Ever since the archaic period, athletic and musical contests were an integral part of religious festivals. Research into ancient agonistics therefore constitutes a crucial area of classical scholarship. The aim of our conference in Vienna is to investigate the legal context of athletic and non-athletic contests in classical antiquity from the archaic to the late Roman period. Apart from considering the actual rules of such contests and questions concerning umpires, we intend to focus in particular on the different forms of organization of contests, their integration into the framework of public administration and the status of founders, sponsors and donors of such competitions. Moreover, we would like to discuss the social status and legal privileges of participants. We are also open to suggestions for papers on related topics outside the main lines of enquiry indicated above. We are delighted to announce that one of the most distinguished scholars in ancient athletics, Prof. Ingomar Weiler (University of Gratz, Austria), will present the keynote address.
We aim to assemble a varied and comprehensive programme, and we would therefore like to invite potential contributors to submit a title and 300-word abstract by 31st March, 2010. papers should not exceed 30 minutes in length, which will be followed by 20 minutes of discussion. The proceedings of the conference will be published in the series edited by the Commission for History of Ancient Law.
UD Dr. Thomas Kruse, Dr. Kaja Harter-Uibopuu
Kommission für Antike Rechtsgeschichte
Postgasse 7/4
A - 1010 Wien
Tel. : 0043-1-53410-324
thomas.kruse@oeaw.ac.at
Tel. : 0043-1-51581-3504
kaja.harter@oeaw.ac.at