Department of History

John's dissertation is titled "Argos and the Sanctuaries of the Northeast Peloponnese: A Case of Epichoric Panhellenism," which focuses on Argos' relationship with the Sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea, Sanctuary of Poseidon at Isthmia, the Heraion of the Argolid, and the Asclepeion at Epidaurus. It focuses on Argos' attempts to control these sanctuaries through a combination of both "hard" and "soft" forms of dominance and influence at various points in Argive history. Chapters focus on foundation myths of the sanctuaries and festivals, administration of the sanctuaries and athletic contests, and patronage patterns at the sanctuaries. It covers the foundations of the sanctuaries in the 8th century BC through the Roman conquest of Greece in 146 BC. All of this work is part of a larger interest in the ancient and modern concept known as Panhellenism--the idea of collective Greek identity--and the hypothesis that ancient Panhellenism was much weaker than typically described in modern scholarship. 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.