New Publication: Ancient Disability and Technology

How did people in the Roman Empire manage disability? What role did tools, animals and other humans play in supporting impaired individuals in their daily lives?

We’re excited to share a compelling new contribution to the field of ancient disability studies. This paper explores how assistive technologies (ranging from instruments and animals to household members) were used to secure health and wellbeing in the ancient world.

With a thought-provoking lens, the author tackles questions that feel surprisingly modern:
🛞 Did wheelchairs exist in antiquity?
🐕 Were there guide dogs in the Roman Empire?
📣 How did people with hearing loss navigate their environment?

More importantly, the paper asks: to what extent did people identify with these aids, not just as tools, but as parts of themselves?

This article is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of ethics, identity and disability in ancient societies.

👉 Discover here the unexpected ways ancient people adapted—and thrived—with a little help.

🎙️ New Podcast: Beperkt maar Onbegrensd 🎧

History is full of stories about people with disabilities—but how were they treated in different eras? In Beperkt maar Onbegrensd ("Limited but Boundless"), three teachers-in-training from Karel de Grote hogeschool explore the lives of disabled people in antiquity, the Middle Ages and modern times.

Engaging, sharp and unafraid to challenge myths—this is history as it should be told. Listen now!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kCZxVX6HDDrIuPYtMt8lG?si=66cf900ae289407a&nd=1&dlsi=e6f3d38019fa4916

Introducing Caligula’s Madness, an Annotated Bibliography: 1856–2024

Misunderstood? Maligned? Or truly “mad”? Have you ever wondered if we can really diagnose the “madness” of ancient figures? We’re excited to announce a unique resource that dives into this very question: "Caligula’s Madness, an Annotated Bibliography: 1856–2024”

This project, supervised by Prof. Ray Laurence at Macquarie University, was inspired by the intrigue of retrospective diagnosis and the challenges of interpreting historical mental states. In an intense 13-week journey, a team of students scoured over 160 scholarly works, summarizing each in just 100 words to spotlight the wide-ranging theories and interpretations surrounding Caligula’s psychological profile.

Curious to see how academics from 1856 to the present day have tackled the “mad Caligula” question? Explore the bibliography and learn more about the project’s process here on Zenodo!

Upcoming Webinar: Keynote Lecture Professor Christian Laes

We’re excited to announce the TRAC 2024-25 Webinar Keynote Lecture, featuring Professor Christian Laes (University of Manchester), presenting 'Disability and Healing in Greek and Roman Myth'.

When: Wednesday 2nd October 2024, 17:00 BST

Content: In this fascinating talk, Professor Laes takes us through the rich tapestry of mythological stories, both familiar and lesser-known, where disabilities and diseases are explored from head to toe. From mental disorders to mobility issues, Laes examines how these conditions were woven into ancient mythology, offering a close reading of these stories and their broader cultural significance. By placing Graeco-Roman mythology within the wider context of the ancient world—including Christianity—Laes reveals the lived experiences of people behind these myths and invites us to reflect on how these ancient stories can resonate with us today.

Registration: Book here. If require any further information or have any questions about the booking process, please email daves@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Online Lecture: Disabilities and the Disabled in the Ancient World with Christian Laes

Ever wondered how ancient societies viewed disability? Christian Laes takes you on a 1.5-hour journey back in time to uncover the real stories of disabled individuals in the ancient world—stories that challenge modern assumptions and reveal surprising truths.

In his lecture, "Disabilities and the Disabled in the Ancient World: A Social and Cultural History," presented at the 16th Annual ISCH Conference, Laes explores how disability was understood, lived and perceived long before modern concepts existed. From moments of resilience to cultural attitudes, this talk offers a captivating look at what it meant to be disabled in antiquity.

Curious to learn more? Watch the full lecture here.

🌟 Open Access 🌟 - Disability and Healing in Greek and Roman Myth

Thrilling news! "Disability and Healing in Greek and Roman Myth" by Christian Laes is now available for the next two weeks via open online access! Delve into captivating narratives exploring disabilities and diseases in ancient mythology. From mental disorders to mobility issues, uncover fresh insights contextualized within broader ancient contexts. Don't miss this chance to engage with ancient tales in a whole new light! Get your copy now for an unforgettable journey through the myths of antiquity! 📚

📚 NEW RELEASE: Disability and Healing in Greek and Roman Myth

Introducing “Disability and Healing in Greek and Roman Myth” by Christian Laes – a captivating exploration of disabilities and diseases in ancient narratives. Delve into lesser-known stories and well-trodden paths, from mental disorders to mobility issues, all examined with meticulous attention and vibrant storytelling.

Laes contextualizes these myths within broader ancient contexts, including Christianity, offering fresh insights into Graeco-Roman mythology. But this book is more than just scholarship – it’s an invitation to “live” these ancient tales and discover their enduring relevance.

For enthusiasts of classical studies and mythology, this is a must-read. Get your copy now and embark on a thrilling journey through the myths of antiquity!

📚 Updated Bibliography on Disability in Antiquity!

Dear Colleagues,

Exciting news! Our eighth edition bibliography on disability history in Antiquity is out! Enlarged over two and a half years, it includes new monographs and edited volumes, reflecting the field’s ever growing interest.

Recognizing the challenge of a 'complete' list, our bibliography serves as a dynamic tool for scholars. As always, we invite your contributions—additions, corrections, and offprints are much appreciated.

A big shoutout to the amazing community driving this project forward!

To access the updated bibliography and contribute to its ongoing development, click here or go to Bibliography.

📚 New Release Alert: Explore "Madness' in the Ancient World" – A Pioneering Dive into Intellectual Disabilities Across Civilizations!

We are delighted to introduce our latest publication, the first volume ever to explore the understanding of congenital, intellectual disability across ancient civilizations. Spanning the Ancient Near East, Egypt, Graeco-Roman worlds, China, Byzantium, the Islamic world and the Latin West, this groundbreaking volume combines meticulous textual analysis with material evidence.

Immerse yourself in thought-provoking chapters that bridge ancient experiences to the present, offering a comprehensive exploration through the lens of disability history. Our publication is a testament to global resilience across time and space.

📖 For academics, history enthusiasts, and those with a keen interest in unraveling the mysteries of the past, "Madness' in the Ancient World" is an indispensable addition to your library.

Secure your copy today and delve into the nuanced understanding of 'madness' in the ancient world:

https://www.brepols.net/products/IS-9782503601908-1

Conference Programme "OLD AGE AND RULERS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD"

We are delighted to announce that the programme for the upcoming conference on "OLD AGE AND RULERS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD: OPPORTUNITY OR DISABILITY?" is now available online!

Date: February 8-9, 2024

Location: University of Manchester

This conference promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the role of old age in leadership throughout history. We have gathered a diverse range of scholars and experts in the field to present their research and insights on this intriguing topic.

For the poster, click here. To access the conference programme, click here. To learn more about the scheduled sessions and presenters, click here.

We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Manchester for two days of stimulating discussions and the exchange of ideas.

CALL FOR PAPERS: OLD AGE AND RULERS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD. OPPORTUNITY OR DISABILITY? UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER (8-9 FEB 2024)

Join our conference on "Old Age and Rulers in the Ancient World. Opportunity or Disability?” hosted by the Department of Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, and Egyptology at the University of Manchester. We invite proposals for papers that explore the conception and experience of old age, especially in relation to rulers who held power into their advanced years.

Conference Themes:

Social and cultural perceptions of aged rulers across the Mediterranean.

Literary stereotypes of elderly and/or disabled rulers.

Epigraphical and artistic portrayals of aging rulers in reliefs, sculptures, and coins.

The day-to-day experience of ruling as an elderly or disabled leader.

Vulnerability and strategies employed by aged rulers.

Submission Guidelines: Send your proposals in English to christian.laes@manchester.ac.uk and mendezsborja@uniovi.es by August 31, 2023. Include the proposal title, a brief abstract (max. 300 words) for a 20-minute presentation, your full name, affiliation, and contact details. Confirm attendance preference (in person or remote) promptly. Submit a draft of approx. 3,000 words two weeks before the conference.

Download the call for papers here.

Organizers: Dr. Christian Laes, University of Manchester Dr. Borja Méndez Santiago, University of Manchester/University of Oviedo

Hybrid Conference Incoming: Children at work, in a Period of Transition 400-1000 AD

Join us at the International Conference on "Children at work, in a period of transition (400 - 1000 AD)" hosted by the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies at the University of Bonn. This groundbreaking conference aims to surpass the simplistic dichotomy of "slavery versus freedom" by examining various forms of strong asymmetrical dependency from diverse perspectives.

In the spirit of the renowned BCDSS (Beyond Slavery and Freedom Cluster of Excellence), this conference will be truly comparative, amplifying unheard voices and exploring little-known language traditions. Indeed, scholars specializing in "less studied languages" such as Armenian, Coptic, Ge'ez, Georgian, Turkish, and Syriac (along with Islamic and Jewish sources) will contribute their expertise. Together, we will delve into child labour and child slavery, ultimately resulting in an edited volume published internationally as part of the BCDSS successful book series.

Find out more: https://www.dependency.uni-bonn.de/en/outreach/events/children-at-work-in-a-period-of-transition-400-1000-ad?fbclid=IwAR1RxgWXqaIdsqyoAgZQfdbc5BuCfjLofw8u21C1R0ej3lngxxQNcpRaI-4

Please register for the conference by August 15, 2023 via email to: events@dependency.uni-bonn.de

Too Sick to Flee? Human Genome of Pompeii Victim Sequenced

Fascinating DNA research from the Lundbeck GeoGenetics centre in Copenhagen opens up many possibilities for studies regarding disability and health in Antiquity: “In a whole genome scan of the genetic material of the 35-40 year old man, researchers found traces of a bacterium that causes tuberculosis. A thorough examination of a vertebra showed that it was vertebral tuberculosis: a serious form of tuberculosis also called “Pott’s disease” which affects the vertebrae […]. He was probably too weak to run away”.

“Why is this discovery so important? “Pompeii is like a photo of 79 AD, of the people of that time. It’s unique in the world,” Scorrano points out. Genetic material can now be added to this photo. “We’ve opened up a new opportunity for people to research this population.”

We cannot wait to here more from Prof. Gabriele Scorrano and Dr. Serena Viva about their extraordinary findings!

Learn more: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61557424 https://dodofinance.com/too-sick-to-flee-pompeii-due-to-volcanic-eruption-dna-analysis-solves-90-year-old-mystery/

For the study by Scorrano and Viva, see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-10899-1

Call for Papers: Disability in the works of Plutarch and his contemporaries

Society of Classical Studies 154th Annual Meeting

January 5-8, 2023, New Orleans

Call for Papers for Panel Sponsored by the International Plutarch Society, organized by Daniel Leon (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) and Zoe Stamatopoulou (Washington University in St. Louis)

*Disability in the works of Plutarch and his contemporaries*

Recent scholarship has shed new light on disability in Plutarch’s works. Sparta’s alleged rejection of newborns who were deemed to be impaired (Lyc. 16.1-3) has featured prominently in discussions of ancient ableism (e.g., Penrose Jr. 2015). Furthermore, Agesilaus’ attitude towards his own mobility impairment in Plut. Ages. 2.2 and Plutarch’s discourse on military wounds (e.g., Sert. 1.8 and 4.3-4) have been central to studies of Plutarch’s aesthetics of virtue and leadership (Samama 2013; Meeusen 2017).

This panel aims to advance further the study of impairment and disability in the biographical as well as the non-biographical works of Plutarch; it also aspires to contextualize Plutarch’s discourse and ideas by exploring how other intellectuals of the Early Empire conceptualize and discuss related issues. To this end, we invite papers that focus on impairment and disability in the works of Plutarch and other prose authors of the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, as well as on the history of scholarship on this subject.

Possible topics include but are not limited to:
- disability in Greek and Roman biography, especially in connection with power, virtue, and identity
- discussions of physical and/or mental impairment in philosophical treatises as well as in scientific and technical literature
- gender and disability
- physical impairment in sympotic literature
- the impaired body as a metaphor
- critical evaluation of scholarly approaches to the above

Abstracts should be sent electronically to Zoe Stamatopoulou (zoe.stamatopoulou@wustl.edu) by March 1, 2022. Please follow the SCS Guidelines for Authors of Abstracts and plan for a paper that takes no more than 20 minutes to deliver. All abstracts will be judged anonymously.
Membership in the International Plutarch Society is not required for participation in this panel, but all presenters must be members of the SCS.

https://classicalstudies.org/annual-meeting/2023/154/international-plutarch-society-2023?fbclid=IwAR3Tu5Z1jsKKeCGbmty0Zh86urCBPgyrm8ST2y-4PJaNogFbL5pkhLJyUAw

EVENT: Beyond the debiles: Writing dis/ability stories from skeletons by Stephanie Evelyn-Wright.

This talk will be looking at a project that explores impairment and disability in Roman Britain through the study of human skeletal remains.

This event will take place on Thursday 11 November at 1pm at Burlington House and tickets can be booked on the following website: https://www.sal.org.uk/event/beyond-the-debiles-writing-dis-ability-stories-from-skeleton/.

Tickets are free and first come first served, online tickets are available as well! .

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