Konferenciafelhívás

European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) 2015 Meeting

Glasgow, 2-5 September 2015

Session Theme: Reconfiguring Identities

Phrygian identities, identifying Phrygia (Session ID RI24)

Organisers:

Catherine M. Draycott, Durham University/University of Liverpool

Yasemin Özarslan, Koç University

Prof. Hakan Sivas, Anadolu Üniversitesi

Over the past few decades the archaeology of Phrygia has seen important new developments. Explorations at Gordion, identified as the central seat of the Iron Age Kingdom of Phrygia have readjusted the stratigraphy, showing overlaps of Hittite and Phrygian period occupation, and dramatically moving the heyday of the site back to the 9th century BC.  Surveys at the same site are expanding understanding of the site’s limits and later occupation, while those in the Phrygian Highlands to the West have discovered new monuments from various periods. The discovery of Phrygian inscriptions and new sculptures at the site of Kerkenes Dağ east of the Kızılırmak River (the ancient Halys) has expanded the territory thought to have been occupied by Phrygian speaking groups.

Although new discoveries have been rich, however, so far there has been little overall consideration of approaches to Phrygia and Phrygian culture as larger concepts. Usually considered to be immigrants from the Balkans, who entered Anatolia at around the turn of the first millennium BC, this origin ‘myth’ sets up notions of ethnic purity and cultural contiguity that continue to inform Phrygian archaeology. Are Phrygians a ‘pure’ race? How does one identify ‘Phrygians’ and define ‘Phrygian culture’? Is it consistent and stable or does it change over time and space? How are definitions of Phrygia and Phrygians entangled with modern notions of national and ethnic identity?

This session invites speakers (established, early career and graduate students) to collectively address these and related questions. Papers may address theoretical approaches and problems in the identification and definition of ‘Phrygia’ and ‘Phrygians’; the concept of pan-Phrygian culture; and/or regional variations particular to local conditions, which nuance the term ‘Phrygian’.

Interested presenters should submit proposals for 20 minute-long papers online through the EAA website.

The language of the session is English. Please contact the organisers if you would like help with presenting in English.

The deadline for the online submissions is 16 February 2015.  Due to the online method of submission, late proposals unfortunately cannot be accepted.  

Notification of acceptance of papers will be on 10 April.  

Further information about the EAA 2015 Meeting can be found on the website.