Myths of the Mediterranean
When: November 29-30, 2014
Where: Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins, France
Website

From the organizers:

“Myths of the Mediterranean” aims to provide a broad perspective on the place and function of myth in antiquity and beyond, focusing in particular on transfers and transformations of myth as a tool to negotiate crucial socio-cultural questions. Catering for a wider public, different sessions with international speakers and experts from France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany will address Greek myth and its function in Graeco-Roman society but also its reception in modern times.

The conference will begin with the place and function of myth in Homer. After a look at the dissemination of myth across the ancient Mediterranean and its role in classical Athens, it will inquire about the transformations of myth in Rome and, fast-forwarding, the 19^th and 20^th century. Classical myth found particular resonance in different modern contexts such as fin-de-siècle Vienna and post-war France, which used myths for their own political agendas. The concluding section brings in an entirely novel – and contemporary – perspective, looking at ‘myths’ in modern European perceptions and within the wider political Mediterranean relationships.

The sessions will leave ample time for discussion and questions.

The Programme is available here.

For more information, see the website.