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The event forms part of a two-day conference to be held in English, jointly hosted by Istituto Svizzero and the German Archaeological Institute.

Roman Egypt in the 2nd Century CE
A Nexus of Transformation

In collaboration with the University of Basel and the University of Münster

The province of Egypt occupied a pivotal position within the Roman Empire, both geographically and functionally, as a region of unparalleled economic, social, and cultural significance. By the second century CE, Egypt had evolved into a unique microcosm of the Roman world: a fusion of ancient traditions and Roman imperial systems, a site of thriving trade networks stretching from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, and a locus of both social cohesion and discord. This conference seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of Egypt during this transformative period, drawing on recent research in history, archaeology, papyrology, and religious studies. 

The second century was a time of relative stability within the empire, often characterized as the high point of the Pax Romana. Yet, in Egypt, this era was marked by dynamic interactions between imperial policies and local populations. The province bore witness to the enduring legacy of the Jewish War, the visit of Emperor Hadrian, and the consequences of events like the Antonine Plague. At the same time, the flourishing economy, driven by agricultural production and long-distance trade, coexisted with environmental challenges such as fluctuations in Nile flooding, requiring innovative administrative responses. These developments were accompanied by profound social and legal changes, as Romanization processes transformed urban and rural life, while native traditions adapted to new frameworks of power and governance. 

In addition to the socio-economic and political dynamics, Roman Egypt presents a rich tableau of religious life. The persistence of Egyptian temple cults, the emergence of early Christianity, and the adaptation of religious texts and practices under Roman rule offer unique insights into cultural continuity and change. At the same time, incidents of social unrest, such as the Boukoloi uprising, reveal the fractures within this diverse and stratified society. 

This conference brings together leading scholars to examine these themes and more, offering fresh perspectives on the environmental, economic, administrative, social, and cultural history of second-century Roman Egypt. By integrating diverse methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to deepen our understanding of this extraordinary province and its role within the broader Roman Empire. Through these discussions, we hope to shed light on the ways in which local and imperial dynamics intersected, creating a province that was both distinctively Egyptian and integrally Roman.