News

Submission for Paper and Poster Abstracts Opened (January 1, 2025)

The submission for paper and poster abstracts is now opened and will close on 15 February 2025, see CFP section.

Second Circular (December 28, 2024)

Download the Second Circular in PDF

The Institute of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Charles University, and the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences are pleased to invite you to the 70th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale, to be held in Prague from 7-11 July 2025.

Submission for Paper and Poster Abstracts

The submission for paper and poster abstracts (maximum 300 words) will open on 1 January and will close on 15 February 2025. In addition to sessions aligned with the main conference theme, specialized workshops will focus on various aspects of Near Eastern cultures. For detailed descriptions of the individual workshops and contact information for the respective organizers, please visit the 70th RAI website.

All applicants will be notified of the acceptance or rejection of their submissions by 1 March 2025.

List of approved workshops:

Presentation Policy

Each participant may present only one talk during the conference. However, it is possible to be listed as a non-presenting co-author on additional talks.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Keynote Speakers

We are delighted to announce that Manuel Molina Martos (CSIC Madrid), Marc Van De Mieroop (Columbia University, New York) and Shana Zaia (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) will join us as keynote speakers at the 70th RAI.

Remote Attendance

The 70th RAI will primarily be an in-person conference. However, we are committed to making key parts of the event accessible to those unable to attend in person. A free live stream of the opening session and all keynote talks will be provided. Further details regarding remote access will be shared closer to the event.

Registration

Registration opens on 1 March 2025 with an early bird rate available until 15 April 2025. Regular rates apply from 16 April to 15 May 2025, and late registration will be open from 16 May to 15 June 2025. Please note that accepted speakers must complete their registration by 15 May 2025, as late registration is not available for presenters.

Members of the International Association for Assyriology (IAA) and students enrolled in BA, MA, or PhD programs are eligible for discounted registration fees.

Registration Fees

Category 1 March – 15 April 16 April – 15 May 16 May – 15 June
IAA Members €140 €180 €200
IAA Student €70 €80 €100
Regular (non-IAA) €170 €210 €230
Student (non-IAA) €80 €90 €110
Accompanying person €90 €130 €150

Registration fees include: access to all lectures, coffee breaks, and a reception.

Book sellers and publishers are invited to participate by reserving book tables for a fee of €100 per book table in addition to registration (as IAA member or Regular non-IAA member, depending on their status). Book tables will be located in the main corridors of the conference venue, ensuring high visibility and significant foot traffic from participants.

We look forward to welcoming you in Prague and celebrating the 70th RAI together!

Best regards,
The Organizing Committee

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:

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


Call for Workshop Submissions (October 2, 2024)

The organizing committee of the 70th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale is excited to announce that 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 November 30, 2024. Workshop organizers will be notified of the status of their submissions by December 15, 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: