Replay: Matthieu Husson (Observatoire de Paris), Francesca Prescendi Morresi (EPHE-PSL) et Charlotte Schmid (EFEO)

Matthieu Husson, Francesca Prescendi Morresi and Charlotte Schmid presented the objectives of Axis 1, ‘Temporal Constructions and Their Implications’. Before the modern era, there was no universal calendar nor any easy way of calculating time. Astronomy was used to measure time by observing the stars, whilst astrology and cosmology served to interpret it, linking the world of humans with that of the gods, and the earth with the heavens; meanwhile, the interpretation and determination of time were the responsibility of civic and religious authorities. These issues will lie at the heart of the programme’s exploration of the conception of time – past, present, prophetic and eschatological – in ancient societies. The evolution of modes of historicity, that is to say, ways of conceiving the relationship to time, will be studied across the various cultural areas represented. The contribution of the sciences and the history of science, particularly astronomy and biology, will be significant in this regard. This will highlight the complex interactions between astronomy and chronology, and their formative role in shaping cultures. It will also enable us, particularly in the case of prehistory, to integrate scientific reconstructions of the past through physico-chemical and archaeological dating methods.

Watch the introduction to Axis 1 on the EPHE-PSL YouTube channel.