Since 2004 the UA has fielded an excavation project at the remote Sanctuary of Zeus at Mt. Lykaion, known in antiquity as the “birthplace of Zeus.” Located high in the Arcadian mountains of Greece is an altar composed of the ash of animal dedications, mostly from goat and sheep. Ritual use has been documented from as early as the 16th century B.C. during the early Mycenaean period, reflecting that this practice of offering burnt animal sacrifice began much earlier than previously known in the Greek world. Renewed excavation this past summer has yielded a stunning discovery amid the ash and burnt animal bones: a human skeleton. Likely an adolescent male, the skeleton was found near the middle of the ash altar at the highest part of the mountain peak. Faculty involved in the project will present these exciting new excavation results. Faculty colleagues will look at relevant ancient literary texts, including sources from the Judeo-Christian tradition, that may shed light on this discovery.

Event Sponsors: UA College of Humanities Department of Religious Studies and Classics, UA School of Anthropology, Archeological Institute of America Tucson Society, Hellenic Cultural Foundation of Tucson

In celebration of the 2016 Tucson Humanities Festival, please join us for a reception at the Poetry Center to meet the new UA College of Humanities Dean Alain-Philippe Durand immediately following the presentation.

Part of the Tucson Humanities Festival, a series of topical lectures, panel discussions and events presented by UA College of Humanities faculty and special guests. For more information, including the Festival schedule and presenters, go to humanitiesfestival.arizona.edu.

Questions? Contact Helen Bernard at 520-626-4319

Presented by: David Gilman Romano, Mary E. Voyatzis, Arum Park & Courtney Friesen
UA FACULTY FROM RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND CLASSICS AND SCHOOL OF ANTHROPOLOGY