For 2022 LHPP will have multiple sessions; we invite papers within two thematic foci. Participants in both will pre-circulate their papers among their fellow panelists, to foster discussion.
1) Social Network Analysis as a method for the Persian Period
Invited and Open Call
Though long used by sociologists and biologists, amongst others, recent advances in digital humanities and data collation have helped make the ancient world accessible to network approaches. Though it involves complex interdisciplinary work, networks offer the potential of exploring structures otherwise difficult to discern in data. How might scholars of history and literature of the Persian Empire make use of these tools? We plan to invite a set of panelists working in SNA, but welcome all proposals making use of network methods, especially those looking at archaeological data in a new light.
Depending on response, we will hold one or two sessions on this theme.
2) Social History
Open Call
We also invite papers on any aspect of social history within the Persian Empire, including but not exclusive to those making use of explicitly anthropological/sociological lenses. We especially encourage the use of multiple sources—archaeological, literary, documentary—for reconstructing the social history of the period, as well as interdisciplinary papers. Depending on submissions, we will hold one or two sessions.
3) "Theocracy"
Invited
Another invited session on "theocracy" will be held jointly with the Pentateuch section.