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The particular period of history when the Severi arrived at a position of
power in the Roman Empire (193-235 A.D.) represents, for the history of the
Ancient Mediterranean, a unique moment and a high point of development in
the arts, philosophy, law and culture in general. Amongst other things, it
is a period very similar to our own in that there are great population
movements, economic problems, mixing and clashes of different cultures and
linguistic pluralism.
The town of Albano Laziale, due to its history and its archeological
inheritance, constitutes a unique and precious spyglass for the study of
this fascinating period of ancient history, that, as hinted above, throws
light on many aspects of present day society.
The International Centre for Severan Studies (I.C.S.S.) aims to provide every
opportunity and means for the recovery of this chapter in our history.
It works basicially on two levels. The first level is the research work
carried out by noted scholars and academics from all countries who can find
a valuable opportunity for encounters, meetings and round table discussions
in the activity of our Centre. On the second level, by no means less
important, all our members, sympathizers and local citizens participate in
making sure that this work does not remain purely academic but returns into
the community through conferences, debates, and guided visits. The cultural
objective might be characterised therefore, as the recovery of an interesting
part of our life and historical roots through an intimate contact between
researchers, texts and monuments of our past.
Conventions
Every year the Centre will organise Study Days on the Severan culture.
Scholars and academics from various specialised fields will make their
contributions ranging from archeology, ancient history, history of religion,
history of literature, history of law, writing and numismatics etc. In the
course of the Convention speeches, studies and debates will bring our
knowledge up to date, or bring to light new findings on the severan period.
The Proceedings of the Convention will be published, not just to leave a
concrete record of the work carried out, but also to transmit it at an
international level.
In the appendix of the book of the 'proceedings' the reader will given a
bibliography on themes connected to the severan period, organised in various
sections (general history, inscriptions, numismatics, archeology, religion,
army etc.). These pages in fact will constitute an invaluable aid for whoever
wants to undertake any research on this period of history, taking as his point
of departure a complete list of existing documents, already systematically
organised. In addition, in every volume of the proceedings of the convention
there will be an index containing reviews and information tables about books
that authors and publishers intend to bring into print.
Conferences
Every two months the Centre will invite specialists from various academic
areas to meet our members and supporters within the context of a conference.
The subjects are those connected to the study of the severan period and
aspects relevant to the present day will be often focussed on, but in every
case care will be taken that rights of the authors are observed. Through such
initiatives the Centre will come in contact with the schools of the area and
thus willbe able to respond to the need for bringing teachers up to date and
to the end of creating a useful learning programme for the students. Current
school and university legislation regarding the continuous education of the
'citizen' thus will find a highly qualified fulfillment in the work of the
Centre.