The Dangerous Lives of Early Bronze Age Women in Central Anatolia

Speaker: Stephanie Selover

Abstract:
In archaeology and art history, women of the ancient world are often identified through stereotypically “feminine” materials such as jewelry or weaving tools. This study of ancient cultures and the rise of early urbanism in the Early Bronze Age (ca. 3000-2000 BCE) reveals the reality to be less simple. Art historical studies combined with evidence from Anatolia (modern Turkey) Egypt and Mesopotamia, reveal that both male and female graves contained functional weapons, and that women were also sometimes depicted with weapons and as fighters. This talk investigates the increase in weapons as grave goods in both male and female graves, and how this change relates to alterations in the social order in a time of increasing warfare and violence.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This lecture will be hosted as a hybrid event, with an option of either in-person or remote attendance (via Zoom).

The in-person event will be hosted on the Whitman College campus, in Maxey Hall room 207. Please note that proof of full vaccination (date of final dose no later than October 21st) or Whitman ID will be required at the door, at the west entrance of Maxey. Masks will also be required at all times within the building.

To register for the remote, live-streamed version over Zoom, please use the following link: