Naked to the Water(s): Early Christians Between Baths and Baptisms
Presented by prof. Stefania Santelia
Monday, October 2 at 4:00pm CT
Loyola University, McCormick Lounge
1000 W Sheridan Ave, Chicago IL
The ancient Romans particularly loved the thermal baths: for centuries, they were a place of physical well-being, socialization, and relaxation for everyone, men and women alike. However, in the early centuries of the Christian era, a new way of “thinking” about the baths gradually emerged: even the thermal practice changed to adapt to the requirements of Christian precepts and morality. In this lecture, prof. Stefania Santelia will present the changes in thermal practices under the influence of early christianity.
The event is part of Cody Lectures, a series that was inaugurated by prof. Edmondo Lupieri when he was appointed to the Cardinal Cody Endowed Chair at Loyola University Chicago. The series exists for the purpose of inviting scholars from all over the world to discuss the intersections between the sciences (including humanities) and religion.
Free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
Stefania Santelia is Full Professor of Latin Language and Latin Literature; she is the author of several articles and monographs, concerning the Greek and Roman literary field. During the last few years, she especially focused on late antique authors, with a specific interest in the linguistic issues, in the techniques of composition, in the relationships between the Roman élite and the barbarian world, and in the edition and transmission of texts. She is particularly interested in the changes that are peculiar to the passage from the Classical-Pagan world to the Christian era, concerning both everyday life and the reuse of classics in Christian texts. Her research is also focused on the feminine world and on the connection between women and culture from the Classical period till the 5th century CE.