Our researchers are working together on 12 work packages (divided into six domains and six historical 'nodes') led by eminent researchers in the field. An additional work package is devoted to discussing issues of theory.
Language is arguably the most powerful anchoring device. Anchoring mechanisms in communication often disclose shared values, ambitions or knowledge.
This work package is set in its entirety in the context of the new institution of Athenian democracy in the 5th century BCE and the anchoring practices discernible in this major transition.
‘Hellenism’ both refers to the situation in the east after the death of Alexander and to the spread of Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean, including Rome. This work package is about anchoring cultural and religious innovations, primarily under the Hellenistic successor kingdoms.
This work package studies the expansion of the Roman republic into the east and the transition to the Augustan period from the point of view of the attendant ‘cultural revolution’ and the need to anchor new forms of political authority.
The Flavian dynasty inaugurated a ‘new age’ in need of legitimation, but could not anchor itself in the recent past.
This work package studies the transition constituted by the establishment of Christianity in the ancient world.
This work package deals with the use of the classical world as itself an anchoring device for later periods, an archive and storehouse to find ideas and devices by which later times may anchor innovations, but which may also function as a site of creative inspiration, not simply conservation.
Radboud University
Erasmusplein 1
6500 HD Nijmegen
Dr. Suzanne van de Liefvoort
+31(0)24 3611276
anchoring@let.ru.nl