Lunch and Learn: Symmetries & Statuettes

"Symmetries and curvature, a geometric perspective"

Fabio Ricci, Mathematics

 

In this presentation, I will introduce the isoperimetric problem, a fascinating challenge with its origins tied to the legendary founding of Carthage by Queen Dido. According to the legend, she sought as much land as could be encompassed by a bull's hide, which she cut into long, thin strips. This led to the circular shape of the city of Carthage, as the largest area bounded by a curve of fixed length is a circle. My research delves into the complexities of the isoperimetric problem in 'curved' spaces. Finding a general answer is elusive, necessitating additional conditions. Specifically, I concentrate on cases where we can impose restrictions on the curvature, enabling us to quantitatively compare analytic objects of curved space with their corresponding counterparts in the more familiar flat space.

 

"Cypro-Archaic Terracottas and Multicultural Identities at Naukratis, Egypt"

Allene McDaniel Seet, Classics

 

Naukratis, Egypt was a thriving trade community during the archaic period of the Mediterranean, where communities from Greece, Egypt, Phoenicia, and elsewhere interacted, forming and negotiating identities. This is particularly evident in the religious sphere of Naukratis, where Greek and Egyptian sanctuaries coexisted and bear evidence of dedications from a variety of backgrounds. This talk examines the Cypro-Archaic terracotta figurines from the Sanctuary of Aphrodite as evidence for multicultural religious practices and identity formation at Naukratis, as well as the issues inherent in applying ethnic and cultural signifiers to material culture.