Digital Commons Network^™

A Bridge Between Earth & Sky: How The Natural World Shaped The Civilizations Of Ancient And Early-Modern Persia, Sophia Cabana

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

This project seeks to investigate the ways in which nature shaped the culture of ancient Persia through technology, architecture, agriculture, and art. Furthermore, this project investigates how the symbols and mentalities of ancient Persia were carried forward into the early-modern period. Achaemenid Persia and Babylon are studied as societies which influenced one another and combined to create the foundation of Persian culture as it is currently understood, which then combined in later centuries with other Middle Eastern and Central Asian cultural movements to produce the Safavid and Mughal Empires. The Safavids and Mughals imitated and revived Persian culture in order …

Of Water Jars And Women: A Re-Evaluation Of Fountain House Imagery On Late Archaic Black-Figure Hydriai, Christopher Askew

School of Art, Art History, and Design: Theses and Student Creative Work

From approximately 530 to 500 BCE, images of fountain houses became popular subjects on black-figure hydriai produced in or around ancient Athens. These scenes often involve groups of unidentified women gathering around a fountain spout, typically attached to an ornate architectural structure, in order to fill their water jars. Although isolated pottery sherds depicting these scenes have been discovered in Greece, approximately seventy-five of these scenes have been identified on Attic hydriai depicting such scenes were discovered in Etruscan tombs. Past scholarship has categorized these images either as genre scenes, which represent a domestic activity characteristic of everyday life, or …

Recovering Abiquiú’S Lost Church Records, Samuel E. Sisneros

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

In early 2016, an elderly couple came into UNM’s Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections determined to donate six hide-covered books to the archives. They confessed they did not know their contents and that even though the books were in the care of the family for many years, they thought UNM would be a suitable place for them to be preserved and studied. I immediately realized that these antique books were the long lost baptismal, marriage and burial registers (1777-1861) from the Mission Church of Santo Tomás Apóstol de Abiquiú and that the rightful repository for them was the …

Investigation Of Late Roman Settlement On Dana Island, Bogsak Archaelogical Survey Project, Nicholas K. Rauh, Ayman Habib, Evan Flatt, Angus Moore, Gunder Varinlioglu

Purdue GIS Day

Purdue researchers participated in the 2019 season of the Bogsak Archaeological Survey Project in south coastal Turkey. Prof. Ayman Habib and Evan Flatt of CE used a drone to conduct LIDAR and camera mapping of the Late Roman harbor remains of Dana Island (approximately 250-800 AD). The remains, including vast quarry trenches and terraces of houses, cisterns, and churches, are covered in dense, nearly impenetrable garrigue brush, making standard architectural mapping laborious, inaccurate, and hazardous. The results of the LIDAR mapping should reveal a detailed map of obscured remains in real world coordinates, making it possible to map the remains …

Gods And Robots: Myths, Machines, And Ancient Dreams Of Technology By Adrienne Mayor, Emily E. Auger

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

This review briefly describes and assesses the chapter by chapter content of the book and the author's discussion of the imagining of robotics and artificial intelligence by the ancient Greeks in the art and literature.

From Female Moneylenders To Church Shares: The Coptic Village Of Jeme, Marmar Zakher

History in the Making

No abstract provided.

Review Of Arja Karivieri (Ed.), The Early Christian Basilica Of Arethousa In Macedonia. I: Production, Consumption And Trade, Carolyn S. Snively

Classics Faculty Publications

This book is the first volume of a projected two-volume publication of the results of investigations in and around the basilica at the site of Paliambela near the modern village of Arethousa. It provides a great deal of valuable information about various aspects of the church and the settlement it served. The book is focused on production, consumption and trade, however, and says little about the architecture, mosaics, or liturgical implications of this intriguing church. [excerpt]

Medical, Anatomical, And Visual Transformations In The Japanese Woodblock Prints Of The Edo And Meiji Periods (1603 - 1912), Victoria Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

“Medical, Anatomical, and Visual Transformations in the Japanese Woodblock Prints of the Edo and Meiji Periods” first presents one of Japan’s lesser known genres of woodblock print. The history of the Edo and Meiji periods is overviewed, providing a contextual backdrop for the prints that are highlighted within the catalogue. Images from three sections: Anatomy, Disease, and Medical Practice are catalogued, supplying the viewer with new visual analysis and translation of prints. Each of these sections of print demonstrate the transformation of Japanese printmaking, from the Edo period to the Meiji, that accompanies the rapid transformation of Japanese culture during …

Understanding The Lived Experience Of Ancient Roman Gardens, Devlin F. Daley

Honors Theses

My research takes a psychologically influenced approach to the study of archaeological remains to explore the experiential nature of ancient gardens in the Roman domus and villa of the Campania region of southern Italy. I argue that significant factors of spatial and social theory drove the intended experience in space and in the curated environment of the garden. I focus on the architecture of these spaces, such as peristyles and reflecting pools, from which walking paths and movement through space can be reconstructed. I also dive into understanding the remains of horticulture, including different plants and trees that would have …

The Iconography Of The Honey Bee In Western Art, Maura Wilson

Master of Arts in Humanities | Master's Theses 1936 - 2022

This master’s thesis studies the ways in which the honey bee is used as a symbol in Western art, specifically between the 1^st century AD and the 17^th century. Artists have had a close relationship with honey bees since they first drew scenes of life on cave walls; since then, honey bees have been a recurring image featured in artworks spanning centuries, cultures, and religions. During the Renaissance in Europe, the honey bee was adapted from a symbol associated with fertility and polytheistic cult rituals to become a symbol of eloquence in Christianity. The community-based, diligent nature of …

Romanization Through Mosaics: Transition At Fishbourne And Colchester, Elizabeth Kurtulik Mercuri

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Romanization has been discussed extensively by scholars as a way to describe the acculturation of providences under the Roman Empire. This thesis will look at mosaics from two early sites in southeast Britain and examine their connection to the Roman Empire. Fishbourne, Roman Palace presents us with a detailed view of a private villa from the first century. The city of Colchester provides a non-elite, urban perspective from the second century. Both sites contain surviving mosaics that provide a lasting imprint of the visual and material culture that was valued in Britain during its early years under Roman occupation.

In …

Female Acrobatics In Context: 5th-4th C. Bc, Marleigh Anderson

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ‘meaning’ of a performance is largely determined by its context. This idea became clear to me after years as a dancer performing in drastically different venues—including nursing home lobbies, circus tents, makeshift outdoor festival stages, football fields, and ornate theatres. To me, every performance opportunity felt distinct, especially depending on the audience and the nature of the performance. This is the personal background that I bring to my study of female acrobatic performances in ancient Greek society, and it is part of the reason that I find it critical to consider these performances within their contexts. Even if the …

The Iconography Of The Gold And Silver Coinage Of Philip Ii Of Macedon And Alexander The Great, Nisha N. Ramracha

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The history of Philip II of Macedon and Alexander the Great has been tremendously studied through ancient sources and archaeology. One approach has been through numismatics: a comprehensive study of currency in the form of coins and additional media for transactions, trade, payment and otherwise. This form of research gives scholars an economic perspective on the lives and campaigns of these renowned Macedonian Argead kings through statistical calculations in the form of weights, di-axes, ascertaining inauguration dates as well as appraisal of metals such as gold, silver and bronze in ancient economies, and deducing the locations of mints and various …

“I See” Said The Blind Man; “I Know” Said Oedipus: An Analysis Of Physical And Metaphysical Sight Through Greek Tragedy And Philosophy, Emma Barlow

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Sight in the ancient world is best understood through Greek tragedy and philosophy. There is a certain duality of sight that is present in tragedy – physical and metaphysical. Physical sight is represented through “vision” and “sight” itself. Metaphysical sight is represented through “knowing” and “understanding”. Physical and metaphysical sight do not necessarily need each other, but the combination of the two results in higher wisdom, something that is sought by one of the most prominent figures in Greek tragedy, Oedipus. In fact, Oedipus Tyrannus, Heracles, and Prometheus Bound best exemplify the duality of sight in tragedy. The seers in …

Reevaluating The Nika Riot & Placing It In Conversation With The Antioch Riot Of 387, Ty A. Richer

Honors Bachelor of Arts

The reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, from 527 to 565, despite its many high points and achievements, was a struggle for him and his people. One of his most famous, or infamous, challenges was during the Nika riots. During this time Justinian sees the people of Constantinople attempt to crown a usurper as emperor instead of him. As Justinian convened with his advisors, hiding from the mob in his palace, one question must have rung true in his mind: how did this happen? This presentation answers this question while also giving an overview to the time and the people …

Comparing Ancient To Modern: How Ancient Greece And Rome Provide Insight For Citizenship And Immigration In The 21st Century, Viktoria Schumacher

Honors Bachelor of Arts

I believe that when searching for solutions to current migration crises and problems with the US immigration system, we must turn to ancient examples. The Ancient Greeks provided examples of both what not to do and what to do when faced with mass migration and a sudden increase in the population of citizens. Additionally, Ancient Rome demonstrated a necessity for a clear definition of citizenship and multiple mechanisms for its extension. The United States has struggled to establish a system which retains exclusivity while still providing assistance in the wake of large groups of displaced people. Ideas from Ancient Greece …

The Transactions Of Mortal Coil: Hellenic Meaning In The Suffering Of The Iliad And The Oresteia, Stephen L. Bothwell

Honors Bachelor of Arts

The meaning of suffering is enigmatic. To grasp at it cosmologically, I examine both Archaic and Classical Greek views of suffering via their primary literature and culture. Homer’s Iliad reveals the transactionality of suffering as it is embedded in the heroic code through an analysis of the Glaucus-Diomedes exchange. An investigation of Achilles’ development portrays both the Homeric system that equates honor and suffering and the unquantifiable suffering that critiques said system. Meanwhile, a study of Aeschylus’ Oresteia exhibits the interrelation of suffering and learning in Zeus’ law. The progression of the trilogy displays an accruement of wisdom by means …

Learning Church: Catechisms And Lay Participation In Early New England Congregationalism, Roberto O. Flores De Apodaca

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes catechisms and catechizing in New England religious culture from 1628-1662. These question and answer documents were intended for comprehensive religious instruction of both children and adults, and thus provide a direct window into the worldview of New England laity. In the hands of ordinary men and women, catechisms became a profound tool of religious and ecclesiastical empowerment. This thesis argues that catechisms held an indispensable role in equipping early New England men and women to participate in the government and rituals of their nascent Congregational churches. Ministers wrote catechisms to equip laity for their responsibilities of structuring …

Reevaluating The Nika Riot & Placing It In Conversation With The Antioch Riot Of 387, Ty Richer

Honors Bachelor of Arts

The reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, from 527 to 565, despite its many high points and achievements, was a struggle for him and his people. One of his most famous, or infamous, challenges was during the Nika riots. During this time Justinian sees the people of Constantinople attempt to crown a usurper as emperor instead of him. As Justinian convened with his advisors, hiding from the mob in his palace, one question must have rung true in his mind: how did this happen? This presentation answers this question while also giving an overview to the time and the people …

Bringing The Past Into The Future: The Digitization Of Classical Archaeology And The Trasimeno Archaeology Digital Site Museum, Rebecca Kerns 19

Honor Scholar Theses

No abstract provided.

Orpheus And Women On 5th Century Bce Vases, Samantha Burton

Honors Thesis

In Greek myth, Orpheus is a musician with incredible talent, his music so beautiful that it charmed the beasts and guardians of the Underworld, and eventually Persephone and Hades themselves, into allowing his dead wife Eurydice to returning to the living realm. When he defied their singular rule of not turning to look back at her and she was then banished to the Underworld forever, Orpheus returned to the mortal realm, began to worship Helios instead of Dionysus, and was promptly killed by Thracian women sent by Dionysus. Alternatively, it has been told that Orpheus, wrought with heartbreak, could not …

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey: Report Of The 2008 Season, Nicholas K. Rauh

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project, 1996-2011

The 2008 season of the Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project was conducted between July 18 and August 5, 2008. The research agenda of the 2008 season consisted of off-site pedestrian survey in the highland canyon of the Biçkici River, more specifically, the terraced agricultural terrain in the village of Karatepe. The scattered communities (mahalleler) of Karatepe extend along the lower slopes of the semicircular canyon (approximately 8 km across) that encloses the Biçkici watershed. At Sugozu Yayla the crest of the canyon stands at 1700m above sea level (asl). At the base of canyon lies a long flat alluvial terrace, …

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey: Report Of The 2007 Season, Nicholas K. Rauh, Hülya Caner, Ünal Akkemik

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project, 1996-2011

The 2007 season of the Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project was directed by Nicholas Rauh of Purdue University. Dr. Hulya Caner of the Institute for Marine Science Management at Istanbul University supervised the work of our highland pollen trench excavations. Dr. Unal Akkemik of the Department of Forest Botany, School of Forestry, at Istanbul University conducted the dendrochronological research. These scholars were assisted by graduate student, Margaret Bloome, of Arizona University, and undergraduate students Phillip Ramirez (Purdue University), Aaron Fettgather (American University), Alexander Jillions (American University) and Charlotte Rose (Brown University). Due to permit complications the field season lasted one …

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey: Report Of The 2011 Season, Part Two, Nicholas K. Rauh, Matthew Dillon

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project, 1996-2011

The 2011 season of the Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project was conducted between July 21 and August 12 2011. During the 2011 season of the Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey, pedestrian survey was secondary to the main task of obtaining pollen and carbon samples from geormorphic trenches in the Taseli Plateau. If time allowed, the team walked limited transects in the vicinity of the trenches themselves. Toward the end of our stay at Gökgözlük Yayla we devoted one full day of pedestrian survey in the vicinity of Sugözü Yayla where sherd scatters had been observed in 2007, when the team excavated …

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey: Report Of The 2011 Season, Part One, Nicholas K. Rauh, Ünal Akkemik, Grace Conyers, Nargul Karlioğlu, Lawrence Theller

Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project, 1996-2011

The 2011 season of the Rough Cilicia Archaeological Survey Project was conducted between July 21 and August 12 2011. The research agenda of the 2011 was to investigate the degraded character of highland cedar forests in the Taşeli Plateau in the Taurus Mts behind Gazipaşa (Antalya Province, Gazipaşa District, Taseli Plateau). We worked in the Taseli plateau highland region from July 25 to Aug. 5, collecting tree, pollen, and carbon samples of the highland forest; we then relocated to the Baysal Hotel in Gazipaşa to conduct archaeological survey in the midlands (mesogeia) between Aug. 6 and 12. We explain the …

Preliminary Report On The 2016 Field Season Of The American Excavations At Morgantina: Contrada Agnese Project (Cap), Randall Souza, Alex Walthall, Jared Benton, Elizabeth Wueste, Andrew Tharler, Benjamin Crowther, Christy Schirmer

Art Faculty Publications

In its fourth season, the American Excavations at Morgantina: Contrada Agnese Project (CAP) continued archaeological investigations inside a modest house of Hellenistic date located near the western edge of the ancient urban center at Morgantina. Previous CAP excavations, conducted between 2013 and 2015, had verified the presence of an adaptive urban grid in this portion of the ancient city and, moreover, revealed much of the northern part of the building that occupied Lot 1 of insula W13/14S. Following the 2015 excavations, we came to identify this building as a modestly-appointed house that had been occupied for roughly 50 to 75 …

Gender, Dress, And Franciscan Tradition In The Mary Magdalen Chapel At San Francesco, Assisi, Penny Howell Jolly

Art History

Through the inclusion of newly invented scenes, innovative handling of established narratives, and symbolic use of clothing and hair, the Magdalen Chapel at San Francesco in Assisi (ca. 1305–19) presents a Magdalen who successfully models Franciscan values of renunciation, penitence, and caritas, her images thus resonating throughout the Upper and Lower Churches. Yet her position at San Francesco remains equivocal. As a New Testament saint, she logically functions as a model for St. Francis. His vita, however, anachronistically transforms her life, inspiring new narrative episodes—for example, her receipt of a garment—or reshaping established scenes, as at her conversion when demons …

Art History Course Texts, Don Wightman

Course Content

Information on the course readings for the topics covered in an art and art history course.

Art History Course Intro, Don Wightman

Course Content

An Introduction to an art and art history course including information on student expectations, materials required and studio safety.

Art History Articles, Don Wightman

Course Content

A list of writings on art and art philosophy by Edmund Burke Feldman, C.S. Lewis, John Hospers, Clive Bell, Leo Tolstoy, Peter Wollen, and Joseph Kosoth.