SWTAS 2021-2022 Lecture Series! All lectures are free and open to the general public.  Lectures last approximately one hour, followed by a modest reception. Current plans are to hold them in person, at Chapman Auditorium, Trinity University. If COVID necessitates a shift to on-line lectures, that information will be posted here. Please check back closer to the date of a lecture. The lecture series is made possible by the Archaeological Institute of America, the Southwest Texas Archaeological Society, and the Department of Classical Studies at Trinity University. AIA members in good standing are invited to join the lecturer at a no host dinner prior to the evening’s events; please contact nhirschf@trinity.edu for further information.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

This lecture analyzes how a range of media worked in conjunction with texts to produce a story of ancient medicine (later described as Hippocratic medicine) that both proposed new practices and also built on the established visual cues associated with healing gods from across the wider ancient Mediterranean and ancient Near East, especially the gods Asclepius and Hygeia. The figure of Hippocrates is visually assimilated into a genealogy with Asclepius in a move that excises Hygeia and women healers. Representational art associated with early medicine narrates a familiar story of the doctor as god, while portable arts, body-part dedications, curses and spells make visible practices and people traditionally excluded from histories of early medicine. This lecture will explore what I am calling a feminist history of early medicine.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, April 21, 2022
This lecture will now be held via ZOOM only. Please contact nhirschf@trinity.edu for link information. 

Lecture by Dr. Thomas Paradise, University (Distinguished) Professor of Geosciences, University of Arkansas

The Lost Valley of the Crescent Moon: 30 years of research in Petra, Jordan

In a visually stunning presentation, Professor Paradise will discuss thirty (30) years of research in the magical ruined city of Petra, Jordan. Coming from a diverse background in geology, materials conservation, climatology, and architecture, Paradise will address his work in the Valley of Petra since 1990 discussing the melding of the geosciences, cultural heritage management, history, architecture, and politics that have driven his research.  From understanding deterioration of 2,000-year-old sandstone structures, effects of tourism at this UNESCO site, to new findings on architectural alignments to the Sun, many answers to haunting questions regarding Petra will be examined.  Professor has been involved with the writing and filming of eight (8) international TV specials (i.e. NatGeo, Smithsonian, Discovery, PBS Nova) on Petra as well and will discuss his research in these television specials.