In this thesis the theme of the diffusion of the cult of the Egyptian goddess Isis from Egypt across the Mediterranean world is treated, by investigating some of the approaches that have been...Show moreIn this thesis the theme of the diffusion of the cult of the Egyptian goddess Isis from Egypt across the Mediterranean world is treated, by investigating some of the approaches that have been employed by Bommas, Woolf, Bricault, and Versluys in their analysis of the theme; and by examining the features of the Temple of Isis of Philae, the Temple of Isis at the Campus Martius in Rome, and the Temple of Isis at Pompeii. While the Temple of Isis at Philae mostly features architectural elements that are typical of indigenous Egyptian temples, the Italian Iseums of Pompeii and of the Campus Martius feature elements meant to evoke the Egyptian environment and elements of the cult of Isis that are represented in a Graeco-Roman fashion. After comparing the different characteristics of these structures, it emerges that the element that can be found in Egyptian temples of Isis (or in at least, the one at Philae) that persisted in the Temples of Isis when these were built in Italy, was the Nilometer, which was featured at the Temple of Isis at Pompeii, although it is not possible to know with certainty if this was featured in the Iseum Campense by looking at the archaeological evidence. In any case, many conducts for water were found in the latter structure, which could have been likely linked to the presence of a Nilometer or of other elements connected to water, and this would underline the persistence of at least the importance of the presence of water in the concept of the Iseum, and thus likely also in the practice of the cult. However, It has to be underlined that in the case of Philae, the Nilometer was with most probability used in connection to the presence of the river Nile in the vicinity of the structure, while in Italic temples this would have been an element related to the ritual of the cult. Other Egyptian-izing features, such as the dromos of the Iseum Campense, and the purgatorium of the Temple of Isis at Pompeii, were not present at the Temple of Isis at Philae, thus probably being features meant to evoke the concept of Egypt in general more than reflecting the characteristics of Egyptian Iseums. Therefore, it is possible to assume that the almost-total refashioning of the concept of the Iseum when this kind of structure was built in at least Rome and Pompeii might be a reflection of the refashioning of the cult that took place after it diffused out of Egypt.Show less
Herakles, a well-known figure from Greek Mythology, is well-beloved by the modern media, in their many recreations of his great tales in the form of movies, comic books, and various other platforms...Show moreHerakles, a well-known figure from Greek Mythology, is well-beloved by the modern media, in their many recreations of his great tales in the form of movies, comic books, and various other platforms of visual media. The legend, a symbol of human behaviour, but also a demi-god hero, boasts various qualities that reflect the human nature quite well, and yet he maintains a pedestal of godliness in his great acts and heroics. The legend of Herakles has been reused and reshaped since the dawn of its conception in the form of the oral traditions of the ancient Greek society. Before the well-known tales were written down or put into picture, or on the ‘big screen’ as we see them today, the legend of Herakles – and the many other Greek heroes of myth – were passed on by word of mouth. Through oral traditions, the ancient Greeks passed on the tales of great heroes, such as Achilles, Perseus, and, of course, Herakles. In this time, and countless time over the years that followed, the many tales – and subsequently, many versions of Herakles – were subject to variation and change. The result of this is evident in the written mythology present in the modern age. There is no singular version of the tale of Herakles, and instead, many different stories which present different views of the myth, and of the character. However, there are certain elements specific to Herakles that are recognisable in all recurring versions of him – be it in the stories or visual representations. These elements are parts of his appearance and are common and well-known elements to his visual depiction. The lion-skin cloak and the olive-wood club – in addition to the tall, muscular stature – are traits that are most often present in the visual depictions of Herakles in different forms of media. The variation in this visual depiction is the primary focus of this thesis. In different regions and different times, the visual depictions of Herakles have been subject to change, however, the set features that allow the viewer to recognise him as Herakles are continuously present in those depictions – from the Greek plates to modern movies. Regardless of the changes the story seems to endure, the visual representation of Herakles appears to hold a level of consistency throughout time.Show less
This thesis assesses the suitability of the video game medium in archaeological public outreach. It does so by examining the blockbuster game Assassin’s Creed: Origins (Ubisoft 2017), gauging its...Show moreThis thesis assesses the suitability of the video game medium in archaeological public outreach. It does so by examining the blockbuster game Assassin’s Creed: Origins (Ubisoft 2017), gauging its accuracy through a comparative archaeological study between the Step Pyramid complex at Saqqara and its virtual reconstruction in the game. Further case studies display designer choices and their relation to the representation of archaeology in the game. Other than examining the accuracy of the virtual reconstruction of the complex, the information given about it in the Discovery Tour mode is also analysed. A survey conducted amongst gamers that have played Assassin’s Creed: Origins is meant to give insight in the level of interest in the archaeology of the game and the consumers’ perception of that archaeology. A different survey, conducted amongst academics of the Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University, evaluates the opinion of the academic community on using the gaming medium in public outreach, along with their view on the accurate representation of archaeology in the game. Additionally, an assessment is made of the ability of an entertainment-based blockbuster game to transfer knowledge. The core aspects of the medium, such as immersion and interaction, are shown to promote effortless learning and absorption of information as a byproduct of having fun playing the game. This thesis therefore deems the medium suitable for the transfer of knowledge to the public. The gamers survey results do not prove that specific information is retained, but it shows that a general image of Ptolemaic Egypt has been gained along with increased interest in its archaeology. The academics survey results display general agreement that the game provides a rather accurate rendition of Ptolemaic Egypt and nearly all participants believe the medium should be used in public outreach. From the comparative study and the analysis of the Discovery Tour, it is deduced that the virtual reconstruction of the Step Pyramid complex is indeed very accurate. The other case studies show that designer choices could disturb historical and archaeological accuracy, but that this does not necessarily interfere with the representation of archaeology. Thus, this thesis advises the archaeological academic community to invest in the gaming medium and approach game developers about incorporating archaeologists in the design process from the very start of the developing process.Show less
This thesis provides a comparative study of the architecture of the temple of Hera I at Paestum. The Greek Doric temple is first compared to a Roman Basilica. This comparison provides the evidence...Show moreThis thesis provides a comparative study of the architecture of the temple of Hera I at Paestum. The Greek Doric temple is first compared to a Roman Basilica. This comparison provides the evidence that there is no empirical reason to interpret the temple of Hera I as a basilica. A second and third comparison of the temple are made with the Hephaisteion in Athens, Hellas and the temple of Hera II at Paestum in Magna Graecia. Although the temple of Hera I shares similarities with both traditional Greek Doric temples of Hellas and typical West Greek temples of Magna Graecia, the temple of Hera I seems to differ from both type of temples a lot in the architectural plan. This thesis provides an in-depth overview of the architectural structures of the temple of Hera I to show that the temple is unique. With this information as a solid basis, future research can focus on functionality, the amount of experimentation used to build the temple and the effect of its unique character.Show less
