Category: medewerkervandemaand

Divna Manolova is our Staff Member of the Month! She recently started her project, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship, which explores the role of versification in teaching astronomy in Byzantium. We chatted about her new project, AI spotting diagrams in historical sources, the flat Earth theory, her favourite chocolate shop, and her dance classes. Welcome, Divna!

Hi, Divna! You recently started you new position in our section as a Marie-Curie fellow, welcome! Could you explain the focus of your project?

Hello, Olivier, and thank you! My project’s acronym is COSMOPOET which stands for the study of the role poetry and versification more generally (might have) played in the teaching of the astral sciences in Byzantium. My focus falls specifically on didactic poetry used within the framework of teaching cosmology and introductory astronomy. I study the Phaenomena by Aratus of Soli (d. before 239 BCE) and the way it was read, commented and studied as part of, what I argue, is a ‘new’ curriculum forged by thirteenth-century Byzantine scholars. I contrast the reading of the Phaenomena with the reading of prose texts such as The Heavens by Cleomedes (first century CE) and ask what the difference was between explaining the structure of the universe in hexameters and reading about it in prose. Those interested in the project’s activities could follow us on Bluesky.

My project’s acronym is COSMOPOET which stands for the study of the role poetry and versification more generally (might have) played in the teaching of the astral sciences in Byzantium.

You’re also a member of EIDA (Editing and analyzing hIstorical astronomical Diagrams with Artificial I-intelligence), an interdisciplinary project that utilizes computational resources to retrieve and analyze diagrams in manuscripts. Could you briefly explain what a diagram is, describe your role in this project, and share your perspective on the usefulness of AI for our field?

Yes, of course! I became a member of EIDA in 2023 when I moved to Paris for my previous postdoc as a MSCA Paris Region fellow. At the time, my work was also about the teaching of the astral sciences in Byzantium but the focus was very much on the use of diagrams in instructional works. My main corpus consisted of the 84+ extant manuscripts preserving Cleomedes’ treatise The Heavens and on the diagrams most of them contain. At present, I continue thinking along the same lines both within COSMOPOET and as EIDA’s scientific collaborator and me and my colleagues keep asking the same question you asked, Olivier, namely “what is a diagram?”. I am sure it does not come as a surprise if I say that many of us at EIDA embrace different definitions even though we restrict our corpus to astronomical diagrams preserved in historical sources (mostly manuscripts but also prints in the case of the Chinese material). In terms of their design they all employ the geometrical idiom, that is they employ lines and circles, arcs of circles, and points, and they feature a variety of labels in a variety of scripts written in all kinds of colours and directions. These are also the elements that we have focused on in developing and in training computer vision tools that can facilitate the creation of natively digital scholarly editions of diagrams. EIDA is a Digital Humanities, and more specifically a Computer Vision project, so the challenge but also the beauty of our work is the conversation between historians and computer vision researchers (a fun example of this collaboration is this outreach talk my colleague Jade Norindr and I did for Astronomy on Tap Paris last year). In this sense, the working definitions of a diagram I employ change when I am thinking about the training of one of EIDA’s computer vision algorithms and when I wear my historian’s hat and think of the late Byzantine scholars and scribes and what they defined as diagrammatic. Finally, when thinking of what diagrams are and aren’t I find it useful to ask what the difference is between telling something and showing something. In fact, diagrams can both show and tell and on top of that, they can show multiple things at the same time, for instance a diagram can simultaneously explain the lunar phases and how a lunar eclipse occurs. A narrative can only do this in a linear fashion – first explain one phenomenon, then the other. A diagram, however, can offer a synoptic view and explain both at the same time.

As to your question about the usefulness of AI in our field: based on my experience so far, I think that the answer depends, first, on the research questions one wants to pursue and second, on the amount of data one has. If a researcher’s corpus is relatively small, then probably creating an AI tool to study it is not necessary, whereas truly large corpora become more manageable thanks to AI.

Given your work in teaching ancient science, particularly ancient astronomy, do you have an opinion on the recent flat Earth theory and its implications for science education today?

Well, the myth I have always been quick to debunk during museum tours is rather the incredibly persistent popular belief that in the Middle Ages people believed that the Earth was flat. The European Middle Ages embraced the doctrine of the sphericity of the Earth (and the universe) as a mainstream scientific explanation even though alternative cosmological models were also attested (e.g., an egg-shaped Earth or, indeed, a rectangular and flat Earth). Nevertheless, all medieval European astronomy is based on an assumption that a spherical earth is positioned in the centre of a spherical universe and hence the rules of spherical geometry apply. Believing that the Earth is flat or believing that there is no proof that it is not in our contemporary world this raises questions concerning attitudes towards the notions of scientific truth and expertise and even identity and community construction. As educators what we could do in any sphere of knowledge is to help train the mind to question, to assess, to doubt, to examine, to argue, to discuss. Thinking and understanding are not a given. We need to insist and to persist in insisting that those skills require formation and continuous exercising irrespective of whether the subject we teach is within the arts, the humanities or the sciences.

As educators what we could do in any sphere of knowledge is to help train the mind to question, to assess, to doubt, to examine, to argue, to discuss. Thinking and understanding are not a given.

Having recently arrived in Ghent, could you share the most unexpected cultural shock you have experienced and what has made you feel most at home?

I think what I am having most fun with is the difference between what I would consider close and far and what the people of Ghent would characterise as such. Some people are shocked when I tell them it takes me only 25 minutes to walk to work!

As with everything excellent in life, to me at least, what makes me feel at home are people and their kindness – whether it is the chocolatrice near my place who knows me already and indulges me by explaining the process behind the creation of her pralines, or the Bulgarian bakery around the corner where I can have the rare pleasure of speaking my native language, my tango school where I do not have to talk at all, or my friends who took care of me when I tore ligaments in January, Ghent has quickly become my home away from home and I hope it gets even better with spring approaching!

What do you enjoy doing when you don’t have your head in the clouds?

When is that? 😊 Mostly I read books, listen to podcasts, and travel. Monday is a tango night and recently I have joined a crochet and knitting group that meets in a café once a month. It is not easy but it is a way to meet people and to do something that does not involve looking at a screen all the time. I am also a sundial and a labyrinth enthusiast so the rectangular labyrinth in Ghent’s Town Hall is on my get-to-know-Ghent to-do list!

 

This month’s featured staff member is Anna Athanasopoulou, who recently started her postdoctoral fellowship at Ghent. Her project explores art, ecocriticism, and the body in Imperial literature. We asked her about her new research, academic journey, and first impressions of Flanders.

Hello, Anna! You joined our department in October after receiving a BOF postdoctoral scholarship—congratulations! Could you tell us a bit more about your project?

Certainly! My current project looks at representations of human-nature entanglement in the Greek literature and art of the Roman empire (ca. 1st-5th c. C.E.). At the core of my investigation is the physicality of these interactions, particularly how the human body engages with the natural environment through different sensory modes, such as touch, sound, and smell. While the environmental aspects of imperial literature haven’t gone unnoticed by scholars of the Roman period – especially in recent years – this project stands out for its emphasis on the embodied, sensory, and immersive dimensions of human interaction with nature. Ultimately, the aim is to deepen our understanding of imperial ecological sensibilities and constructions of selfhood (by examining how representations of human-nature entanglement shape and challenge notions of the ‘self’ in the imperial context).
Environmentally speaking, the Roman empire, as scholars like Kyle Harper have shown, was a world in dire straits – not unlike our own. As such, another central aim of this project is to tease out the resonance between these ancient works and modern environmental concerns.

The start of a new project is always exciting. What are you most looking forward to in the coming years?

I have several papers and a book project in the pipeline that I’m very excited about! I feel fortunate to be able to discuss my work with scholars such as Prof Koen De Temmerman and Prof Marco Formisano, both of whom have been incredibly welcoming and have already offered invaluable feedback and support in the short time I’ve been here. I very much look forward to collaborating with fellow eco-friendly scholars both in Ghent and internationally, and I also hope to undertake a short research stay abroad as part of my fellowship.

This project stands out for its emphasis on the embodied, sensory, and immersive dimensions of human interaction with nature. Ultimately, the aim is to deepen our understanding of imperial ecological sensibilities and constructions of selfhood.

Can you share a bit about your studies and experiences abroad before coming to UGent as a postdoctoral researcher?

Originally from Athens, Greece, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Athens, which provided me with a solid foundation in classics. During this time, I also spent a semester abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris – an experience I remember with great fondness! I then went on to pursue my Master’s at University College London. My MA coursework was supervised by a range of esteemed experts in the field and my MA dissertation was written under the supervision of Prof Phiroze Vasunia. The academic environment at UCL, with its emphasis on classical reception studies, modern theoretical approaches to classics, and interdisciplinarity, laid the groundwork for my future scholarly pursuits and shaped my theoretical approach to classical literature. For my doctoral studies, I joined the vibrant research community at the University of Cambridge, where my thesis on multisensory and embodied approaches to imperial Greek ecphrasis was supervised by Prof Tim Whitmarsh and Prof Caroline Vout. Alongside my doctoral research, I gained extensive teaching experience as a college tutor. After completing my PhD, I got to teach at UCL and Oxford, before joining UGent as a postdoctoral researcher.

Having traveled to Athens, Paris, London, Cambridge, and now to Ghent—how has your experience been in adapting to Flemish standards so far, compared to the other countries where you’ve lived? Any tips for your international colleagues?

It’s been quite a peripatetic lifestyle so far and I’ve been fortunate to live in such beautiful and culturally rich cities! Each move has given me the opportunity to experience different academic systems, cultures, and languages, which has been invaluable for both my personal growth and academic development. The transition from Cambridge to Ghent has been relatively smooth, thanks in large part to the warm welcome and support from my supervisor and colleagues here.
As for tips – and this is also advice for myself as someone who has only recently arrived in Ghent and still has much to explore in Flanders – I’d say: make the most of your time here, engage with people and seize every opportunity to experience the Flemish culture in all its richness and variety!

It’s been quite a peripatetic lifestyle so far and I’ve been fortunate to live in such beautiful and culturally rich cities! Each move has given me the opportunity to experience different academic systems, cultures, and languages, which has been invaluable for both my personal growth and academic development.

What do you enjoy doing to relax and unwind from work?

One of my favourite ways to unwind at the end of a busy day is reading for leisure – mostly modern classics, contemporary fiction, and artist books; I also enjoy leafing through art exhibition catalogues. I find that it relaxes my brain while keeping it engaged in something other than work! Beyond that, I love visiting museums and exhibitions, taking long walks in the countryside, and I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of doing jigsaw puzzles!

The staff member of this month is Elpida Konia, who started working with us in September 2024, as an assistant in the Modern Greek courses. Elpida recently moved from Athens to Brussels as seconded teacher, paid by the Greek Ministry of Education. Katja De Herdt asked Elpida about her teaching experiences, her research on young adult literature and much more.

Hi Elpida! On Mondays you teach Ancient Greek and History to Greek teenagers at Kestekidio Hellenic School in Brussels, next day you’re working with Flemish students in Modern Greek. Which part of your job is most challenging?

Well, what I am actually experiencing is a demanding but fascinating teaching schedule. Maintaining student motivation can be a significant challenge in both contexts. Greek teenagers often feel disconnected from Ancient Greek texts because they are distant both in time and language. While Ancient Greek is part of their cultural heritage, they may not see its immediate relevance to their daily lives. As a result, maintaining my adolescent students’ interest in the subject can be difficult and requires insight and creativity. That said, while both parts of the job present unique challenges, teaching Modern Greek to Flemish students could be considered the most challenging because of the language barrier and the cultural distance between the students and the subject. However, an unexpected yet inspiring aspect of my current teaching experience is Flemish students’ prior knowledge of Ancient Greek and their keen interest in Greek culture which brings energy and vibrancy to our lessons.

You have been living in Brussels for 1,5 years now, after quite a few decades in Athens. You are passionate about Athens. Do you have the same πάθος with Brussels? How do you spend your weekends in our capital?

I am absolutely passionate about your capital. I chose to live in Brussels because of its reputation as the heart of Europe. Over the past year, I have experienced a city that is as welcoming as it is fascinating, blending historic elegance with modern vibrancy. I truly appreciate its contemporary, multicultural vibe, as well as the old buildings that tell stories of a rich past. Beyond the city, the beautiful Belgian countryside offers stunning landscapes and charming villages, perfect for peaceful escapes. On weekends, I often find myself exploring the lush parks, the bustling neighborhoods and the wonderful museums of the city. Moreover, one of the things I love most about my life in Brussels is that I’ve been able to incorporate jogging and cycling into my daily routine.

What I find quite surprising is that I often shiver while Belgians stroll comfortably in shorts or light jackets. It seems Belgians have a remarkable resilience to cold weather.

If you have to name one weird habit of Belgian people, what would it be? No worries, we can take it! Could you imagine living in Belgium for the rest of your life?

By all means, I can imagine living here for a long time. I have great admiration for the Belgian way of life, which embraces health and well-being—cycling through scenic routes, jogging in lush parks, or simply enjoying outdoor activities. However, since you asked, what I find quite surprising is that I often shiver while Belgians stroll comfortably in shorts or light jackets. It seems Belgians have a remarkable resilience to cold weather. I suppose this habit comes from a practical approach to the unpredictable climate and the sudden changes of the weather. I’ve even heard some locals joke that as long as the sun is out, it’s “warm enough,” no matter the actual temperature.

In 2016 you finished a PhD on Modern Greek Literature. Why did you choose this topic and what should we know about it?

My passion for the Greek language and culture has been a driving force throughout my academic journey. I have dedicated both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies to linguistics and philology, and I have developed a deep appreciation for the complexities and nuances of the Greek language. However, as my career progressed, my interests began to evolve in response to my experiences as a teacher in secondary education. While teaching adolescents, I became increasingly aware of the power of literature to engage young minds and influence their personal and intellectual growth. This realization sparked a new direction in my research, prompting me to explore the field of contemporary Greek young adult literature. While my initial academic focus had been on traditional linguistic and philological studies, I now found myself drawn to the narratives that resonate with younger audiences, exploring how these texts can be a means of both cultural expression and psychological exploration.

While teaching adolescents, I became increasingly aware of the power of literature to engage young minds and influence their personal and intellectual growth. This realization sparked a new direction in my research, prompting me to explore the field of contemporary Greek young adult literature.

On which days and where can we find you at Blandijn, to have a nice talk on Greek literature or biking in Flanders?

You can usually find me at Blandijn on Tuesdays and Fridays where I am either teaching or working on lesson plans. My (shared) office is 05.03.120.027 on the 2^nd floor. I’d love to have a nice chat about Greek literature or share some biking tips in the region. Just let me know when you’re around, and we can grab a coffee and dive into whatever topic you’re most excited about—whether it’s discussing the beauty of Homer’s epics or the best cycling routes around Ghent! Looking forward to it!

The staff member of this month is Eleonora Lauro who started her PhD with us in October 2023 after completing her BA and MA at the Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata. Nina Vanhoutte asked her about her research, hobbies and her first year in Ghent.

Hi Eleonora! You started a PhD in our Section last year, on the DBBE-project, do you want to tell us a bit more about your research?

Hi! I would love to share more about my research. Within the “DBBE” framework, I am currently working on the “book culture subproject”, which aims to explore the socio-cultural entanglement of book epigrams. These metrical paratexts offer interesting insights into the interaction between scribes/readers/patrons and the manuscripts themselves. Specifically, my research focuses on manuscripts produced in medieval Southern Italy. The goal is to highlight how individuals and communities in this region used book epigrams to express their relationship with the main texts. Of course, the database and its technologies have been incredibly helpful, giving me quick access to a wide range of data and metadata.

Can you tell me about your experience at the Greek Summer School in Dumbarton Oaks? What were some highlights or key takeaways from that time?

My one-month stay at Dumbarton Oaks for the “Greek Summer School” was an intense but wonderful experience. The program included group translation sessions, palaeography exercises and individual tutorials, so we were on a tight schedule, but every moment was worthwhile. I learnt a lot, especially thanks to the instructors – Prof. Stratis Papaioannou and Prof. Alexandros Alexakis –, who were always willing to help and guide us through the material. My companions during this adventure – the other participants – were definitely one of the highlights of my time at Dumbarton Oaks!  We exchanged stories and advice about our respective PhD journeys, and we genuinely enjoyed spending time together. Our outing to see the fireworks for the Fourth of July is one of my favorite memories. Visiting the Library of Congress was also a dream come true for me!

My research focuses on manuscripts produced in medieval Southern Italy. The goal is to highlight how individuals and communities in this region used book epigrams to express their relationship with the main texts.

You’ve lived in Ghent for about a year now, what are your favourite things about living here?

It’s been a wonderful year living in Ghent! It’s a beautiful city, and I really love how its rich history and lively modern culture blend together.  There are always interesting activities and initiatives to take part in. For example, the Film Fest Gent, which has been going on for the past two weeks, is an amazing event that has brought me back to the cinema after a long time!

I heard you make a great Pasta Amatriciana – is cooking your main hobby outside of work? Or how do you spend your downtime?

Who has been spreading this false rumour? Clearly, they have never had a properly cooked Amatriciana! Jokes aside, I do my best in the kitchen, but it’s not really my realm! Cooking is more a necessity than a fun activity for me. When I have some downtime (and the weather allows it), I like to go to the Groe­ne­val­leipark, which is very close to where I live. I enjoy walking around the park or sitting on a bench there to catch up on some reading. I have also recently rediscovered my love for movies, so I have been going to the cinema more often lately. As you can tell, I enjoy the simple life!

I enjoy walking around the park or sitting on a bench to catch up on some reading. I have also recently rediscovered my love for movies, so I have been going to the cinema more often lately. As you can tell, I enjoy the simple life!

What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming years?

I look forward to making significant progress with my research and sharing my results through publications and conferences. I also hope that the next years will bring exciting opportunities to engage with international peers, deepen my expertise in the field of Byzantine studies, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, I see these next few years as a chance for both personal and professional growth – and hopefully, a culinary breakthrough as well!

“Goede vooruitzichten”, as we would say in Dutch! And if you do become a master chef, please let us have a taste!

The staff member of this month is Isabelle de Meyer, who successfully defended her joint PhD thesis in Historical Linguistics (Ghent University – Ecole Pratique des Hautes Études) a few weeks ago! Yasmine Amory took this perfect occasion to take a journey with Isabelle on ancient etymologies, and much more.

 

Hi Isabelle! First of all, my biggest congratulations on a great personal and professional achievement: your recent PhD defense! How do you feel these days? Is the adrenaline still on?

Thank you so much! The days after my defence were, erhmm, well, let me explain it this way: after having motivated myself for months by thinking of Dory, the fish from the Disney movie Finding Nemo, singing “just keep swimming, swimming”, I suddenly felt like the fish at the end of the same movie when they finally reach the ocean and say: “now what?”. But I am starting slowly to find a new routine and the adrenaline has been replaced by enjoyment, which is great.

You are probably the ‘panda’ of Greek linguistics at UGent, as it is nowadays more and more unique to devote a PhD thesis on the etymology of a Greek word. Could you tell us more about your topic? And are there any research results you’re especially proud of?

Héhé. Basically there are several Greek words (but also Latin, Dutch and others) starting with ar- (or har-, or ra-, or others that would also come from a sequence ar-) that can grosso modo be divided into two categories: words belonging to the semantic domain of craftmanship like ἀραρίσκω ‘to adjust, attach’, ἅρμα ‘wheel, chariot’, ἁρμός ‘bolt, dowel’, and ἁρμονία ‘tenon’, and words referring to the nonphysical moral/social domain like ἀρείων ‘better’, ἄριστος ‘best’, ἀρετή ‘excellence; skill’ and compounds like ἀρτίφρων ‘sound of mind; intellectual’. The question was whether the words of the second group are derived from the same root as those of the first group and as such show a metaphorical development from the technical domain to the moral domain (cf. ‘hoe maakt u het’ in Dutch) or not, and if yes, which one. Spoiler alert: yes! Via the development ‘be attached/fixed’ > ‘be firm-fixed’ (cf. Dutch ‘standvastig’) > ‘be firm, solid’ and thus of good quality (cf. English ‘a solid plan’). Proof for such a metaphor can be found, among others, in the fact that the verb ἀραρίσκω, the comparative and superlative adjective and ἀρετή play a fundamental role in the expression of one of the crucial themes of the Iliad, namely the importance of warriors standing firm like a wall, either to attack without withdrawing, or to protect and not letting the enemy through. As such there is a link between the warriors that are called ἄριστος ‘the most firm one’ and those that are compared to a wall, like Ajax the Great who is named ἕρκος Ἀχαιῶν ‘bulwark of the Greeks’. Cool, right? Pretty proud of that!

Basically there are several Greek words (but also Latin, Dutch and others) starting with ar- (or har-, or ra-, or others that would also come from a sequence ar-) that can grosso modo be divided into two categories: words belonging to the semantic domain of craftmanship (…) and words referring to the nonphysical moral/social domain (…). The question was whether the words of the second group are derived from the same root as those of the first group and as such show a metaphorical development from the technical domain to the moral domain.

Pretty cool indeed! Great – and solid – job! I remember that during your PhD you spent a research stay at the University of Cambridge to collaborate with renowned experts in Linguistics. How was it?

Indeed; since a crucial part of my research consisted of the interpretation of the generally overlooked/neglected Mycenaean Greek data I went to Cambridge to collaborate with the Mycenaean Epigraphy Group – a group of specialists in Linear B studies that was founded many decades ago by none else than John Chadwick. It was amazing to be surrounded by enthusiastic scholars that share your passion for ancient scripts – I learned a lot.

I’ve also heard that you recently spent a period in Wales after submitting the PhD – a great way to change perspectives! Did you enjoy it?

I looooved it! The people are very kind, the nature is just wonderful (beaches, hills, forests… all around), the Welsh cakes are delicious, and I am a very big fan of the concept of a sparkling high tea. Would definitely recommend and will definitely go back!

You’ve been a member of the Greek section for a long time, and you’ve been contributing to its growth with enthusiasm. I especially remember a video of you explaining the origin of the alphabets to pupils. What did you enjoy the most about outreach?

It was very pleasant to make that video – for which all credits should go to the talented Ilse De Vos who put it together – as it motivated her son and others to become acquainted with the Greek alphabet as well as with other writing systems. In a parallel universe where we both have more time we already made a whole series of such explicative videos for children. Maybe one day in the future.

In a parallel universe where we both have more time we already made a whole series of such explicative videos for children.

While we wait for it, it is time to look to the near future, now! Summer is finally here, do you have any plans?

My partner in crime, Olivier, and I are planning to go on a sporty holiday in France; although we haven’t decided yet whether we will go surfing in the ocean or rather camping in the mountains, I am already very much looking forward to enjoy some French cheese and wine in the sun!

Both options sound lovely! Enjoy a well-deserved holiday, Dr. de Meyer! And… keep swimming!

 

 

The staff member of the month is Chiara Monaco, who joined the Linguistics Department of UGent in 2021 with an FWO junior postdoctoral fellowship. Yasmine had a virtual chat with Chiara and asked her all about Athens, where she is currently spending two months as a fellow of the Gennadius Library at the American School of Classical Study.

Hi Chiara! Or, as you’re currently in Athens, καλημέρα! Can you tell us what you are doing there?

Apart from eating, sunbathing and drinking ouzo, I am a fellow of the Gennadius Library at the American School of Classical Study. I am working at the Gennadius Library, which is extremely well-equipped with modern Greek sources, especially in relation to the Greek language question, which is the focus of my research. The founder of the library was quite crazy about languages and language-related issues, so he built up a huge library with all sorts of treasures for people interested in the history of the Greek language, and not only! The library is also beautifully situated on the slopes of Mount Lycabettus, which makes a visit all the more worthwhile.

I am working at the Gennadius Library, which is extremely well-equipped with modern Greek sources, especially in relation to the Greek language question, which is the focus of my research.

Congratulations! It is an incredible opportunity – and definitely something that make your colleagues jealous… How is your ordinary day in Athens? Do you happen to have any local tips?

My ordinary day is actually quite extraordinary, as I have the opportunity to walk around Athens every morning to get to the library (sometimes with some deviations), passing by the main attractions and stopping at a café along the way. Our Greek colleagues have done a great job of passing on their knowledge of museums, tavernas and cafes, and I am happy to share this very important piece of knowledge with anyone planning a trip or research stay in Athens (both highly recommended!). I guarantee the quality!

Looking forward to hearing more once you’ll be back! Just before leaving, you took part in the “Bloemlezing van Aristophanes’ Vrouwenparlement”, an event organized by members of the Greek Section on March 20. I heard it was a great success! What was your role in it?

I had the pleasure of teaching students about Aristophanes and political satire in a workshop organised with our colleague Eleonora Cattafi. We tried to explain the political relevance of ancient comedy with references and comparisons to modern political satire (and a good dose of memes), all the while wearing very fancy Dali-style moustaches, which gave our look an interesting kick. It was a very nice and enriching experience, firstly because it gave us a different perspective on our studies, and also to promote the study of ancient languages among young students. Evelien Bracke and Katrien Vanacker do a great job in organising these events, which, however, require a lot of energy and time, so I think it should be a more collective effort, even more so to enjoy the collective reward of seeing more students in our department!

We tried to explain the political relevance of ancient comedy with references and comparisons to modern political satire (and a good dose of memes), all the while wearing very fancy Dali-style moustaches, which gave our look an interesting kick.

Most of the time, though, you are not wearing a fake moustache to debate about gender issues, but you are sitting at your desk with a pile of books by your side. You joined the Linguistics Department of Ghent University with an FWO postdoctoral fellowship a few years ago. What is your project about? And what do you find to be the most challenging and rewarding in your research?

My project falls within the framework of the Greek language debate about what kind of language should be used for writing and then as a national language. The timeframe is quite broad, as the debate runs through the history of the Greek language, at least from the Hellenistic period to modern times. While for my PhD I focused on the Hellenistic and Imperial periods, for my FWO I jumped a few years forward to study an influential early nineteenth-century theory, the so-called Aeolodoric theory, which defended the use of Modern Greek in writing by seeing it as a mixture of ancient Aeolian and Doric dialects. It is very interesting to note that this theory is based on linguistic theories that were formulated in the Hellenistic period and reused at different stages of the Greek language and were still very much in vogue at the beginning of the 19th century. This gives us an idea of the continuity of linguistic approaches and ideologies from antiquity to modern times. Quite an interesting subject for a classicist interested in modernity, especially as the language question is still a hot topic in Greece today! Despite the many challenges, dealing with such a long timeline carries the risk of applying a modern perspective to ancient sources and vice versa. This is one of the trickiest parts, but it also brings the best reward: the chance to follow the latest episodes!

From Rome to Ghent, passing through Cambridge and with a stop in Athens… What’s next?

I wish I could tell you now, but at the moment I only know that I have a number of applications to send in. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy Ghent, my friends, my colleagues and the university environment, which is very stimulating. And next year I will probably take the opportunity for another research stay somewhere else!

Thank you very much, Chiara! And enjoy a Greek iced coffee for us as well!

Staff member of the month April 2024 is Camila de Moura Silva, who has joined us all the way from São Paulo! Camila is doing a joint PhD at Sao Paulo and UGent, and is currently doing research in Professor Koen De Temmerman’s research group Novel Saints. Julie Van Pelt chatted to Camila about her research, lots of travel, and living in Ghent.

Julie: Hi Camila! You joined our Section a few months ago in the context of your joint PhD between Ghent University and the University of São Paulo. Welcome to Ghent! We hope you have been able to adjust to Belgium, its habits, its weather, and its cuisine without too much difficulties?

Camila: Thank you very much! I am very glad to be here. Apart from the inherent toils of moving across the ocean, the arrival was smooth – even with rain! Of course, the Belgian weather is famed for its moodiness, but coming here I was happy to escape the ferocious Brazilian summer, which can be quite harsh, with temperatures well above 40 degrees. The city has been quite receptive – people are kind, there are cafes everywhere where I can spend hours just reading a book, and I love the sight of the canals. The feeling of being in a new place is very stimulating for me, and I love to explore the surroundings and discover precious new spots every day on my way to the University. About the cuisine, I can say I was pleasantly surprised!

When I first came across the volume Writing Biography in Greece and Rome, edited by UGent Professors Koen De Temmerman and Kristoffel Demoen, I was ecstatic. There, I found a fresh approach to ancient biography that would be the starting point for my future work, and eventually would lead me here!

Julie: Your PhD research focuses on a special type of ancient biography, Lives of poets. Can you tell us what fascinates you about this topic, and what you hope to achieve during your one-year stay in Ghent? 

Camila: I had my first contact with the subject in a rather casual way, while working on the fragments of Aeschylus during my undergraduate years. I had an edition of Aeschylus’ fragments whose very first pages contained an anonymous Life, as it is usual for Lives of poets to be edited as testimonies – a practice whose history I will touch upon in my dissertation. My supervisor then, Professor Beatriz de Paoli, suggested that I translate it as part of my work – these are considered rather easy-to-read Greek texts –, and as I read it for the first time, I was immediately captured. The tale of how Aeschylus died in Sicily struck by a turtle thrown by an eagle, his mysterious epitaph, the account of people fainting at the theatre at the sight of the Erinyes, all fascinated me in a way that is difficult to describe. I felt like there was something in there ready to be discovered!

I kept on reading, and as I began to delve into it, I was surprised to find out that much of the available scholarship on the subject was quite negative, with a general view of the ancient biographers as faulty historians who derived biographical information from the poetic works of their biographees as a way of deceiving the readership. However crucial to the history of biographical reception, these works did not speak fully to my impressions as a reader and my incipient scholarly interests, as I felt there was much more to them. So, when I first came across the volume Writing Biography in Greece and Rome, edited by UGent Professors Koen De Temmerman and Kristoffel Demoen, I was ecstatic.

There, I found a fresh approach to ancient biography that would be the starting point for my future work, and eventually would lead me here! After investigating the influence of Aristotelian theory of tragedy in the Lives of the Classical tragedians in my Master’s thesis in Philosophy, I am now concerned with a much larger corpus, comprising the Lives of Greek Poets from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period, including the hundreds of entries on Greek poets in the Suda, which I am currently cataloging. The finds are exciting – just yesterday I ran into the account of an obscure epic poet called Epimenes, dated to the 7^th century BCE, who is said to have been found after death with his body fully tattooed with letters, and other invaluable anecdotes. My project comprises two main steps – the establishment and translation of the corpus to Brazilian Portuguese, and a comprehensive study of the narrative patterns found throughout this varied collection of texts, regarding the poet’s education, oracles, divine and vocational dreams, fantastic deaths, humble and noble origins, just to mention a few.

At first, I thought it would be interesting to work exclusively on classifying these patterns while here in Ghent – but, as is usually the case, the work finds its own way. After my first presentation at the GCLA meeting on Hesychius of Miletus, to whom most biographical entries in the Suda are attributed, I realized I should profit from the theoretical expertise of my colleagues and professors here, and focus on further developing the conceptual framework of my dissertation. I also look very much forward to presenting and discussing the ongoing chapters in the near future! The opportunities for exchange and dialogue here are very encouraging, and it is great to be working among colleagues with similar interests.

The city has been quite receptive – people are kind, there are cafes everywhere where I can spend hours just reading a book, and I love the sight of the canals.

Julie: You are all the way from Brazil, and a little bird tells me you have lived in all of its major cities! We are curious to know more about your (academic) experience in a big city, compared to which Ghent, I’m sure, must seem just a tiny village!

Camila: Yes! You know, this is actually one of the things that drew me to Ghent. There are many challenges in doing research in a metropolis as busy as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, where I have lived most of my life. I graduated from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro having studied for many years on a campus located in an industrial neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city. It took me one hour and a half to get there every day by bus – and I was one of the lucky ones, many colleagues of mine took twice as long! The University of São Paulo campus is amazing, with lots of trees, lakes, and even wild capybaras, but it is also quite difficult to reach. It is important to bear in mind that mobility is a big issue for students and academic workers worldwide. One of its immediate consequences for post-grads is that we work from home a lot more, and may become isolated. When I was planning my trip here, I had the idea that Ghent would be a lot more manageable and that I would have more time to write – and I was right! Coming to work on foot or by bicycle is an absolute joy, which I am still becoming used to.

Julie: Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to during your time in Ghent – perhaps any travel plans in Europe while you’re at it?

Camila: I am now preparing a talk that I will give at Humboldt University in June, getting ready for a Summer School at Crete University in Rethymno, which I am very excited about, and on the lookout for events and seminars that might be interesting to my work. I also have dear friends in Germany and Portugal whom I would like to visit, not to mention all the libraries and museums – I just hope I have enough time! But more importantly, I wish to create a pleasant work routine, wander around, watch the birds, and simply enjoy my time along the waters and buildings of this old and beautiful city.

Julie: We wish you lots of inspiring wanderings around Ghent – and good luck with the PhD!

The “medewerker van de maand” of February 2024 is David Pérez-Moro, from Spain. David has been part of the Greek Department at UGent since May 2023 and works as a postdoctoral researcher within the ERC project MELA (The Meaning of Language). Michele Didoli has caught up with him to ask him for a review of his (almost) first year in Belgium.

Hi David! After hearing you speak in the kitchen, we are curious to know which Italian region you come from…

Hahaha, I appreciate the compliment, but I am not Italian. I come from Valladolid, a Spanish city in the northwest, in the region of Castile and León. My adventure with the Italian language is a bit long, but I will make a brief summary for you. I studied Italian during my first year of university; later, I lived in Italy for about a year and half; and, last but not least, my family-in-law comes from Veneto, Italy.

Well, then, congratulations on such an excellent Italian! Now we are even more curious to get to know you! Describe yourself with five adjectives – in Italian, Spanish, Dutch or English… whatever you prefer, as you speak many languages!

Well, I could describe myself better with adjectives in Spanish, but I will try to find their English equivalents to make them more understandable to everybody.

I consider myself a (1) precise person. I like doing my work well or accomplishing what has been proposed, even if it requires spending more time on it or helping others to do it. Moreover, in my opinion, it is important to be a (2) tidy person to bring out the best in ourselves and to avoid losing our goals in our personal chaos. On the other hand, I have learned to be an (3) adaptable person, as this helps me to navigate diverse situations with different people without any problem. It is true that, at the beginning, I can be (4) shy, especially because speaking in a language other than your native one requires an extra degree of effort. As for the 5^th adjective, I prefer to leave it in blank, so that readers can fill this void according to how deep they know me!

I strongly believe that experiences in other countries contribute to our personal and professional growth; for this reason, I have chosen to spend time in Bologna, Rome, and now Ghent.

Tell us about your studies and experiences abroad that you had before coming here to UGent as a postdoctoral researcher.

I completed my Bachelor in Classical Studies (Latin and Ancient Greek) at the University of Valladolid. This program focuses primarily on the study of Latin and Greek language and literature, and on the methodology for translating Latin and Greek texts into Spanish. Although the main focus was on the Classical period, some professors took the opportunity to introduce us to the postclassical authors, leading me to discover Byzantine Studies, which became the topic of my Bachelor’s thesis.

After these four years – in Spain, Bachelors generally last four years –, I obtained two Masters from the same university, in Pedagogy of classical languages and in Post-Classical languages and literatures. In the latter, I specialised in Medieval and Byzantine literature and linguistics.

Both my Bachelor and my Masters have influenced my decision to do a PhD at the University of Valladolid with prof. Juan Signes-Codoñer. I chose to explore the rewriting process of Homer’s Iliad during the Byzantine period, specifically from a linguistic perspective.

As for my experiences abroad, I spent the third year of my Bachelor at the University of Bologna (Italy) to enhance my knowledge of Ancient Greek – and of Italian, too –. Some years later, during my PhD, my supervisor and I opted for a six-months stay at Sapienza University of Rome. There, I had direct access to manuscripts and bibliographical resources I needed for my project. I strongly believe that experiences in other countries contribute to our personal and professional growth; for this reason, I have chosen to spend time in Bologna, Rome, and now Ghent.

From Spain to Gent on the trail of medieval Greek, then! Tell us more about your research here at UGent within the ERC project MELA (The MEaning of the LAnguage) supervised by Prof. Andrea M. Cuomo.

¡Claro! I am part of the ERC project MELA, led by Prof. Andrea M. Cuomo, with you and with six other colleagues: Katharina Preindl (Project Coordinator), Dr. Valentina Barrile, Dr. Maria Rosa de Luca, Dr. Theofanis Tsiampokalos and Dr. Grigory Vorobyev.

As member of a project, each of us has a specific role, but we collaborate towards a common goal: the study of Byzantine textbooks and the teaching of high-register Medieval Greek. My research, in particular, focuses on Manuel Moschopoulos’ works: his Schedography, his Ἐπιτομὴ Νέα Γραμματικῆς, his Metaphrasis and his scholia on Homer’s Iliad and other minor works. I had previously worked with this author during my PhD, specifically with the aforementioned metaphrasis and his scholia. Now, I am ready to delve deeper into his works.

The primary objective of my research is twofold: firstly, comprehending how Moschopoulos taught Ancient Greek and determining the rules of the high–register Greek learned at medieval schools; secondly, creating a database in which Moschopoulos’ works, manuscripts, language, or metalinguistic terminology are accessible to scholars.

We heard that you gave some lectures in the ‘Ancient Greek Linguistics I’ course. How did they go? Have you had any teaching experience in Spain during your PhD? Did you find any differences between the two teaching methods?

I took part in “Ancient Greek Linguistics I” during the first semester of this academic year 2023/24, and it was an enriching experience! My lessons were devoted to the evolution of the Homeric poems beyond the Classical period. In particular, I focused on the Byzantine instruments, as metaphrases and lexicographical sources, that constituted the way students approached and learnt Homer’s literary production for centuries. I highly appreciated the students’ active participation in the lessons!

Teaching was not an entirely new experience for me, though. In Spain, I have taught at various levels. For two years, I worked in a high school, teaching courses such as Latin, Ancient Greek or Classical Culture. Moreover, I assumed the role equivalent to a lecturer in Spain for “Ancient Greek Linguistics”, a course in the last year of the Bachelor in Classical Studies. Fun fact, even if they share the same name, the program I taught in Spain was significantly different that here at UGent. I had teaching experiences also during my four-year PhD, as in Spain, PhD students with funding can teach up to 60 hours per year. At the same time, I collaborated as a teacher of Ancient Greek with the Faculty of Theology of Northern Spain.

The teaching methodology I employed in Spain and at UGent is quite similar and it focuses on a theoretical-practical approach. However, if I were to highlight some differences in teaching methodologies, I would mention the “mid-term exams”, which I find very beneficial for students and professors. I look forward to learning from the various approaches used at this university.

The primary objective of my research is twofold: firstly, comprehending how Moschopoulos taught Ancient Greek and determining the rules of the high–register Greek learned at medieval schools; secondly, creating a database in which Moschopoulos’ works, manuscripts, language, or metalinguistic terminology are accessible to scholars.

Let’s close by breaking some stereotypes. Spain: hot, sun, playa, sangría. Belgium: chill, rain, Blaarmeersen, beer. Did you feel such a big leap coming here to Gent, or is it just stereotypes? What makes you feel ‘at home’ here in Gent, despite the distance from Spain?

Haha, I love stereotypes because every time I hear them, I realise they are not true. Well, as mentioned, I come from Valladolid, a Spanish city in the northwest. The weather in summer is really hot (30º-35º), but during the rest of the year is cold – and it can even go down to -6º, in winter! – and there can also be foggy days. The nearest beach is along a river… so hot, sun and playa do not represent my city at all. About the last one, I can confess that I do not like sangría: I undoubtedly prefer a cold blond beer. In my personal experience, there are for sure some differences between Spain and Belgium, but the leap is not as big as the stereotypes make us believe, and it is very easy for me to adapt quickly to a new environment.

Since I have arrived here, I have perceived several things in Gent that make me feel at home. Let’s consider human and professional interactions, within MELA project, in my office and in the whole department. My colleagues are very approachable, and I feel at ease. The nostalgia for Spanish language is sometimes mitigated by the presence of other Spanish speakers in our department, such as Dr. Julián Bértola, and by the Spanish tourists in the city center.

Moreover, I have already established new habits here: I live near the remains of Charles the Fifth’s castle, and, on sunny days, I love visiting the park close to them to read a book. And my weekend cannot start without a pizza on Friday evening at Neapolis!

The staff member of this month is Kyriaki Giannikou, who recently started her PhD within the framework of the Database of Byzantine Book Epigrams project. Eleonora Cattafi spoke with her about her past and present experiences in Ghent… and some future wishes.

Dear Kyriaki, you have just started your PhD in our Greek section, but you are definitely not a new face around the corridors of the Blandijn! In fact, you came to Ghent as an Erasmus student for the first time: what brought you to Ghent then and what do you remember from that experience? And why have you decided to come back as a scientific employee?

Choosing Ghent as an Erasmus destination in 2019 was a recommendation from one of my professors, and it turned out to be a transformative experience. The academic and social aspects were enriching, and the city itself felt like a welcoming home. Later, after completing my master’s at Leiden University, I seized an opportunity to work as a Research Assistant at Ghent University, in the EVWRIT project. This served as a valuable testing ground, allowing me to explore whether academia was my desired path. The positive working environment solidified my decision to continue as a doctoral student.

You are doing your PhD research within the new DBBE project “Interconnected texts”, which brings together Greek manuscripts, linguistics, and even artificial intelligence. This sounds very exciting! Could you tell us a bit more about your role in the project and the topic of your doctoral investigation?

Certainly! My research revolves around Byzantine book epigrams, intriguing paratexts nestled within manuscript margins. These epigrams intertwine poetic expression with practical details, unveiling insights into manuscript patrons and the identities of the scribes. Despite their formulaic nature, they also exhibit nuanced linguistic variations; these aspects remain unexplored in current research. Acting as a bridge between linguistic research on everyday speech formulas and those in oral poetry, my work addresses the challenge of identifying linguistic patterns within these short, transient epigrams – all within the intricate constraints of written Byzantine Greek.

Acting as a bridge between linguistic research on everyday speech formulas and those in oral poetry, my work addresses the challenge of identifying linguistic patterns within these short, transient epigrams.

From Greece to Belgium, that’s quite a cultural leap! What do you like the most about your daily life in Ghent? Is there anything you would recommend to future international (or Greek) colleagues to feel at home here?

Despite some cultural differences, Ghent has become a second home for me. What I appreciate most about daily life here, coming from the hustle and bustle of Athens, is the serenity of not living in a capital; it might sound minor, but I’ve noticed a significant change since that transition. To future colleagues, I would recommend fully embracing the opportunity to experience a different culture. Diversity enriches the experience, so I encourage them not to limit their social interactions to those within their own cultural circle. In simple terms, let’s stop complaining about the lack of sun and broodjes for lunch!

Every researcher has an artistic side to complement for their scientific activity, so I am sure you have one too! What do you do in order to relax from work?

Outside of academia, I find solace in crafty activities. Knitting, crocheting, and embroidering are not just hobbies but therapeutic outlets for me; yes, it might make me sound like a 75-year-old lady, but I embrace it! The tactile engagement is a perfect counterbalance to the cerebral demands of research! Moreover, I’ve grown to be a proud plant-mum, creating a calming atmosphere to return to after work.

Knitting, crocheting, and embroidering are not just hobbies but therapeutic outlets for me; yes, it might make me sound like a 75-year-old lady, but I embrace it!

Final question. Since New Year is approaching, do you have any special wishes for 2024 or something you look forward in your academic or personal life?

Looking ahead to 2024, I, of course, wish for breakthroughs in my research, contributing to the broader academic discourse. On a personal note, I wish for personal growth and more opportunities to immerse myself in the cultural richness of Belgium. Here’s to a year filled with exploration, achievements, and enriching experiences!

Cheers to that, Kyriaki! And best of luck with your PhD!

Grigory Vorobyev is one of the first members of the MELA project, which started last year. We gave him some time to settle in and look around, and now Serena Causo is very pleased to ask him some questions as our medewerker van de maand!

Hi Grigory! Let’s break the ice with some academic questions: what is your work scope within the project?

Hi Serena! The pleasure is all mine! In MELA, I am responsible for the most down-to-earth part of the job, that is to say paleographic and codicological analysis of manuscripts. Rummaging among old books might sound boring, but I find it the most fascinating activity of all! Indeed, such humble details as a manuscript’s handwriting, watermarks or even wormholes shed light on the history of the texts transmitted in it. Thanks to such information, my colleagues who draw linguistic evidence from Byzantine texts can interpret their data in a more precise way. I immensely enjoy my role as MELA’s paleographer in charge!

It is exciting to be a member of a growing team, to share interests and ideas with your team members, all while building new friendships. How are you getting along with your colleagues within the project and the department? We hope that you had a warm welcome at the Blandijn!

More than that, I am feeling at home! One aspect I would like to highlight is the sense of freedom, and I am not (only) speaking of free coffee. I am deeply grateful to the people who made this feeling possible. Besides, when I just arrived, I was impressed by the chronological span covered by the Hellenists here, and I have to say – this is not an attempt at flattery! – that sharing the office with papyrologists has a strengthening, reassuring effect: I am doing stuff in many ways similar to what you guys are doing for the earlier period, so I feel I am stepping on firm ground! This diachronic dimension of the office space is something I appreciate a lot, just as much as the great help I got, synchronically, from several colleagues when I was looking for a flat and moving! 🙂 As for everyday life at Blandijn, sure enough, I am not the first interviewee to tell you how enjoyable the multilingual atmosphere in the project team and in the department is. This constant code-switching is a healthy habit! Of course, in whatever language you are chatting with a colleague, it is always fun to discover they share your non-academic interests, like early music or water sports.

As for everyday life at Blandijn, sure enough, I am not the first interviewee to tell you how enjoyable the multilingual atmosphere in the project team and in the department is. This constant code-switching is a healthy habit!

We hear that you are a wanderer, both for your interesting academic journey but also because you like to wandel (“walk”) in nature. Tell us more about it!

Indeed, I adore traveling in the wilderness, be it on water or in the woods. When you go kayaking or trekking, the huge advantage is that, in contrast to a conventional vacation, you cannot but leave your laptop at home. The study of manuscripts is a continuous voyage, too: doing codicology is impossible without consulting the originals, and they are kept in libraries all over the world. As for my academic journey, I did my BA and MA in Saint Petersburg, the city where I was born, but that period also included a fantastic exchange semester in Florence (that’s where I fell for paleography) and a short research stay in the Hellenic Institute in Venice. My double passion, for the Italian Renaissance and for Greek manuscripts, brought me then to Münster and Rome. I defended two doctoral theses on different topics, in Rome and in Saint Petersburg, and started working in the latter place. Apart from teaching, I was involved in several projects in the fields of Neo-Latin philology and Greek paleography. It was rewarding to work with manuscripts there, for they are quite numerous and to a great extent unstudied. Still, something went wrong outside academia. Already in the 2000s I was aware that terrible things were going on in my country, the feeling of helplessness and shame has been increasing ever since, and yet, even after the catastrophic invasions in 2008 and 2014, despite the steady growth of repressions and censorship, I hoped against hope that the regime would change soon. Well, that optimism turned out to be naïve. In late February 2022, I grabbed my backpack and got on board one of the crowded airplanes heading to Istanbul. As numerous Russian scholars who spoke up against the war and for whom it was unbearable to stay in their country any longer, I fled. I was lucky enough to have that possibility (indeed, so many people who want to leave are unable to), and I was even luckier to quickly get two short-term research positions, first at the University of Innsbruck, in the Noscemus project, and then at the Free University of Berlin, in the Aristoteles-Archiv. In both places I had the opportunity to work on topics very close to those I had been dealing with before. In 2023, I became a member of the MELA team, and I cannot express how happy I am to be part of it now. Ghent University is more than a safe haven for me: as I said, I feel at home.

In late February 2022, I grabbed my backpack and got on board one of the crowded airplanes heading to Istanbul. As numerous Russian scholars who spoke up against the war and for whom it was unbearable to stay in their country any longer, I fled. I was lucky enough to have that possibility (indeed, so many people who want to leave are unable to).

The initial period in a new country is the moment when one starts to settle in and build his own new habits. Have you already established some favorite rituals – maybe a place to go, a bite to eat, a person to hang out with – in Ghent?

In Ghent it is easy, for this city is so welcoming and, if I may use this word, cozy! It boasts a marvelous selection of cafés, but almost directly upon my arrival I discovered an alternative to having a piece of cake in one of those: you can just take a broodpudding at Bloch and consume it meditatively in the stillness of Blandijn’s Japanese hortus conclusus. As for my other new rituals, I found a regular jam session to participate in and I joined a choir. Besides, I am enthusiastic about the fact that Ghent has so much water. I grew up at the riverside, so the mere fact of crossing two bridges on my way to the university is a gratifying routine.

Last question for a travelling academic: what is the one book that you must always bring with you when you move to a new country?L

Well, this might sound strange from a person who works with manuscripts, but the nomadic life I have got used to over the past decade has taught me that living close to a good library is more important than possessing books. Hence, to my mind, the only indispensable book-like object to carry with you whenever you move to a new country is your head!

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Grigory! We are glad to have you with us and we wish you the best of luck with your work!