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The Department of Classical Studies at Tulane University and The Archaeological Institute of America New Orleans Society present “The materiality of blue: technical knowledge, innovation, and adaptation in the ancient Mediterranean” by Hilary Becker (Binghamton University).Date ~ Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time ~ 6:00pm
Location ~ Jones 204
Natural blue pigments in the ancient world are uncommon, usually sourced from far away and difficult to process. Reviewing these shady characters, like lazurite and azurite, will shed light on ancient artisanal capabilities, technical knowledge, and even trade connections that reveal the extent to which ancient people would travel and experiment in order to find blue. The development in the late 4th millennium B.C. of a synthetic blue pigment, Egyptian blue, made it possible not only to paint in blue but even to use this material in ways beyond its primary state as a pigment. Experimental archaeology paired with ancient texts and archaeology, making it possible to understand the stages by which these materials were made makes it possible to understand with heightened appreciation the technical innovation of antiquity.
This in-person, non-ticketed lecture is free and open to the general public. There will be no zoom component. Tulane University is committed to providing universal access to all our events on site. Please note that advance notice is necessary to arrange some accessibility needs. Contact Elizabeth M Reyna at 504-865-5719 / [email protected] at least two weeks in advance of the event if you have accessibility needs and need a disability-related accommodation to participate on campus.
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Event venue
6801 Freret St, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana 70118
Tickets
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