Session: #211

Session, made up of a combination of papers, max. 15 minutes each

Rituals can take place in numerous scenarios. Some natural places, such as caves, shelters and rocks, usually have intrinsic sensorial power which helps to create a symbolic atmosphere shared across time and space. When analysing transversely these contexts in the Ancient Mediterranean, from Bronze Age to Classical times, coincidences start emerging. The material record connected to the cultural and social values is increasingly shedding light on the reconstruction of these practices, their performers and their audience.
Taking the rocky space as a common element in ritual places, the main aim of this session is to examine the rituality which was experienced in caves, shelters and rocks in the Ancient Mediterranean from a broad perspective and over a long period of time. We propose to discuss this topic by referring to different aspects: research of repeated practices, the meaning of places anchoring the memory in the landscape, the ritual journeys or the sensitive and emotional experiences perceived during the whole performance, among others.
Different approaches and methodology which can enrich research on ritual archaeology are welcome. With this in mind, we seek contributors that present their study cases or theoretical contributions from different locations situated in the Mediterranean area from Bronze Age to Classical times. Different periods, different people and different cultures and beliefs which share one common link: rocky natural as symbolic places.

ritual, caves, rocky_space, sacred_landscape, Ancient_Mediterranean

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Doctor Sonia Machause López (Spain) ¹

Doctor Ignasi Grau Mira (Spain) ²
Doctor Réjane Roure (France) ^3,4
Doctor Carmen Rueda Galán (Spain) ⁵