China, consider concepts like ‘Mediterranisation’ and ‘Oikoumenisation’, or explore interaction and cultural exchange between the Roman world, Africa, Southern Asia and China. We are inviting papers that will broadly fit one or more of the following themes for any region across the ancient world and from any disciplinary perspective. • Globalisation in Antiquity – a valid approach? • Empires and the concept of Globalisation • Migration and diaspora • Shaping local identities in a ‘global world’ • Individual and regional responses to globalisation across the ancient world • The Indian Ocean and the movement of goods, ideas and peoples See facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/globallampeter/) and website for further information. Contact details: • Assoc.-Prof. Ralph Haeussler (r.haeussler@uwtsd.ac.uk) • Dr Matthew Cobb - m.cobb@uwtsd.ac.uk
The period from the death of Alexander the Great to the rise of the Islam (c. late fourth century... more The period from the death of Alexander the Great to the rise of the Islam (c. late fourth century BCE to seventh century CE) saw a significant growth in economic, diplomatic and cultural exchange between various civilisations in Africa, Europe and Asia. This was in large part thanks to the Indian Ocean trade. Peoples living in the Roman Empire, Parthia, India, and Southeast Asia increasing had access to exotic foreign products, while the lands from which they derived, and the peoples inhabiting these lands, also captured the imagination, finding expression in a number of literary and poetic works.
This book provides a range of chapters that explore the economic, political and cultural impact of this trade on these diverse societies, written by international experts working in the fields of Classics, Archaeology, South Asian studies, Near Eastern studies and Art History. The three major themes of the book are the development of this trade, how consumption and exchange impacted on societal developments, and how the Indian Ocean trade influenced the literary creations of Graeco-Roman and Indian authors.
Academics, students, and those with a general interest in world history alike should find this book of interest. In particular, those whose research focuses on antiquity, as well as scholars working on later periods of Indian Ocean history, will find this work a valuable resource.
In Rome and the Indian Ocean Trade from Augustus to the Early Third Century CE Matthew Adam Cobb ... more In Rome and the Indian Ocean Trade from Augustus to the Early Third Century CE Matthew Adam Cobb examines the development of commercial exchange between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean worlds from the Roman annexation of Egypt (30 BCE) up to the early third century CE. Among the issues considered are the identities of those involved, how they organised and financed themselves, the challenges they faced (scheduling, logistics, security, sailing conditions), and the types of goods they traded. Drawing upon an expanding corpus of new evidence, Cobb aims to reassess a number of long-standing scholarly assumptions about the nature of Roman participation in this trade. These range from its chronological development to its economic and social impact.
25th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists
Bern, 4-7 September 2019
DEADL... more 25th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists Bern, 4-7 September 2019
DEADLINE: 14 February 2019, 23:59 CET
Session Abstract: Recent research has made clear that complex connectivities between communities go back a long time, and that the body of theories we call Globalization studies can add a lot to the understanding of the ancient world. The word globalization defines processes of increasing connectivities that unfold and the consequent social awareness of those same connectivities. The theoretical frame implemented by scholars to understand present day globalization is then a precious tool in the archaeologist’s box. Studying ancient globalization implies a network approach which overcomes a territorial model centred on the ideas of domain and borders. Globalizations paved the way to transculturality, which should be understood as those cultural conditions characterized by permeation and intermingling. The Archaeology of Globalization includes methodological issues that are valid when applied to different historical periods and areas of the globe. The purpose of this session is to provide new insights into interconnections and interactions among regions of the ancient world. Key issues include the development of complex trade networks, the spread of religions, the diffusion of global fashions, the migration of technologies, the involvement of public and private initiatives, the inset of multiculturalism, interculturalism and transculturalism. This session aims at prevent the Archaeology of Globalisation from becoming paradigmatic, and it will highlight strength and weaknesses of the current approach. The Archaeology of Globalization is a current trend and several scholars are working on related topic around the globe even if a real dialogue is lacking. Embracing new theories, elaborating new approaches, ancient globalization can now be studied using new optics, without isolating local contexts from the global network, and adding to the theoretical debate beyond disciplines boundaries. This session will strengthen the understanding of issues and geographies that don't fit into existing divisions of academia, developing new practices, approaches, and opportunities.
Call for papers / posters (after EAA website) How to submit a contribution: Proposing an oral or poster contribution can only be done via online submission form available at https://submissions.e-a-a.org/eaa2019/. Current and past EAA members can log in using their EAA credentials (EAA ID, username, password). For assistance with retrieving credentials, please contact the EAA Secretariat at helpdesk@e-a-a.org. Make sure that all personal information is up-to-date before submitting your proposal. Please do not create a new account in case you had one in the past! New members need to sign up for EAA account first at www.e-a-a.org. You will find your EAA ID in your profile (under Membership > My EAA Membership, when signed in at EAA website). As presenter (first = main = presenting author), you can either pay your membership fees upon signing up or at any time before 24 April 2019 when registering for the Annual Meeting at www.e-a-a.org/eaa2019/registration. Please note that eventually all Annual Meeting delegates must be current EAA members (paid-up for 2019) and pay conference registration fee. Call for contributions ends on 14 February 2019, 23:59 CET. After this date the session organisers and the Scientific Committee will evaluate all contributions and sessions and decide whether the contribution is accepted, rejected, recommended for revision or suggested for different session then submitted to. Following the evaluation by both session organisers and the Scientific Committee, the EAA Secretariat will announce accepted contributions before 26 March 2019.
Abstract of the Session presented at the 25th Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologis... more Abstract of the Session presented at the 25th Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) in Bern (September 4-7, 2019).
List of Papers - From the Field to the Globe: The Archaeology of Globalization Strengths and Weaknesses of a Growing Discipline (S. Autiero) - Globalisation, the Highest Stage of Modernisation? (D. Nappo) - Archaeology of Globalization: A Retrospective View of the Indian Ocean Past and Implications for the Present (S. Gupta) - Galvanising Global Networks: The Use and Significance of Indian Ocean Goods in Ptolemaic Egypt and the Pre-Roman Mediterranean (T. Wilkinson) - Mediterranean Goods in an Indian Context: The Use of Transcultural Theory for the Study of the Ancient Indian Ocean World (M.A. Cobb) - “The Indian Figurine from Pompeii as an Emblem of East-West Trade in the Early Roman Imperial Era” (L. Weinstein) - Bronzization, the globalisation of Bronze Age in Afro-Eurasia (T.T. Daroczi) - Glocalization, Power, and Resistance: The Late Bronze Age in the Northern Levant (M. Montesanto) - Bronze Age Globalisation and Later Jōmon Social Change (M. Hudson – I. Bausch) - Some Theoretical Approaches to Studying Gender in Gandhara Art (A. Lakshminarayan) - Development of Early Christian Architecture: Kosovo Case (Z. Hoxha) - Pottery Decoration as Resistance: The Effects of Eurocentric Capitalism in Enslaved Production (M.R. Manfrini)
Globalization and Transculturality from Antiquity to the Pre-Modern World. London: Routledge, 2022
This chapter provides a framework for the use of globalization and related theories in archaeolog... more This chapter provides a framework for the use of globalization and related theories in archaeology and history. Starting with an historiographical overview of how the terms globalization, transculturality and glocalization developed, the chapter goes on to consider how these concepts have been employed by historians and archaeologists and their relations to other theoretical models. While heavy emphasis is placed on the cultural dimensions of globalization, its intersection with economic factors is also an important point of discussion. Not least because the long-distance movements of people, goods and ideas is a fundamental aspect of globalization. The salient point is that economic and cultural dimensions are considered in conjunction with each other.
In the early centuries CE, the Roman state attempted to monitor, tax and protect traders and trav... more In the early centuries CE, the Roman state attempted to monitor, tax and protect traders and travelers crossing the Eastern Desert (against the potentially dangerous barbaroi). These traders were operating from sites like Berenike and Myos Hormos, key ports for the Red Sea branch of the Indian Ocean trade. Conversely, during the course of the third century, this situation changed. The praesidia (small forts) lining these routes were abandoned, Myos Hormos ceased to operate, and activity at Berenike reached a low ebb. In the Late Antique period, there was a revival of activity, with more northerly ports like Clysma and Aila coming into prominence. Berenike also saw a revival, but who controlled this site remains less clear. Three possible scenarios are examined in this article. The first is that the Roman state was (in)directly in charge, perhaps through Christianized Saracen foederati. The second is that (a certain faction of) the Blemmyes were employed as foederati. The third is that the Blemmyes largely controlled Berenike and that traders were permitted to operate at the port under their sufferance. It is argued here that the latter two possibilities are now the most likely in light of recent archaeological and epigraphic discoveries.
Uploads
Papers by Matthew Cobb
Given the importance of the traditional Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks, it may perhaps be surprising to find that some Palmyrene merchants eschewed these traditional routes in favour of the Egypt-Red Sea branch of the Indian Ocean trade. The aim of this paper is to explore why this might have been the case. In order to do this, the discussion is split up into three major sections. The first considers the available evidence for Palmyrene participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade routes and whether there are any major phases for this activity. The second section considers whether evidence for Palmyrene presence at certain sites in southern Arabia and on the island of Socotra may relate to Egypt-Red Sea or Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks. The third section analyses the potential “push” and “pull” factors which may have encouraged participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade.
Given the importance of the traditional Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks, it may perhaps be surprising to find that some Palmyrene merchants eschewed these traditional routes in favour of the Egypt-Red Sea branch of the Indian Ocean trade. The aim of this paper is to explore why this might have been the case. In order to do this, the discussion is split up into three major sections. The first considers the available evidence for Palmyrene participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade routes and whether there are any major phases for this activity. The second section considers whether evidence for Palmyrene presence at certain sites in southern Arabia and on the island of Socotra may relate to Egypt-Red Sea or Mesopotamian-Persian Gulf trade networks. The third section analyses the potential “push” and “pull” factors which may have encouraged participation in the Egypt-Red Sea trade.
Call for papers:
“Re-Thinking Globalisation in the Ancient World” is a three-day international and multi-disciplinary conference that aims to explore approaches to the theme of ‘globalisation’ across the ancient world, c. 500 BCE to 700 CE, from a methodological, cultural, and economic perspective. Methodological issues relating to the theme of ‘globalisation’ will be analysed in different contexts, notably the application of this concept in different regions and different periods of the ancient world. For example, one can scrutinise such a concept in the multi-ethnic Seleukid Empire, study concepts of local identities in the ‘global world’ of the Roman Empire or Ancient China, consider concepts like ‘Mediterranisation’ and ‘Oikoumenisation’, or explore interaction and cultural exchange between the Roman world, Africa, Southern Asia and China.
We are inviting papers that will broadly fit one or more of the following themes for any region across the ancient world and from any disciplinary perspective.
• Globalisation in Antiquity – a valid approach?
• Empires and the concept of Globalisation
• Migration and diaspora
• Shaping local identities in a ‘global world’
• Individual and regional responses to globalisation across the ancient world
• The Indian Ocean and the movement of goods, ideas and peoples
See facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/globallampeter/) and website for further information.
Contact details:
• Assoc.-Prof. Ralph Haeussler (r.haeussler@uwtsd.ac.uk)
• Dr Matthew Cobb - m.cobb@uwtsd.ac.uk
This book provides a range of chapters that explore the economic, political and cultural impact of this trade on these diverse societies, written by international experts working in the fields of Classics, Archaeology, South Asian studies, Near Eastern studies and Art History. The three major themes of the book are the development of this trade, how consumption and exchange impacted on societal developments, and how the Indian Ocean trade influenced the literary creations of Graeco-Roman and Indian authors.
Academics, students, and those with a general interest in world history alike should find this book of interest. In particular, those whose research focuses on antiquity, as well as scholars working on later periods of Indian Ocean history, will find this work a valuable resource.
Bern, 4-7 September 2019
DEADLINE: 14 February 2019, 23:59 CET
Session Abstract:
Recent research has made clear that complex connectivities between communities go back a long time, and that the body of theories we call Globalization studies can add a lot to the understanding of the ancient world. The word globalization defines processes of increasing connectivities that unfold and the consequent social awareness of those same connectivities. The theoretical frame implemented by scholars to understand present day globalization is then a precious tool in the archaeologist’s box. Studying ancient globalization implies a network approach which overcomes a territorial model centred on the ideas of domain and borders. Globalizations paved the way to transculturality, which should be understood as those cultural conditions characterized by permeation and intermingling.
The Archaeology of Globalization includes methodological issues that are valid when applied to different historical periods and areas of the globe. The purpose of this session is to provide new insights into interconnections and interactions among regions of the ancient world. Key issues include the development of complex trade networks, the spread of religions, the diffusion of global fashions, the migration of technologies, the involvement of public and private initiatives, the inset of multiculturalism, interculturalism and transculturalism. This session aims at prevent the Archaeology of Globalisation from becoming paradigmatic, and it will highlight strength and weaknesses of the current approach. The Archaeology of Globalization is a current trend and several scholars are working on related topic around the globe even if a real dialogue is lacking. Embracing new theories, elaborating new approaches, ancient globalization can now be studied using new optics, without isolating local contexts from the global network, and adding to the theoretical debate beyond disciplines boundaries. This session will strengthen the understanding of issues and geographies that don't fit into existing divisions of academia, developing new practices, approaches, and opportunities.
Call for papers / posters (after EAA website)
How to submit a contribution:
Proposing an oral or poster contribution can only be done via online submission form available at https://submissions.e-a-a.org/eaa2019/. Current and past EAA members can log in using their EAA credentials (EAA ID, username, password). For assistance with retrieving credentials, please contact the EAA Secretariat at helpdesk@e-a-a.org. Make sure that all personal information is up-to-date before submitting your proposal. Please do not create a new account in case you had one in the past! New members need to sign up for EAA account first at www.e-a-a.org. You will find your EAA ID in your profile (under Membership > My EAA Membership, when signed in at EAA website). As presenter (first = main = presenting author), you can either pay your membership fees upon signing up or at any time before 24 April 2019 when registering for the Annual Meeting at www.e-a-a.org/eaa2019/registration. Please note that eventually all Annual Meeting delegates must be current EAA members (paid-up for 2019) and pay conference registration fee.
Call for contributions ends on 14 February 2019, 23:59 CET. After this date the session organisers and the Scientific Committee will evaluate all contributions and sessions and decide whether the contribution is accepted, rejected, recommended for revision or suggested for different session then submitted to. Following the evaluation by both session organisers and the Scientific Committee, the EAA Secretariat will announce accepted contributions before 26 March 2019.
List of Papers
- From the Field to the Globe: The Archaeology of Globalization Strengths and Weaknesses of a Growing Discipline (S. Autiero)
- Globalisation, the Highest Stage of Modernisation? (D. Nappo)
- Archaeology of Globalization: A Retrospective View of the Indian Ocean Past and Implications for the Present (S. Gupta)
- Galvanising Global Networks: The Use and Significance of Indian Ocean Goods in Ptolemaic Egypt and the Pre-Roman Mediterranean (T. Wilkinson)
- Mediterranean Goods in an Indian Context: The Use of Transcultural Theory for the Study of the Ancient Indian Ocean World (M.A. Cobb)
- “The Indian Figurine from Pompeii as an Emblem of East-West Trade in the Early Roman Imperial Era” (L. Weinstein)
- Bronzization, the globalisation of Bronze Age in Afro-Eurasia (T.T. Daroczi)
- Glocalization, Power, and Resistance: The Late Bronze Age in the Northern Levant (M. Montesanto)
- Bronze Age Globalisation and Later Jōmon Social Change (M. Hudson – I. Bausch)
- Some Theoretical Approaches to Studying Gender in Gandhara Art (A. Lakshminarayan)
- Development of Early Christian Architecture: Kosovo Case (Z. Hoxha)
- Pottery Decoration as Resistance: The Effects of Eurocentric Capitalism in Enslaved Production (M.R. Manfrini)