This conference hosted by the Oxford-Berlin Graduate Network in Ancient Studies will explore how cultural identities and social cohesion are impacted by a range of factors including myth, religion, collective memory, material culture, language, and culinary conditions. Reflecting on what shapes how we perceive ourselves and others is an important step towards mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation.
One of the benefits we enjoy in facing modern day challenges is the vast wealth of information about past cultures, their perceptions, approaches to challenges, and, of course, the outcomes. This advantage allows us to take political, societal and individual actions to tackle today's problems on the basis of a pool of information about past challenges - and thus navigate complicated situations more effectively, with greater awareness of potential outcomes, risks, and opportunities.
The program for the event can be found here.