And many moisten linen cloths

With blood that oozes from his wounds

To keep as relics in their homes

For generations yet to come.

-Prudentius

Ancient Mediterranean Relics

From the bones of heroes to the Ark of the Covenant, the first session examines sacred objects in Greco-Roman paganism and ancient Judaism, kicking off a course-long discussion on how these objects "worked" in the premodern world. Students will read primary sources discussing the supposed origins and powers of these objects and learn about modern scholarly approaches to these traditions.