So-called ‘foreign dedications’, i.e. objects of non-Greek origin, are found in large quantities among the votive offerings in the archaeological contexts of many Greek sanctuaries, especially from the late 8th to the early 6th century BC. They have always been the subject of controversy in research discussions. Sometimes they are placed in the context of trans-Mediterranean trade networks, in which Cypriots and “Phoenicians” appear as actors alongside Greeks (e.g. Euboeans, Eastern Greeks, Corinthians). Particularly high-quality objects, which have been assigned to the realm of “elitist”/ruler representation, are interpreted in the context of diplomatic contacts in the tradition of an inter-elitist, “Homeric” gift exchange. In addition to trade (and piracy), early Greek mercenary activity in Westen Asia and Egypt is cited as an important factor that led to long-lasting, direct verbal contact between Greeks and the inhabitants of the respective cultural regions (‘dense contact zones’). Some recent research tends to view the phenomenon archaeo-ethnologically in the context of intensified competition within increasingly complex “big man societies”, which, with the aim of strengthening their own position, would have taken on characteristics of “negative reciprocity”. The dedication of highly valuable objects from faraway places in sanctuaries, which were seen as sacralized centers of encounter and communication for the socio-political units associated with them, together with the organisation of joint banquets/“empowerment feasts”, ostentatiously displayed the economic power of the respective “big man”. The original meaning of the objects, which were perceived as exotic items deprived of their former meaning, would either have been unknown to the local donors or would not have been decisive for the selection as votive offerings. Finally, there are also research trends that focus more strongly on the original significance of the objects in their respective regions of origin and their possible selection according to content-related criteria, e.g. in relation to local needs in cultic practices (background and function of dedications in Aegean communities, understanding of their original function and associated adaptation and transfer processes).

The workshop attempts to bring together the various theorems that are often formulated separately in the form of absolute opinions within the research discussion and to examine them collectively based on archaeological case studies. In doing so, the question of the specific “contact situations” and socio-cultural backgrounds that made the corresponding “cultural contacts” possible in the first place will also be addressed.

In preparation for the workshop and to ensure an equal basis for discussion, participants will be provided with four papers to read in advance. The workshop will begin with an introduction by Jan-Marc Henke, DAI Athens, and a response by the organiser Jan Wagenführ. The subsequent discussion will take up the main part of the workshop, and the aim is to arrive at a jointly formulated conclusion at the end. The workshop will be conducted mainly in German. Non-native German speakers/learners are encouraged to participate, and the content will be translated into English if necessary. The discussion will take place in German and English.

Registration

The number of participants is limited. Participation is only possible after prior registration by October 10^th, 2025, via e-mail: jan.wagenführ@berliner-antike-kolleg.org.

More detailed information will be provided after registering.