Community Calendar

Professor Andrew Goldman, Gonzaga University

Cities of the ancient world are often occupied for thousands of years, and the passing of the millennia can bring dramatic changes to their character and function. Ancient Gordion, located in central Turkey, is one such settlement. It is best known as the Iron Age capital of the Phrygian kingdom, where King Midas ruled in the 8th century BCE and Alexander the Great stopped by to cut the Gordion Knot in 333 BCE. In Roman imperial times, we are told by our surviving literary source (Strabo Geography 12.5.3) that Gordion had been reduced to a mere village alongside the Sakarya river. Yet recent excavations campaigns atop the Citadel Mound (1950-73, 1993-2005) and subsequent analysis of the finds have revealed a story that is much more complicated and deeply interesting. It is now recognized that Gordion served as a minor auxiliary base between ca. 50 – 125 CE, with two subsequent, final reoccupation phases between the late 3rd to 6th centuries.
This talk will explore and try to solve three major mysteries which have arisen in the investigation of Roman Gordion. First, there is the arrival of Roman soldiers in the mid-1st century CE, ostensibly at a time of peace in central Turkey. Who were these auxiliaries, where did they come from and what were they doing at this deserted, isolated site? Second, the base at Gordion was dramatically expanded in the early 2nd century CE, with new troops pouring in. What led to these changes, and could they be linked to the Parthian War (113-117 CE) of Emperor Trajan, the largest expedition in Rome’s history? And finally, new evidence has arisen of a late Roman (4th-6th century CE) occupation on the mound, with new houses and ceramic styles coming to the site. Who were these latecomers, and might they be linked to the invasions of the Goths in the late 4th century CE? By using our excavated evidence to address and attempt to answer these questions, this lecture will demonstrate how Gordion played a previously unknown, yet quite significant role in the events of Roman times, long after the days of Midas and Alexander.

Whitworth University's Election Year Speaker Series is designed to help the campus and local community engage in critical thinking and civil discourse in anticipation of the 2024 elections. We welcome speakers and scholars who represent a broad range of perspectives and ideas, certain that we are sharpened when we engage with the broadest spectrum of thought.

Anne Snyder is the editor-in-chief of Comment magazine, which looks at contributors to "social architecture," the institutions "that serve as the scaffolding and skeleton of social life – our families and financial systems, politics and education, museums and labor unions, and more." Her book, "The Fabric of Character: A Wise Giver's Guide to Renewing our Social and Moral Landscape," was published in 2019. Snyder also hosts The Whole Person Revolution podcast.

Presented in partnership with Northwest Passages Book Club and Community Forum.

Gearing up for 2025, we'll unveil the candidates for officers and board positions. We'll also, as usual, see some amazing art: our challenge this month is "Get Wild". Paint a mask or costume you would have liked to wear as a kid (or now). Our recent survey reveled that a majority of members want to see demonstrations by members and guests. Our Colville member, Butch Bovan, will demonstrate her technique of doing bas ("bah") relief! If you're an artist and don't belong to an art group, maybe this is the one for you! Guests welcome!