Greek Memories: Theories and Practices

Greek Memories explores the theories and practices of memory in the Greek world from the archaic period to Late Antiquity, tracing fundamental changes across literary genres and disciplines. The collection of papers contributes to enriching the scholarly discussion by focusing on how memory theories and practices play out in specific texts and authors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 443 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Greek Memories is a groundbreaking project that seeks to unravel the intricate tapestry of memory theories and practices in the Greek world, spanning from the archaic period to Late Antiquity, across diverse literary genres. Its primary objective is to identify and examine the fundamental concepts that underpin these theories and practices, while also tracing the significant shifts and evolution they underwent throughout this remarkable era. By delving into the interplay and development of different disciplinary approaches to memory in Ancient Greece, this collection of papers aims to provide a comprehensive and profound understanding of the entire phenomenon, as well as its specific manifestations.

The project's scope is vast, encompassing a wide range of literary genres, including epic and lyric poetry, tragedy, comedy, historiography, philosophy, and scientific prose treatises. Through a meticulous examination of specific texts and authors from Ancient Greece, spanning a vast chronological span from the Homeric poems to Plotinus, Greek Memories aims to shed light on the ways in which theories and practices of memory, recollection, and forgetting played out in the lives and works of these ancient thinkers and writers.

One of the key aspects of this project is its commitment to interdisciplinary research. By bringing together scholars from various fields, including history, literature, philosophy, and psychology, Greek Memories seeks to bridge the gaps between different disciplines and provide a holistic understanding of memory. This approach not only enhances our understanding of memory itself but also allows us to explore the broader cultural and societal implications of memory practices in Ancient Greece.

In conclusion, Greek Memories is a groundbreaking endeavor that promises to revolutionize our understanding of memory in the Greek world. By exploring the central concepts underlying memory theories and practices, tracing their evolution, and examining their specific manifestations in a wide range of literary genres and disciplines, this project will enrich our knowledge of Ancient Greece and its profound impact on the world. Through interdisciplinary research and a holistic approach, Greek Memories will contribute to the ongoing scholarly discussion and help us better appreciate the complexities and nuances of memory in human experience.

ISBN-13: 9781108458351