The archaeological record includes examples of science and technology from the Mediterranean, but how did the cultures that created those objects view their creation and use? For that matter, how did cultures view the science and technology of others in the Mediterranean?

The goals of this session include addressing questions such as those above, as well as presenting theoretical models about the development, spread, adoption or possible rejection of science and technology in pre-Renaissance Mediterranean cultures. Equally important, however, is presenting how archaeological investigation and research may substantiate those theories. Similarly, papers may discuss past models, and how archaeology has validated or invalidated their conclusions.

This session will be proposed for inclusion at the upcoming annual meeting of the Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 12-15th. Please visit their website at www.shot.jhu.edu for more information.

If you would like to participate, or would like more information about these conference sessions and future plans, please contact Matthew Harpster at harpster@mit.edu or at

Matthew Harpster
Dibner Institute for the History of Science and Technology
Dibner Building
MIT E56-100
38 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Please note that the deadline for inquiries is March 5th, while the deadline to send the abstract and associated information is March 10th, 2006.