Ripam 10.5. & EMUNI Conference 2024

Ancient Hydrologic Systems and Water Management in the Mediterranean Region

Rencontres Internationales du Patrimoine Architecturel Méditerranéen – 16th EMUNI Conference

10 - 11 October 2024

Kidričevo nabrežje 2

Piran, Slovenia 🇸🇮

for non-contributing attendees

About the Conference

The ancient Mediterranean civilizations have long captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike with their remarkable engineering feats, particularly in the realm of water management. From the aqueducts of Rome to the cisterns of Crete, these systems formed the backbone of societies, shaping culture, commerce, and even warfare. As we delve deeper into understanding the intricate workings of these ancient water systems, we uncover not only technological brilliance but also insights into the socio-political, economic, and environmental dynamics of antiquity.

The International Conference on Ancient Water Systems in the Mediterranean Region invites researchers, scholars, archaeologists, historians, engineers, and enthusiasts to contribute their insights and findings to a multidisciplinary exploration of these vital lifelines of ancient civilizations. This conference aims to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge, and advance our understanding of ancient water management practices across the Mediterranean basin.

The Euro-mediterranean University EMUNI, located in Piran, ancient coastal mediterranean city, will have the honour of hosting joint event of the sixteenth EMUNI Conference and Ripam 10.5 intermediate conference “International Meeting on Mediterranean Architectural Heritage” from October 10 to 11, 2024.

The main objective of this international event is to exchange between national and international experts and to deepen discussions on issues of preservation of ancient Mediterranean water systems in general, and learn a valuable lessons in water conservation, management in particular.

The conference will be co-organised by Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale – OGS (i.e. National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics) and the Union for the Mediterranean – UfM.

Conference Reasons

The International Meetings on Mediterranean Architectural Heritage (RIPAM) are scientific events organized since 2005 by a group of researchers, academics, historians, architects, heritage scientists, experts, curators and professionals from different countries and institutions of two shores of Mediterranean basin. The last two conferences were in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2022 and in Errachidia (Maroc) in 2023 (website: www.ripam.org).

Emuni University is a higher education institution that focuses on promoting collaboration and dialogue between countries in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Emuni University was established in 2008 in Slovenia, with the aim of fostering academic and cultural exchange, as well as promoting economic development and cooperation among Mediterranean countries and European Union member states. Emuni University also conducts research and organizes annual conferences, workshops, and other academic activities to address challenges and opportunities facing the Euro-Mediterranean region. Through its educational programs and research initiatives, Emuni University contributes to the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean region (website: www.emuni.si).

In the Mediterranean region, ancient water systems are an integral part of its cultural heritage. cisterns, wells, khettaras, aqueducts, qanats and fog collection represent the knowledge, skills, and values of ancient societies and have been used for millennia as a reliable source to ensure water. They played a crucial role in sustaining life and enabling the development of thriving civilizations around the Mediterranean basin.

Many of these systems demonstrate remarkable feats of engineering and continue to be studied and admired for their ingenuity, effectiveness, and strong cultural, historical, technological, socio-economic, and environmental impact.

In a period where (clean) water scarcity is a significant global challenge that affects millions of people worldwide, understanding ancient water systems can teach to our modern societies valuable lessons for sustainable water management and environmental stewardship, helps us to foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity within mediterranean communities.

Conference Details

Topics of interest:

Hydrological engineering in ancient civilizations
Architecture and construction of aqueducts, khettaras, qanats, cisterns, wells, and reservoirs
Water distribution networks and infrastructure
Social and economic impacts of water management
Technological innovations in water systems
Environmental implications and sustainability of ancient water systems
Cultural and religious significance of water
Water and urban development in ancient cities
Water-related conflicts and resolutions
Preservation and conservation of ancient water systems

Call for papers [CLOSED]

We invite submissions for oral presentations and posters. Abstracts should be submitted for review and should not exceed 300 words. The abstract will be in English or French, accompanied with a translation in a second mediterranean language. Submissions must adhere to the conference’s guidelines and formatting requirements, like in the attached examples.

The final papers will be in English or French.

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: June 30, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: July 8, 2024
Deadline for reduced fee registration: July 30, 2024
Submission of final abstracts (in case modifications are requested upon acceptance): August 31, 2024
Deadline for registration, September 20, 2024
Conference: October 10 and 11, 2024
Submission of final papers: November 15, 2024

Book of abstracts will be published before the conference.

Proceeding, including all the presented papers, will be published by mid 2025.

Papers, selected by the scientific committee, will be considered to enter the process for possible publication in the International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies (indexed SCOPUS).

Join us in unravelling the mysteries of ancient water systems and their enduring legacy in the Mediterranean region. Together, let us delve into the depths of history to uncover the secrets of civilization’s lifeline.

For registration and abstract submission form, please click here.

The word template for abstract can be download at: template-RIPAM10.5.

For inquiries, please contact conference@emuni.si

Conference Organising Committee

Polona Oblak (EMUNI)
Jaka Vadnjal (EMUNI)
Mounir Ghribi (EMUNI and OGS)
Daniela Pittaluga (Dipartimento Architettura e Design, Università degli Studi di Genova).

The Conference Scientific Committee will be composed by the members of the Conference Organizing Committee and the members of the RIPAM Permanent Committee and other members (https://www.ripam.org/wp-ripam/organization-en).