AWOL - The Ancient World Online: Wales

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Sunday, September 2, 2018

Open Access Journal: Gorffennol: The Swansea University History and Classics Online Journal and Blog

[First posted in AWOL 21 July 2016, updated 2 September 2018 (new URLs)]

Gorffennol: The Swansea University History and Classics Online Journal and Blog

Gorffennol is the Welsh word for ‘past’, and is the name of the online student journal of the History Department at Swansea University. It is run by an editorial team consisting of nine students and one member of staff from the Department, producing a yearly journal as well as ad hoc blog posts.

The student-led online journal will be published annually, showcasing articles from postgraduate historians as well as outstanding student assignments from the medieval, early modern, and modern periods. This journal will not only display excellent post- and undergraduate work, but also help our students increase their employability by providing them with editorial experience.

Regular blog posts by students and staff will include short articles on historical topics, module-specific research, and posts showing students’ experiences of modules in our Department.

The editorial team are being guided by Dr Charlie Rozier as supporting lecturer and Amy Megson as Chief Editor.

Latest Issue

Archived Issues

See AWOL's full List of Open Access Journals in Ancient Studies

And see AWOL's List of Student Journals

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Open Access Journal: The Journal for Late Antique Religion and Culture

See now here.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Woods, Gillian 2016. In the beginning…the origins of predynastic religion. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

Woods, Gillian 2016. In the beginning…the origins of predynastic religion. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

This work covers the Western Desert to the Nile Valley during the period ca. 6500-3750 calBC and determines the aetiology and nature of early Predynastic (Badarian- ca. 4350-3750 calBC) belief systems. The migration of peoples from the Western Desert to the Nile Valley as a result of the commencement of aridification in ca. 5300 calBC would have influenced belief systems. Throughout, a flexible theoretical framework is used to interrogate the heterogeneous evidence. The catalyst for the work is Bárta’s retrospective interpretation of the rock-art motifs in Wadi Sura as early representations of ancient Egyptian deities and the beginnings of ancient Egyptian religion. The motifs are also linked to Middle Kingdom concept of the dead by Le Quellec. These two interpretations are examined and are proved to be incorrect. The conclusion is that the motifs are the result of a shamanic rain ritual. Archaeological evidence reveals there was no direct contact between Wadi Sura and the Nile Valley. The rock-art in Dakhleh Oasis and environs was also analysed as was the megalithic site of Nabta Playa. Although different, both appear to have had concerns about rain and fertility. Ceramic evidence reveals contacts between Nabta Playa, Dakhleh Oasis and the early Badarian sites. This suggests that at least part of the aetiology of beliefs was the Western Desert. The interrogation of mortuary evidence at Gebel Ramlah, associated with Nabta Playa and that of the Badarian period reveals a belief in an afterlife, rebirth and regeneration. The role of the living is considered vital for the dead to achieve this transformational status. At all sites the supernatural and symbolism appear to play an important role as does shamanism. It is apparent that the concepts of fertility, an afterlife and rebirth formed the basis of the early Predynastic belief systems. No recognisable deities existed.

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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

DemonBase: Online Catalogue of Ancient Egyptian Supernatural Beings

Come explore a sample of the many supernatural creatures that helped Ancient Egyptians cope with troubles, afflictions, and ailments of everyday life. While their gods are well-known, these composite creatures were usually left unnamed and do not appear in our lists and encyclopedias. Yet anybody, from an elite pharaoh such as Tutankhamun to a poor small child, could appeal for help and protection from these beings. Many of them resemble our own mythical creatures, gremlins, gnomes, daemons, and familiars.

For the first time, we bring you a sample of supernatural beings—some fully human, some animal hybrids, some objects—to explore! There are three versions of the catalague and we would be interested to know which you prefer.

This is just a sample—there are many many more that surrounded the Egyptians over 3,000 years, and the catalogue will constantly grow. Enjoy!

Sampler Catalogue
This catalogue is the simplest to use, and contains a sample of demons that were represented as images—ones known only by name or description are not included. Just click on the boxes you want to search for!

Text & Image Sampler Catalogue
This catalogue includes demons that are known either as text or as image. In this version you need to type in search terms, so please do click on the information button. Or, just explore!

Detailed Sampler
This is the most detailed version. You can search on the appearance or other characteristics. When you start typing into the various boxes, they will autofill with the possibilities. Please log in using the “Guest” option.