Invitation to Participate in a Student Research Event: “Myth and Cult in Ancient Achaea”
As part of a new series of academic activities, the Center for the Study of Myth and Religion in Greek and Roman Antiquity—following its recent technological and bibliographical upgrade, made possible through the valuable support of the Rector of the University of Patras, Professor Christos Bouras (to whom we express our sincere gratitude)—is organizing a student research event in early December 2026 on the theme:
“Myth and Cult in Ancient Achaea”
The event aims to highlight aspects of the mythological and religious traditions of ancient Achaea through the study of literary, historical, epigraphic, archaeological, and iconographic evidence.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department of Philology are invited to participate, either individually or in teams of two. Each presentation should last 12–15 minutes.
Interested students are invited to submit, by 20 October 2026, the following:
- Proposed presentation title
- A short abstract (150–200 words)
- A preliminary bibliography (3–5 references)
- Full name and year of study
- Contact information
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to the theme of the event
- Clarity and originality
- Effective use of a specific ancient text, cult, monument, epigraphic, archaeological, or iconographic source
- Feasibility of presenting the topic adequately within the allotted time
The proposals will be reviewed and selected by the Department of Philology’s PhD candidates:
- Alexandros-Fotios Mitsis
- Konstantina Barka
- Panagiota Stamati
under the supervision of the Director of the Laboratory.
Suggested Topics
Proposals may include, but are not limited to:
- Artemis Laphria in Patras
- The Cult of Dionysus in Patras
- The Founding Myths of Patras
- Aigion and the Cult of Zeus Homagyrios
- Heroes and Hero Cults in Achaea
- Sanctuaries and Cults of Achaea in Pausanias
- Votive Offerings and Cult Practices in Ancient Patras
- Burial Customs and Mythological Representations in Achaea
- Female Deities and Women’s Cults in Achaea
- The Reception of Ancient Myths in the Modern Cultural Identity of Patras
The above list is indicative; other proposals relevant to the general theme are also welcome.
Students whose proposals are selected will have access to the Laboratory’s library and technological facilities and will receive academic guidance during the preparation of their presentations.
Proposals should be sent by email to:
with the subject line:
“Student Research Event: Myth and Cult in Achaea”
The exact date of the event will be announced in September.
Athina Papachrysostomou
Director, Center for the Study of Myth & Religion in Greek & Roman Antiquity