UT Classics

Bronwen Wickkiser (Hunter College, CUNY)

λίθοι ὑγιεῖς: A medical vocabulary of architecture

Friday, April 17 at 4pm, WAG 116 (Classics Lounge)

We hope to see many of you there!

Matteo, Nebo & Greg

Abstract

This talk investigates the phrase “healthy stones” (λίθοι ὑγιεῖς) as it occurs in inscribed building accounts of the late classical and Hellenistic periods in Attica, Delos, and Boeotia. Most instances of its use are from sanctuary contexts, and we will begin our investigation on the Acropolis of Athens. Some questions we ​will consider are: What did “healthy” mean more broadly to the Greeks, and what might it have meant when applied specifically to building blocks and other objects within sanctuaries? Are there any patterns to the chronological and geographic range of the occurrence of the locution “healthy stones”? Furthermore, did this phrase occur in association with particular cults or gods?