70^th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale

First Circular (October 30, 2024)

Download the First Circular in PDF

The Institute of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, in collaboration with the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, warmly invites you to the 70th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale. This event will be held from Monday, 7 July, to Friday, 11 July 2025, at the Faculty of Arts’ main building, conveniently located in the heart of Prague (Nám. J. Palacha 2, 116 38 Prague 1).

Theme: From Cradle to Grave. Everyday Life in the Ancient Near East

From birth to death, and at every step along the way, ancient peoples navigated intricate social, economic, and religious landscapes that profoundly shaped their experiences. This conference offers a rare opportunity to explore how daily routines, family structures, food production, craft activities, religious practices, and funerary customs impacted not only individual lives but also the larger social fabric of Mesopotamia, the Levant, Anatolia, and surrounding regions. By bringing together specialists in Assyriology, archaeology, and related fields, we seek to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and uncover fresh perspectives on these often-overlooked aspects of ancient life.

In the ancient Near East, daily life was a rich tapestry of routines, traditions, and societal expectations, woven deeply into the framework of these early civilizations. From the bustling marketplaces of urban centres to the quiet rhythms of rural villages, people engaged in a spectrum of activities including agriculture, trade, craftsmanship, and religious observance. Family structures served as the cornerstone of social organization, while communal life revolved around temples, marketplaces, and workshops. Life’s milestones—from birth to burial practices—were punctuated by rituals, festivals, and legal obligations that marked transitions and affirmed community bonds. By examining these everyday interactions, we gain a window into the lives of ancient Near Eastern peoples: how they worked, worshipped, and sustained their communities, ultimately contributing to the rise and resilience of these early civilizations.

Papers and Posters

Submission for paper and poster abstracts (200–400 words) will open on 1 January 2025 and close on 15 February 2025. In addition to sessions aligned with the conference theme, there will be specialised workshops focusing on various aspects of ancient Near Eastern cultures. All applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by 1 March 2025.

Registration

Registration will open on 1 March 2025 with an early bird rate available until 15 April 2025. Regular registration rates apply from 16 April to 15 May 2025. Late registration is open from 16 May to 15 June 2025; however, late registration is not available for accepted speakers, who must complete their registration before 15 May 2025. Members of the International Association for Assyriology (IAA) and students enrolled in BA, MA, or PhD programmes are eligible for discounted registration fees.

Workshops

We are now accepting workshop submissions for the upcoming conference. We warmly welcome proposals that align with the conference theme, as well as those covering other relevant topics. Please submit your workshop proposals by email to rai70@ff.cuni.cz no later than 30 November 2024. Workshop organizers will be notified of the status of their submissions by 15 December 2024.

We strongly encourage workshop organizers to issue open calls for participation to foster inclusive and collaborative discussions. Please note that closed sessions will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. If you wish to propose a closed session, please contact the organizing committee to discuss your request. Accepted open workshops will be included in the general call for papers.

Workshops should consist of six 30-minute presentation slots. One of these slots—either the first or the last—can be reserved for an introduction or general discussion. If needed, workshops may be extended by adding blocks of three additional 30-minute slots, subject to approval by the organizing committee.

Workshop proposals should include the following information:

• Name(s) of the organizer(s)
• Organizer(s)’ contact email
• Workshop title
• A description of the workshop’s objectives and aims
• A preliminary list of three confirmed speakers and proposed presentations, along with any open presentation slots
• Workshop duration if different from the standard 6 x 30-minute format

Accommodation

In the summer, Prague becomes a vibrant centre of tourism, especially in its historic city centre, attracting countless visitors eager to explore its rich cultural heritage. In addition to leisure tourists, the city also serves as a popular venue for numerous conferences and professional gatherings. Due to high demand, we strongly recommend booking accommodation well in advance. Many hotels and other accommodation providers offer flexible options, including penalty-free cancellations up to a few days before arrival. Early reservations are advisable, as closer to the summer months, availability of suitable lodging may be limited.

We look forward to welcoming you in Prague!

The Organizing committee of RAI 70