About the project

The main aim of the project is to investigate the private associations of the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman worlds (c. 500 BCE to c. AD 300). The prime geographical area covered extends from Italy to India. As well as examining the organization and activities of the associations themselves, the project seeks to elucidate their contribution to the development of contemporary societies. 

Two subsidiary aims are: (a) to examine possible connections to, and influences on, allegedly similar phenomena in other areas and historical periods; and (b) to re-evaluate current scholarly perceptions about distinctions between the public, private, and sacred spheres.

The members of the project’s academic staff conduct research on individual and clearly delineated topics, each of which is central to the greater project. At the same time, the staff members also work collectively on the compilation of a comprehensive inventory of the known private associations within the project’s focus area. At its completion, the CAP Inventory will become available in the form of an electronic database.

Organization

(for short presentations click ’Staff’)
Besides the project director, the team of academic staff consists of three researchers and two PhD scholars. The whole team is physically based at the University of Copenhagen. A larger group of Associate Members co-operates with the project’s core staff, contributing in particular to the inventory of private associations.

Funding

The project is funded by the Carlsberg Foundation.