Echoes of Antiquity
An immersive exploration into ISAW's mission, research, and contributions to understanding global ancient civilizations.
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About ISAW
A Global Scholarly Hub
The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) functions as a distinguished center for advanced scholarly research and graduate education, operating under the esteemed umbrella of New York University (NYU). Established with a visionary mandate, ISAW is dedicated to fostering comparative and connective investigations across the vast expanse of the ancient world, spanning from the western Mediterranean to the distant reaches of China.[1]
Visionary Founding
ISAW was inaugurated in 2006, made possible by the generous funding from the Leon Levy Foundation.[3] This initiative was a direct fulfillment of the philanthropic aspirations of Leon Levy, co-founder of Oppenheimer mutual funds, who, alongside his wife Shelby White, envisioned an institute where leading scholars could delve into the intricate trade and cultural interconnections among ancient civilizations. Following Levy's passing in 2003, the foundation prioritized bringing this ambitious plan to fruition.[4]
Independent Academic Structure
Distinct within New York University, ISAW operates as an independent entity, maintaining its own substantial endowment and a dedicated board of trustees. This unique structure allows it to pursue its specialized mission with autonomy. The Institute is housed in a magnificent historic six-story limestone building on East 84th Street in Manhattan, strategically located near the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing an inspiring environment for its scholarly pursuits.[4]
Mission & Research
Interconnected Antiquity
At its core, ISAW's mission is to advance a nuanced understanding of the ancient world through comparative and connective research. This approach emphasizes the intricate relationships and exchanges between diverse ancient cultures, rather than studying them in isolation. The Institute seeks to illuminate the shared histories, influences, and interactions that shaped civilizations across vast geographical and temporal spans.[1]
Broad Geographical Scope
ISAW's scholarly focus is remarkably expansive, encompassing a wide array of ancient regions and cultures. This includes, but is not limited to, the classical Greco-Roman world, the foundational civilizations of the Ancient Near East, the enduring legacy of Egypt, the dynamic cultures of Central Asia and the pivotal Silk Road, and the rich artistic and archaeological traditions of East Asia.[2]
Specialized Academic Fields
The faculty at ISAW possess diverse specializations that collectively contribute to its comprehensive research agenda. These areas of expertise include the study of Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages, the history of ancient science, and the innovative application of digital humanities methodologies to ancient studies. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a holistic and cutting-edge engagement with the complexities of the past.[2]
Leadership & Faculty
Directorship
The leadership of ISAW guides its academic and strategic direction. The current director is Alexander Jones, who assumed the role in September 2016, succeeding the founding director, Roger Bagnall. Jennifer Chi served as the founding exhibitions director and chief curator, instrumental in shaping the visual arts program until 2018.[5][6]
Core Faculty
As of September 1, 2021, the Institute's faculty comprised a distinguished group of scholars, each contributing unique expertise to ISAW's interdisciplinary mission. Their collective knowledge spans the diverse geographical and thematic areas central to the study of the ancient world.
Governance Structure
ISAW's governance is structured to ensure academic independence and strategic oversight. Its appointments and academic programs fall under the jurisdiction of its faculty, which achieved independent status in Fall 2010. The director reports directly to the Provost and President of New York University. Further guidance is provided by the Director's Council, chaired by ISAW's founder, Shelby White, which offers crucial advice on strategic directions and public programming, acting as vital ambassadors for the Institute.[7]
Senior Staff
Administrative Leadership
The operational excellence of ISAW is supported by a dedicated team of senior staff members who manage various critical functions, ensuring the smooth execution of the Institute's academic and research initiatives. These individuals play pivotal roles in administration, digital programs, exhibitions, and academic affairs.
The ISAW Library
A Specialized Research Collection
The ISAW Library serves as an indispensable resource for scholars, housing an extensive collection of approximately 40,000 non-circulating print volumes. This specialized library is a vital branch of the NYU Division of Libraries, meticulously curated to support advanced research in ancient studies. Its facilities are integrated across four floors within ISAW's East 84th Street premises, providing a dedicated space for intensive academic work.[9]
Areas of Scholarly Depth
The print collection boasts particular strengths in several key areas, reflecting ISAW's broad research scope. These include comprehensive holdings in Greek and Roman material culture and history, Papyrology, Egyptology, Mesopotamian Archaeology and Assyriology, the history and cultures of Central Asia and Iran, and the foundational studies of Early China. This rich array of resources supports in-depth exploration across diverse ancient civilizations.[10]
Digital Initiatives
Beyond its physical collection, the ISAW Library is at the forefront of digital scholarship in ancient studies. It actively engages in providing access and support for new and evolving forms of digital research, scholarly communication, and pedagogical approaches. Notable digital initiatives include the **Ancient World Digital Library (AWDL)** and a collaborative project with ISAW Digital Programs aimed at cataloging online and open-access resources, thereby expanding the reach and accessibility of ancient world scholarship.[11]
Digital Programs
Bridging Past and Present
ISAW's commitment to digital humanities is evident in its robust digital programs, which seek to leverage modern technology to enhance the study and dissemination of knowledge about the ancient world. These initiatives are crucial for making complex ancient data accessible and for fostering innovative research methodologies.
Ancient World Digital Library (AWDL)
A cornerstone of ISAW's digital efforts is the Ancient World Digital Library (AWDL). This platform provides a curated collection of digital resources, offering scholars and students unparalleled access to texts, maps, and other materials relevant to ancient studies. It represents a significant contribution to open-access scholarship, facilitating global engagement with historical data.
Collaborative Resource Cataloging
In a collaborative effort with the ISAW Library, the Digital Programs team is actively involved in cataloging online and open-access resources. This project aims to systematically organize and make discoverable a vast array of digital materials, ensuring that researchers can efficiently locate and utilize the most relevant and authoritative online content for their studies.[11]
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional academic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for direct consultation with academic advisors, faculty members, or official institutional documentation. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, details regarding programs, faculty, and resources at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) may change. Always refer to the official ISAW and New York University websites for the most current and authoritative information. Never disregard official institutional guidance because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.