Research master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
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This thesis examines Strabo’s conception of the relationship between Greek and Roman culture in his description of Magna Graecia, as outlined in chapter 5.4 and book 6 of his Geography. Sub...Show moreThis thesis examines Strabo’s conception of the relationship between Greek and Roman culture in his description of Magna Graecia, as outlined in chapter 5.4 and book 6 of his Geography. Sub-questions that receive attention include: What is Strabo’s attitude towards Roman rule? To what extent does Strabo view one of the two cultures as superior or the foundation of the other culture in the region? How does he characterize the interaction between the cultures? In what ways does he convey these views?Show less
The purpose of this study is to examine the foreign policy of the Greek city-state of Syracuse between the second half of the fifth and the first half of the fourth centuries BC, and in particular...Show moreThe purpose of this study is to examine the foreign policy of the Greek city-state of Syracuse between the second half of the fifth and the first half of the fourth centuries BC, and in particular from the beginning of the Peloponnesian War in 431 BC, to the death of Dionysius the Elder in 367 BC. This study is specifically focused on ancient contemporary as well as modern perceptions of Syracuse as an imperialist, expansionist power. The study aims to demonstrate that Syracuse was a typical city-state which to a large extent reacted to external events and pursued a limited and modest foreign policy aimed at preserving the city in light of an increasingly unstable political environment, while occasionally taking advantage of unique opportunities to pursue limited expansion. By the end of the study, the reader should be able to discern the bias of ancient authors, understand their motivations, and form a more pragmatic and realistic assessment of Syracusan foreign policy. It will be demonstrated that Syracuse was a typical city-state with limited resources, and well-defined, consistent goals, as opposed to the more adventurous imperialistic and at times opportunistic goals ascribed to Syracuse by authors influenced by Classical Athenian imperialism. It will be shown how and why Syracuse fell short of the exaggerated expectations of friend and foe alike, concerning the city’s capabilities and the role which it was envisaged playing in various regions of the Classical world.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
This Master thesis will investigate the 19th century restorations on red-figure South Italian vases from the National Museum of Antiquities (Leiden, The Netherlands). From a theoretical framework,...Show moreThis Master thesis will investigate the 19th century restorations on red-figure South Italian vases from the National Museum of Antiquities (Leiden, The Netherlands). From a theoretical framework, which considers restoration as being part of an object’s cultural biography, the restoration practices of vase restorers in the Neapolitan antiquities trade of the 19th century will be investigated. Although these restoration practices are still unexplored, recent investigations have led to promising results. Not only the broken parts of the vases seem to have been repaired and completed, also the paintings have been restored in some cases. The National Museum of Antiquities also has a broad collection of Greek pottery. Some of the South Italian vases owned by the museum have their history in the Neapolitan art market of the 19th century. Yet, little is known about the restorations executed on these vases. To know whether –and to what extent– the collection of red-figure South Italian pottery has been restored, ultraviolet fluorescence will be used. This non-destructive method will be applied to distinguish the ancient paint from the 19th century adjustments. This research will not only answer the aforementioned questions, but –together with comparable studies– also hopes to change the contemporary perception of ancient vase paintings.Show less
