Pre - Islamic Arabia - Patrons

This course looks into the history and archaeology of ancient Arabia, what is now part of modern Israel/Palestine, Jordan, southern Syria, and northwest Saudi Arabia. We’ll visit the famous Nabataean UNESCO world heritage sites of Petra and Mada’in Salih during the reign of Aretas IV (9 BCE to 40 CE), when the al-Khazneh (Treasury), as featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was likely constructed. Besides the Nabataean sites, students will learn about Graeco-Roman cities like Jerash (ancient Gerasa), and settlements with characteristics more typical of the region, like Umm el-Jimal. Other topics include the 10s of 1000s of graffiti made by nomadic shepherds found in the harrah desert of southern Syria and northern Jordan; the well-preserved forts and fortifications that run in a line from Aqaba northwest towards Mesopotamia; and the impact of Christianity and Islam on this corner of the ancient Mediterranean world.

FEE: Free for Patrons

SCHEDULE

4 Tuesdays,  October 22 to November 12, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

FORMAT

This is an online event. A link will be emailed to participants one day before the event.

PRESENTER

Dr. Conor Whately, from Brantford, Ontario, has a BA and an MA in Classics, both from McMaster University, as well as a PhD in Classics and Ancient History from the University of Warwick. Whately has published several book chapters, journal articles, and book reviews; and has written two books: Battles and Generals and Exercitus Moesiae. He is currently the sole investigator in a SSHRC research project entitled War and History at the End of Antiquity. Among other things, Whately is writing a textbook on the Roman army and a book on the sensory experience of battle in antiquity, which is aimed at a general audience. Finally, Whately is co-editing a volume on Ancient Military Manuals with Dr. James Chlup from the University of Manitoba.