Masters Degrees (Ancient Studies)

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Aeneas se onderwêreldse reis in illustrasie : ’n resepsie-historiese studie van tonele in Aeneïs VI
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-03) Swanepoel, Liani Colette; Malan, C. A.; Cornelius, I.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
Throughout the centuries artists have visualised the imaginative works of Publius Vergilius Maro in a variety of art forms. Paintings, frescoes, sculptures and even tapestries have made the wordscenes of his great epic, the Aeneid, concrete. The thesis investigates only the illustration of the epic in manuscripts and printed texts or translations. The illustrations of scenes in Book VI – the journey of Aeneas in the underworld – are studied using the reception-historical approach. This is to determine whether the illustrations of the Trojan hero’s journey in the underworld reflect the reception of the Aeneid in the different eras or periods. The illustrator is a “reader” of the Aeneid text or translation and consequently his/her illustration of a particular scene reflects his/her own visual interpretation thereof. Illustrations of Book VI in manuscripts like the Vergilius Vaticanus of late Antiquity and the mid- 15th century Riccardiana Vergilius of Apollonio di Giovanni are examined. A study of illustrations in printed texts or translations range from the 1502 Grüninger edition of Vergil edited by Sebastian Brant to the Book VI illustration of Thom Kapheim in a textbook published in 2001. The aim is to establish how illustrators associated with Book VI, interpreted it, how their environment and the spirit of the age influenced their visualisation and how their illustrations reflect the reception of the epic throughout the centuries. Such a study hopes to provide a contribution to Vergilian reception and Nachleben. In the process a better understanding can be obtained for the importance and changing role of Aeneid VI and the whole epic in different eras. It is found that the illustrators of the Aeneid – influenced by the different spirit of their times and environments – brought forth unique visual interpretations of scenes in Book VI that suggest a particular reception of the epic at that specific point of time. The illustrative spectrum of Book VI throughout the centuries can be summarised as follows: revival, allegorisation, pedagogic, realistic decoration and eventually increasingly unrealistic decoration. From late Antiquity to the beginning of the 21st century, the illustrative visualisation of the journey of Aeneas in the underworld indicates that there has always been a definitive response to Vergil and his epic.
Ancient skies : early Babylonian astronomy, with specific reference to MUL.APIN
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Harris, Brian; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is an attempt to investigate whether the Babylonians of the periods prior to the 6th Century BCE possessed an interest in the workings of celestial bodies reaching beyond the scope of what would today be regarded as astrology – the idea that the movements of the stars were signs from the gods, foretelling the future. The objective is thus to see whether it is possible that at least some of the texts recording the phenomena present in the night sky could have been compiled for what could be termed a more “scientific” purpose: recording the stars out of an interest in how the universe works. It will be acknowledged that to the people of the time, the formal study of the movements of astral bodies, as well as any supernatural implications they might hold, were not separate fields. This, of course, stands in contrast to the differentiated modern schools of astronomy and astrology. In order to investigate the possibility that to some individuals the former took precedence (and by implication that they possessed what could be termed a more “scientific” frame of mind), selected sources, particularly the different sections of the text known as MUL.APIN, will be analysed for signs of content and approaches more befitting to the field of generalised study than that of divination. It will be found, however, that although some texts do show signs of study isolated from divination (through, for example, the inclusion of detail which would have no relevance to the aforementioned), others, which at first glance appear purely astronomical, contain information contrary to what would be expected of a thorough investigation of visible reality. This includes idealised dates and intentionally falsified information, inserted to have the recorded universe appear to conform to conservative ideology. In order to make this point clearer, cosmological aspects of this ideology will be introduced even before the astronomical texts are analysed. Finally, it will be concluded that while scientific inclinations amongst the individuals recording the stars during this era was by no means the norm, there are indications that they were emerging in some. Though the field of Babylonian astral observations during this period cannot, as a whole, be classified as a science, does not mean that all its practitioners should be disqualified as scientific thinkers.
Ani and its semantic domain in the Psalms
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1991-12) Rhode, Rubin Frank; Kruger, P. A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies .
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: One of the most vexing questions in the exegetical research on the Psalms has been the establishing of the identity of the suppliant who refers to himself as the cani. Many scholars have endeavoured to study the meaning and significance of this word, but it is still not satisfactorily resolved. The weakness of these studies can be traced back to two factors: (1) an exaggerated over-confidence in the etymological method of analysis, and (2) the implementation of inadequate and incomplete semantic methods. This investigation starts out with the hypothesis that the meaning of cani must be determined in terms of both its macro and micro leve~. Thus, the meaning of this designation will be established synchronically, as well as in terms of an associative field. In this way the semantic field of cani can be .demarcated in light of its immediate lexical, as well as its wider associative field. A close reading of the Psalms in which cani appears, reveals that a triangular relationship is depicted between certain actants. The drama tis personae occupying the following roles in this triangle are: (1) Yahweh asjudge and saviour, (2) the cani as suppliant and victim, and (3) .the antagonist as oppressor and blasphemer. In order to establish the identity of the cani it was necessary to investigate its synonyms and antonyms within this complex triangular structure. Within such a semantic framework it has been determined that the stereotype translation equivalent "poor" is both inadequate and misleading.
The animal themes in Horace's Epodes
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-03) Meyer, John Clifford; Thom, Sjarlene; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis focused on the animal themes while attempting to make a comprehensive analysis of such themes as they were portrayed in the Epodes of Horace. A close analysis of each poem that contains animals was made. The aim of such an analysis was twofold, firstly to arrive at a possible interpretation of said themes in each specific poem; secondly to indicate how Horace used these animal themes to enhance the meaning of the Epodes. To support this second aim the various animal themes were arranged according to a list of five functions associated with the themes, namely invective, irony and humour, exempla, metaphor and colouring or setting. Finally the investigation aimed at achieving not only a better understanding of the animal themes per se but also an enhanced appreciation of the entire collection.
Anna Maria van Schurman (1607-1678) en haar kennis van oud-oosterse talen
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Beek, Pieta van,1958-; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: We know very little about women who studied and excelled in the field of Semitic languages in the seventeenth century - it is an unknown territory, terra incognita. In this thesis I will map Anna Maria van Schurman's (1607-1678) studies in Semitic languages. Of the fourteen languages she knew, seven were Semitic or Near-Eastern languages: Hebrew (Rabbinic Hebrew included), Aramaic, Syriac, Samaritan, Arabic, Persian or Ethiopian. The thesis commences with a brief discussion of her life (including some new material), followed by an overview of the knowledge about Semitic languages that prevailed in the seventeenth century, which at the time underwent a surge of growth. Thereafter the discussion will focus on Van Schurman's mentor, Voetius, and his knowledge and views of Semitic languages. It will be based on the Sermoen (lecture) delivered at the opening of the University of Utrecht in 1636. His library, which Van Schurman used, also appears to be an invaluable source, full of reference books for the study of 'orientaelsche' languages. In order to determine the standard of Van Schurman's work, it was useful to read first what her contemporaries wrote about her, as well as what she wrote in her various works, including her autobiographies, about Semitic languages. Adfontes did I research what has been preserved in these seven languages: letters in Hebrew, a poem, many references - in particular in Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac and Arabic - in her works such as the Dissertatio, the Opuscula Hebraea Graeca Latina et Gallica, unpublished letters and the texts she wrote in alba amicorum and on polyglottal artworks in Hebrew, Rabbinic Hebrew, Syriac, Aramaic, Arabic, Samaritan and Ethiopian. Her letters in Hebrew (and some letters to her) have only now been translated for the first time. From these it seems that she had, in contrast to her work in Latin, Greek, Dutch and French, such a religious regard for Hebrew that she wrote these letters as a collage of Biblical texts. It was, however, also an intellectual game. Van Schurman designed a grammar for Ethiopian, an outstanding achievement in the erudite Netherlands. Although it is thought to be lost, it is nevertheless possible to ascertain, by means of reports and poems by her contemporaries, what constituted this grammar. Lastly, Van Schurman's oeuvre is compared to that of the men and women of the educated community in Europe (Res Publica Litterarum ) who were also involved in the study of 'orientaelsche' languages. She was a source of inspiration for several women, such as Marie du Moulin, who also studied Hebrew and corresponded with Van Schurman in Hebrew. Anna Maria Van Schurman can rightfully be called the only female christian hebraist who could hold her own in the company of her male counterparts, despite the fact that, as a woman, she did not have the same opportunities as they had. She even exceeds them in her knowledge of Ethiopian. With regard to other women, she undoubtedly stood head and shoulders above them, and deserves to be known as the "Babel of her time".
Aspects of Iron Age ecology in Transkei
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1993) Prins, Frans Edward; Deacon, H. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Art and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A palaeoecological study was intitiated mainly to determine vegetation patterms in a selected area of Transkei during the Iron Age (c. 1500 - 100 BP). Data cited here support earlier contentions that the vegetation was broadly similar to the present. Modification of the vegetation , by agropastoralists, occurred where there was long term settlement. Analysis of the charcoal suggests simila persipitation levels for the period AD 660 - 770 relative to the present. The paucity of earlier farmer settlement during the period AD 900- 1400 is broadly contemporary with the "European MEdieval Warm Epoch," suggesting that arid conditions in the interior of Transkei may havelimited cultivation. The significant increase of settlement in the second half of the second millennium AD, suggests a return of higher rainfall and more productive environmental conditions. Archaeological evidence suggests that early agropastoralist settlement in Transkei was an extension of that in Natal but local variations in ceramic style and spatial organisation exists.
Aspects of the Demeter/Persephone myth in modern fiction
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-12) Kay, Janet Catherine Mary; Thom, Sjarlene; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
The question that this thesis aims to examine is how the motifs of the myth of Demeter and Persephone have been perpetuated in three modern works of fiction, which are Treasure at the Heart of the Tanglewood by Meredith Ann Pierce, Chocolat by Joanne Harris and House of Women by Lynn Freed. It is the aim of this work to substantiate that the issues that the ancient myth of Demeter and Persephone highlights, are still of value in this modern world and that the same human issues that women had to come to terms with then, continue to be relevant today. Briefly, the myth of Demeter and Persephone is about Demeter, the Olympian goddess of agricultural fertility, whose daughter Persephone is abducted by Hades, the god of the Underworld. The myth tells of Demeter’s grief at the loss of Persephone, and her desperate search for her daughter. Due to her grief, she stops all plants from growing which could be fatal to the mortals, and would have repercussions for the immortals that they serve. Demeter and Persephone are eventually reunited and the earth flourishes with growth once more. However for one-third of the year Persephone must descend to the Underworld to be at the side of Hades, at which time it is winter and plants do not grow. Then for two-thirds of the year she ascends to be with her mother, Demeter, and plants blossom and ripen, and it is the time of spring and summer. The impact of myth is not dead.
Aspects of the family in Ancient Egypt
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2002-12) Mbokazi, Jabulani Tadeus; Cornelius, I.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study deals with the ancient Egyptian family. Cultural anthropology is used as a point of departure to reconstruct the daily lives of the ancient Egyptians. Cultural anthropology usually applies to living communities but most of the principles it uses are just as relevant in the study of a dead culture. The emphasis of this study is on the different cultural domains, which include education, religion, family livelihoods, family recreation, entertaimnent and travel and social organization and how these are interrelated. Most of our ancient Egyptian knowledge comes from the tombs of wealthy individuals, and thus incomplete since we have no record of how peasants perceived the world, as they could not afford a good burial. Other sources are the ancient documents and artefacts from town sites all associated with wealthy individuals. While peasants were too poor to send their children to school, wealthier Egyptians did send their children to school especially boys. Agriculture was central in ancient Egyptian life. The nobility and other higher classes depended on the toil of the peasant for basic commodities and food. The peasant families in the rural areas were unable to attend the lavish festivals in the cities. Their basic focus was centred on their homes, families and on the success of the harvest. The peasant had his own private god or gods to whom he could tum for aid or comfort in times of trouble. Surplus items of food, clothing, oil and such like could be used for barter for purchasing essential items for everyday living. During their spare time the Egyptian families entertained friends, engaged in the various pastimes and travel. The peasant, as providers of food, formed an important social base for the Egyptian state.
Aspects of the Sabbath in the late second Temple period
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-03) Lizorkin, Ilya; Cook, Johann; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
This thesis is a study of five books (Jubilees, 1 and 2 Maccabees, the Damascus Document and Josephus Jewish Antiquities) that represent the literature dealing with the issue of the Sabbath in significant ways, written between 200 B.C.E. and 100 C.E. In this study the author is determined to find the most prominent ways in which various Jews of the period treated the Sabbath, considering both its theological significance and actual practical application. The author seeks to apply the literary-critical method to the study of these books by identifying how the Sabbath pericopes fit into the larger structure of each book and contribute to the overall argument of each work. After dealing with introductory issues, such as terms, methods, historical settings and methodology, the author then works through the major Sabbath-related pericopes in each book followed by a concluding summary for each book. Then author moves from detailed individual conclusions to general summaries, seeking to deduce the “big picture” of the Judaisms represented in the five works that he researched. Throughout the thesis the author is asking all of the texts the following questions: Was there a major Jewish view of the Sabbath or were the views varied within Judaisms? Was the Sabbath one of the most important issues facing the Jewish Community or was it rather a peripheral one? What was the place of Covenant with YHWH in the Sabbath thought of the day? What was the impact of the historical events of the period on the views of the Sabbath? Was the understanding(s) of the Sabbath legalistic or was there a depth of heartfelt spirituality accompanying Sabbath observance? Were the rules with regard to the Sabbath actually carried out or were they largely ignored? At the conclusion he attempts to answer these questions point by point based upon the data that he collected by studying the passages related to the Sabbath observance within the books mentioned above. This study is preliminary in nature, since it attempts to provide only some background information to the question: Did the Jewish Christians of the first century change the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday? If so, how did they do so while managing to avoid any kind of major debate over the change? This question the author plans to pursue in his forthcoming research.
Baboons in Ancient Egyptian art : the significance of the baboon motif in the funerary art of the New Kingdom
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Pio, Helena; Cornelius, I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The New Kingdom of Egypt represented a period of imperial successes when Egypt became a world power. The country enjoyed political stability under Dynasty XVIII – XX and actively participated in international affairs. They undertook trade expeditions to Kush and Punt to obtain resources and exotic ware, amongst which counted foreign animals, including baboons (Papio hamadryas), which by this time, were not indigenous anymore. Egyptians were known to live in harmony with nature, deeply aware of their dependence on cyclical regeneration as perceived in the daily return of the sun and the life-sustaining annual inundation of the Nile. These events ensured that earthly life could continue in a relatively harsh environment. Egyptians were naturally inclined to view opposites as complementary; just as their country was made up of the fertile Nile valley and the barren sand deserts, the terrestrial and celestial were parts of the same continuum. The natural world could provide clues to the supernatural; by closely observing the behaviour of animals, identifying characteristics similar to, and differing from those of humans, they developed a mythical construct to explain the nature of the cosmos. Baboons intrigued the Egyptians; they were uncannily similar to humans, yet also difficult to fathom; jubilant, pensive, fierce and with a noticeable sexuality, the behaviour of these animals offered a wide scope for portraying attributes of the divine as well as aspirations harboured by humans. They symbolised true veneration by chattering in a secret language while welcoming the sun at dawn, their contemplative staring showed an ancient wisdom and justness, they viciously protected their domain and their virility signified the creative force of life. These concepts were all important in the Egyptian quest for both earthly and eternal life; praising the deities could induce them to be just and wise in dealing with humanity and ensure protection and procreation. Egyptians lived in preparation for life hereafter and viewed the tomb as a very important station that had to be adequately equipped to sustain and protect the body and ‘soul’ of the deceased in the underworld. This was achieved by developing a complex symbolically laden decoration program for the burial chamber, the coffin, the canopic jars and other funerary goods. It is in this private sphere of the Egyptian tomb that the baboon motif persistently features to promote the well-being of the deceased by symbolising piety, justice, protection and regeneration.
Bakens op die weg : die bekeringsverhale van Augustinus en C.S. Lewis
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-12) Smit, Christine; Kotze, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Two literary conversion narratives with much historical detail, are compared in this thesis: the Confessiones written by the renowned fourth century church-father, St. Augustine, and Surprised by Joy written by the twentieth century writer and scholar, C.S. Lewis. In order to understand St. Augustine's conversion to the Christian faith, Christian religion as a social phenomenon in the Ancient World is discussed. As background for the discussion and comparison of the two conversion narratives, a brief biography is given of St. Augustine and of Lewis, as well as a description of each one's course of conversion. The research is structured In terms of beacons that St. Augustine identified during the course of his conversion: people who played a significant role, events that influenced his life, and inner conflict that spurred him on his way. By means of an analysis regarding theme and content, it is shown that there are clear similarities between the beacons identified by Augustine and Lewis in their conversion narratives.
Beneath the raptor’s wings : the avian composition grasping the symbol for eternity in Egypt
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2008-03) Klop, Damian J.R.; Cornelius, I.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
A particular motif in Egyptian art is that of avians. This is frequently depicted in a significant number and variety of visual sources from the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV 62) (1336-1327 BC) and other find contexts throughout Egyptian history from c. 3000 BC, but is little understood. The motif mostly depicts an avian creature with wings outstretched, talons grasping the Egyptian hieroglyph symbol for eternity (shen). In some instances the avian’s falcon or vulture body or parts of the body is/are replaced with parts of another creature, namely that of a snake, cobra, ram, human, duck, or a hieroglyph sign. A study was undertaken to assess how and why this avian motif was composed and what the function in Egyptian culture was. A manual search of published material for relevant visual sources depicting specific versions of the avian motif was undertaken and selected sources were indexed into a representative graphical database including one hundred and ninety-one items. Textual sources (academic literature and literature from ancient Egypt) were then consulted to support and/or expand on the iconographic, symbolic, and functional aspects of the motif: - At the iconographic level, the historical development and ‘structural dynamics’ of the motif are investigated to deduce the artistic rules that applied to its creation. - At the symbolic level, the symbolic meaning of the artwork is ascertained by theorizing on the meaning of the motif and its parts in an Egyptian context. - At the functional level, the function of the artwork is ascertained by investigating how the motif’s symbolism was intended to be applied to benefit the individual. The results of this research is that the avian motif developed over time according to strict artistic rules; that it symbolized the king, eternity and protection; and that its function was to protect the king in all phases of his existence in a political and mythological context in order to ensure that the he would attain an eternal life in the afterlife. In the mind of the ancient Egyptian this was achieved through the transference of the avian motif’s magical qualities to the user. The intended outcome of this study is to highlight the avian motif’s importance in the context of the ancient Egyptian culture.
Bible translation and the Sermon on the mount
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-12) Wishart, Samuel; Thorn, J. C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient studies.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: The purpose of the assignment is to present and illustrate modem translation methods using the Sermon on the Mount as a basis. As background to this, a brief summary of the history of Bible translation is given in four main epochs, extending from the LXX to the present. This history focuses on the approach and style of the various versions discussed, tracing the progress of translation techniques. Following this is a discussion of modem principles of translation. Formal Equivalence and Functional (Dynamic) Equivalence are briefly described here, followed by various linguistic problems encountered by the translator. Translation is then considered in terms of communication theory in which the nature, and impact on translation, of Relevance Theory is investigated. Modem translation theory is illustrated in two ways. The first is a critique of various modem English translations (NEB, REB, NIV, NRSV, TEV, CEV, JB, NJB) based on their individual renderings of the Sermon on the Mount and mainly considering style, readability and accuracy. The second is an original translation of the Sermon on the Mount which is felt to conform largely with modem techniques in general and with Relevance Theory in particular. Various translation choices are supported by notes and comments given in their support, and reference is made to the versions critiqued wherever this was thought to be relevant.
Bit by bit : an iconographic study of horses in the reliefs of the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II (883 - 859 BC)
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-03) Baldwin, Stephanie; Cornelius, I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The focus of this study is to investigate the role that horses played in the Ancient Near East, specifically during the reign of the Neo-Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II (883-859BC). By studying nine of the reliefs from the North-West Palace at Nimrud, the function of horses with regard to warfare during that time was explored. The analysis included an examination of all horses and equine tack, which consists of chariots, bridles, bits, breastplates and decorations. The reliefs are studied by using Erwin Panofsky’s Theoretical Scheme, which allows for three stages of analysis. Each of the reliefs is examined as a whole, in order to place the relief in context, followed by a detailed breakdown of the horses, specifically their body language, as well as their tack and the function thereof. It was found that the Assyrians used the horses’ body language to help set the tone of the relief, as the horses would display aggressive body language when under attack and relaxed body language when not under attack, for example reliefs showing parades or military camps. It was also noted that the horses of the enemies were illustrated in such a way as to show the prowess of the victorious Neo-Assyrian army. It was found that horses were instrumental in warfare as well as depicting status and rank within the military structures.
Categorising anew the semantic potential of qōl from a cognitive linguistics perspective
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Etsebeth, Ruan; Van der Merwe, C. H. J. ; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis aims to provide a recategorisation of the semantic potential of the polysemous lexeme qōl with the input of notable theoretical insights from cognitive linguistics. The extant body of knowledge regarding the lexeme’s semantic potential, comprising Biblical Hebrew lexicons and theological dictionaries of the Old Testament, is thoroughly detailed; however, there is a clear lack of consensus around how to categorise the specific senses comprising the semantic potential. Cognitive linguistics presents a guiding theoretical framework for linguistics research that prioritises empirical study and the growing understanding of what is generally known about the brain’s functional processes. This thesis argues that with relevant insights from cognitive linguistics the Biblical Hebrew corpus can be analysed and described more systematically in terms of a lexeme’s semantic potential. More specifically, this thesis argues for the practical benefit of three tools from cognitive linguistics that have been proven to be productive for the study of meaning in Biblical Hebrew: 1) prototype theory, 2) frame theory, and 3) conceptual metonym and metaphor theory and conceptual blending. After a discussion of the extant body of literature and the productivity of partnering with cognitive linguistics for lexical semantics research, a working hypothesis is formulated with the help of insights from the three cognitive linguistics instruments mentioned. In the main body of the thesis, an account of the lexeme’s sense categories is offered that attempts, on the one hand, to describe the semantic potential of qōl while, on the other hand, offer an analysis and description of the sense extensions that explain the various uses of the lexeme.
Catullus se Carmina in Afrikaans vertaal : ’n funksionalistiese benadering
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-03) De Kock, Annemarie; Thom, S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
The aim of this study is to effectively render into Afrikaans the impact of the Latin text of Catullus for readers living through another language, within another culture. The challenge not only lies in transporting the spirit of the original to the translation, but also to represent the detail of the text itself: the stilistic features of word order, word choice, imagery and figures of speech. For this purpose I will follow the functionalist approach to translation as expounded by Christiane Nord (1997).
Celeritas Caesariana : reputation, representation and reality
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Danon, Bart; De Villiers, A.; Kotze, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Julius Caesar had a demonstrable reputation for celeritas, to the extent that Cicero in one of his letters added the epithet Caesariana to celeritas when describing another general’s swiftness. This reputation can be further traced in various other ancient sources, such as Suetonius’ biography on Caesar and Velleius Paterculus’ history of Rome. Two potential bases for a Roman general’s reputation to possess a particular virtue can be identified, i.e. representation and reality. In this study, these two bases are examined in detail for Caesar’s reputation for celeritas. The first part of this study focusses on the representation aspect and constitutes a statistical frequency study of words that explicitly indicate swiftness of military movements. For the second part, in which the reality component is assessed, legionary marching speeds are reconstructed (using Monte Carlo calculations) based on information supplied in the ancient sources. The results are assessed both intratextually (comparing Romans and their enemies within texts) and intertextually (comparing various Roman generals described in different texts). For data on Caesar the focus is on the first seven books of the De Bello Gallico, while for the data on the other Roman generals Sallustius’ Iugurtha and a corpus of Cicero’s letters on his Cilician campaign are included. The representation study shows that Caesar in the De Bello Gallico significantly more frequently refers to his own celeritas, both as compared to his enemies and as compared to the generals described by the other authors. Moreover, from a methodological point of view, it is concluded that a statistical frequency study should be based on the contextual meanings of words and not just on word forms. The results of the reality study point less unequivocally to Caesar being demonstrably more swift as compared to the other generals; the reconstructed marching speeds for all generals cover more or less similar ranges. However, the estimated probabilities for the marching speeds suggest that their values are considerably lower as compared to the widely applied values Vegetius mentions in his Epitoma de rei militari. Considering the results of the two parts together, the hypothesis that Caesar’s reputation for celeritas was for a considerable part based on the emphasis on his own celeritas in the De Bello Gallico, can thus be validated.
Childhood companions: children and animal companions on attic red-figure vases
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Sanders, Michelle Sharon; Masters, Samantha; De Villiers, Annemarie; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In ancient Greece, children and animals found themselves on the periphery of social importance, more closely grouped with slaves than with their older male citizens. This lack of importance has resulted in a lack of documentation on them, in both ancient and modern-day times. However, in recent years there has been a surge of interest in the animals and children of ancient Greece, allowing scholars the opportunity to potentially fill in certain gaps of knowledge. One of the gaps which has yet to be filled, is the relationship and interactions between children and their pets. The aim of this thesis is then to research the relationship that may have existed between children and their ‘personal animals’. Although sources on these topics can be scarce and problematic, one of the best sources we have showing these interactions are on red-figure vase paintings. Therefore, 203 red-figured vases showing children and animal interactions were selected from the Beazley Archive, catalogued and studied. Vases which contain animals such as Spitz-type lap dogs, hunting dogs, deer, goats and hares were included in this study. By studying these vases in as much detail as possible, this thesis aimed to identify which animals were consistently paired with which age category of the child, whether or not the vase paintings could be viewed as real life scenarios, whether it would be possible to read in these differing pairings of animal and child other reflections of identity and perceptions of childhood and finally how the symbolism of the image would change in accordance to the animal and the age category of the child it is paired with. To do so, this study utilised a number of primary and secondary sources to gain some insight into the lives of ancient Greek children and the above-mentioned animals to better understand not only their roles in society but also the possible meaning and symbolism linked with the various animals. It was found that certain animals are in fact consistently paired with specific age groups, while the symbolism attached to animals which are depicted with a number of age groups does appear to change, depending on the age group.
City centres of the apostle Paul
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002) Hardenberg, Benedict Ralph; Thom, Johan C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Department of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The apostle Paul was called and commissioned to the city centres of the eastern Mediterranean world. These city centres were places of power, trade, wealth and travel. They were the nerve centres of civilisation in the East. People from various parts of the Roman Empire were found in these major cities. The city was therefore a highly significant institution in the Roman Empire. The governing authorities wanted hellenization and romanization to spread from these cities. The Christian leaders also decided that Christianity had to spread in the Roman Empire from its city centres. The apostle Paul's Christian mission was therefore to the various cities in the Roman Empire. The sociohistorical realities in these cities therefore formed the context of Paul's life and apostolic work and determined his relation to a city. The political, social, cultural and religious factors in a city could therefore impinge on his life and work. The apostle Paul was usually drawn to these large cities where he could find Jewish communities. As Christianity was resting on a Jewish foundation, his initial strategy was his work in the synagogues amongst the Jews. Paul also needed an alternative venue for his Christian work in the city. These alternate venues were usually the private homes of individuals who had become Christians. In these homes Paul established his church in a city. The hosts in these homes would usually become the benefactors and leaders in the church. Paul's apostolic work in a city was also done in the city streets. His church therefore became thoroughly mixed in terms of social status, however, the church gave all equal rights and privileges. When Paul left a city, he also placed on them the responsibility to reach their surrounding regions and provinces with the Christian message. These cities therefore had to be strategically located. The apostle Paul chose five specific cities that had an advantageous geographical position in the Roman provinces to complete his apostolic work in the eastern Mediterranean world.
Classical antiquities in Durban: A study of two collections
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Graham, Samantha Rebecca; Masters, Samantha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: A recent survey has shown that there are approximately seventeen collections of classical antiquities in South African museums which fall into two main categories: museums attached to higher education institutions and public state museums. While these collections were once on display all but four of these collections are currently boxed-up and in storage. Furthermore the survey shows that the information pertaining to these collections is often lacking, unreliable or simply lost. It has been hypothesised that the disinterest in classical antiquities may have been as a result of the heritage transformation that took place in South Africa post-1994 and that, as the promotion of South African heritage has become the primary focus, more of these “Eurocentric” collections are being placed in storage. Samantha Masters‟ NRF Thuthuka-funded project has as its primary goal to research, collect data and digitise all seventeen classical antiquities collections in an electronic database. Another goal is to ascertain whether the shift in heritage policy post-1994 may have had an effect on the display of these collections. As a component of the broader Thuthuka project, this thesis examines two collections of classical antiquities held at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Museum of Classical Archaeology in Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal. It provides a digital solution for artefact conservation, preserving the data related to the artefacts and making this data accessible for future research. In addition, this thesis ascertains how these collections were acquired, and as a result, determines how and to what extent the journeys and histories of these two collections have been influenced by the shift in heritage policies. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the examination of the history of these two Durban collections reveals that though other collections were affected by changes in heritage policy, neither of these collections was greatly influenced by heritage transformation in post-apartheid South Africa.

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