Introduction [Debating orientalization: multidisciplinary approaches to change in the ancient Mediterranean]

Abstract

On the weekend of the 7th and 8th September 2002, scholars gathered at St John's College in Oxford to debate the theme of ancient Orientalization. The idea to organize a symposium on this topic occurred to us while we were researching cultural interaction and change in Etruria· and in Sardinia. It became clear that the 'Orient' was often brought in by scholars intent on explaining change in both places, a veritable metaphorical bazaar, with its opulence and sophistication, that purportedly had a lasting impact on western Mediterranean communities. Challenged by what we thought were limitations in the literature to explore more closely Orientalizing-invariably described as a phenomenon (Pallottino 1965 :784), revolution (Boardman 1999:47 n. 7), or movement (Niemeyer 2003 :201)-and stimulated by the comments to debunk Orientalizing (Osborne 1993), we asked a select group of scholars the following questions:whether they felt that Orientalization was a valid heuristic term for interpreting dynamics of cultural contact and change within the ancient Mediterranean, and whether they felt that the term was simply a construct of modern historiography or of art history to the point that the terms Orientalization or Orientalizing could no longer be maintained. [excerpt]