Participants will present their investigations exploring the complex web of connections through multiple perspectives, including human-environment relations and inter-regional interactions spanning across the Mediterranean Basin. The workshop will critically assess different forms of evidence – from road networks and ceramic distribution patterns to landscape affordances and maritime archaeology – to develop more nuanced and multi-scalar understandings of Mediterranean connections. The format will include individual research presentations followed by discussion, culminating in a final roundtable to synthesise emerging themes and future research directions.
This interdisciplinary gathering aligns with the project's objectives of critically investigating territorial structures within the Roman Empire and contributing to archaeological heritage dissemination and protection in coastal Mediterranean regions. By bringing together specialists working across different geographical areas and methodological traditions, the workshop seeks to advance holistic approaches to understanding ancient connection systems and their lasting impact on Mediterranean landscapes. The discussions and presentations from this workshop will contribute to ongoing scholarly discourse on multi-faceted connections in antiquity while fostering new collaborative pathways for integrating spatial analysis, material culture studies, and digital humanities approaches to ancient Mediterranean studies.
Organiser: Maria del Carmen MORENO ESCOBAR (maria.moreno_escobar@klass.lu.se).
Registration:
Speakers are already registered for this event and do not need to complete the form below. However, all other participants are kindly requested to register by 31st May 2025 using the following online registration form.
Participation in this workshop is hybrid (in person and online). Online participants will receive a secure Zoom link to access this meeting at the beginning of June.
Registration is free but required for planning purposes, as coffee breaks and lunch will be provided for all registered participants.
Please note that space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged. For any registration questions, please contact the organiser at this email address: maria.moreno_escobar@klass.lu.se.
Program schedule:
Morning Session: Theoretical Frameworks and Methodological Approaches
09:00-09:15 - Welcome Address (Henrik GERDING, Lund University).
09:15-09:45 - Opening Presentation: "Connected Landscapes: Terrestrial and Maritime Networks in the Ancient Mediterranean" (Maria del Carmen MORENO ESCOBAR, Lund University).
09:45-10:15 - "Seasonality and Temporalities of Maritime Connections in the Graeco-Roman Mediterranean" (Stefan FEUSER, Bonn University)
10:15-10:45 - "Itiner-e: Exploring Empire-wide Mobility and Connectivity Patterns" (Adam PAŽOUT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Tom BRUGHMANS; Pau DE SOTO; Matteo MAZZAMURRO).
10:45-11:15 - Coffee Break (coffee and refreshments available for speakers and attendees).
Mid-Morning Session: Modelling Connectivity and Risk
11:15-11:45 – “Exploring past transport networks: how to fill the gap of river travel?” (Clara FILET, Bordeaux Montaigne University - Ausonius Institute).
11:45-12:15 - "Sinking Feelings: Modelling Risk in Ancient Mediterranean Seafaring" (Manuela RITONDALE, University of Groningen - IMT Lucca).
12:15-12:45 - "Agroclimatic Landscapes of Pergamon: Modelling Agricultural Suitability of an Ancient City and its Environs" (Robert BUSCH, Freie Universität Berlin).
12:45-13:45 - Lunch Break (1 hour) (lunch provided for speakers and attendees). Afternoon Session: Regional Case Studies and Economic Networks
13:45-14:15 - "Trade and Conflict: The Impact of Olive Oil Production on the Roman Economy during Wartime" (Maria COTO-SARMIENTO, Spanish National Research Council).
14:15-14:45 - "Roman Harbours and Settlements' Continuum in the Lagoon of Venice" (Federico UGOLINI, University of Siena).
14:45-15:15 - "The Territory of Ancient Tipasa: exploring Connectivity through Archaeological Survey in Central Maghreb" (Alejandro QUEVEDO SÁNCHEZ, Institute of History - Spanish National Research Council).
15:15-15:45 - “The Atlantic arc of the Spanish southwest from Early Empire to Late Antiquity: geomorphological evolution, coastal occupation and port systems” (Javier BERMEJO MELÉNDEZ, University of Huelva).
15:45-16:15 - Coffee Break (coffee and refreshments available for speakers and attendees)
16:15-17:15 - Roundtable Discussion: "Integrating Approaches to Ancient Mediterranean Connectivity