John's dissertation is titled "Local Panhellenism in the Ancient Greek Sanctuaries of the Northeast Peloponnese" which focuses on the sanctuaries of Zeus at Nemea, Poseidon at Isthmia, Hera at Argos, and Asclepius at Epidaurus from a local rather than Panhellenic perspective. It focuses on the local forces in the shaping and histories of the sanctuaries. Chapters focus on foundation myths of the sanctuaries and festivals, administrative offices of the sanctuaries and athletic contests, and patronage patterns and building programs at the sanctuaries. The temporal scope ranges from the 8th century BC through the Roman conquest of Greece in 146 BC. This research is part of a larger interest in problematizing the modern notion of Panhellenism--the idea of collective Greek identity--by showing its limited applicability in antiquity. John is currently preparing an article on Book 7 of Xenophon's "Anabasis." In addition to this work, John has research interests in ancient athletics and long-distance runners--a extension of his passion for long-distance running.

Committee: Dr. Denver Graninger (Chair) Dr. Michele Salzman Dr. Denise Demetriou (UCSD)