Au-delà de l’idée communément admise de la rareté du bois en Égypte, les documents grecs d’Égypte, grâce à la richesse et à la variété des informations qu’ils livrent, offrent les moyens de mieux appréhender la place qu’occupaient l’arbre et son bois aussi bien dans le paysage que dans l’économie du pays : depuis son rôle écologique ou ornemental, jusqu’à la production de fruits, de fourrage ou de combustible, l’arbre fournit aussi le bois alimentant les activités de menuiserie, de charpenterie ou de construction navale. Cette thèse présente ainsi une étude de l’exploitation de ces ressources par la société gréco-égyptienne au cours de la période couverte par la documentation papyrologique (de la fin du IVe s. av. J.-C. jusqu’au VIIIe s. ap. J.-C.), en partant de l’étude des papyrus et ostraca grecs pertinents, soit plusieurs centaines de documents édités. À la croisée des sources textuelles et archéobotaniques, une analyse lexicographique a ainsi permis de vérifier et d’établir dans la langue grecque d’Égypte les noms des principales essences locales exploitées pour leur bois (acacia, sycomore, perséa, saule, tamaris et jujubier épine-du-Christ). Outre les enjeux philologiques, cette étude a conduit à mettre en évidence des implications qui relèvent de l’histoire des paysages – introductions, abandons, répartition des espèces arborées –, de l’histoire économique – gestion, importation, distribution et consommation du bois –, de l’histoire culturelle – circulation des noms et sélection des essences –, mais aussi de la culture matérielle – travail du bois et usages des objets produits. / Beyond the common idea of wood scarcity in Egypt, the wealth of Greek documentation from Egypt provides solid ground to reevaluate the importance of trees and wood production in both the landscape and economy of the country : be they ornamental or ecologically functional, trees provide fruits, fodder and fuel, but also timber for woodworking, shipbuilding or charcoal. This dissertation thus contains a study of the exploitation of these natural resources by the Graeco-Egyptian society, from the end of the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD, based on the study of the relevant papyri and ostraca from Egypt, i.e. several hundreds of published documents. As a prerequisite for their right interpretation, a comprehensive lexicographical analysis was made, consisting of crossing textual and archaeobotanical sources, with the objective to crosscheck and establish the correct Greek names of the main local trees providing timber (acacia, sycamore, perséa tree, willow, tamarisk and nabk tree). In addition to these philological stakes, this study allowed as well to evidence implications in different fields, and in particular in the history of landscaping, like the introduction, abandonment, distribution of tree species, in the economy, like the production, importation, distribution and consumption of timber and fuel, in the cultural history, like flow of names and wood species selection, as well as in the art of wood crafting and culture of use of wooden artefacts.

The aim of this thesis is to examine changes in the status of traditional Egyptian religious culture during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, from 331 BCE to 313 CE. Four distinct categories of material culture are examined: monumental construction of temples and civic buildings, traditional hard-stone sculpture, Alexandrian tombs, and Roman coins. These bodies of evidence were chosen because each offers a unique perspective, reflecting respectively the personal inclinations and official attitudes of both the culturally Hellenic and indigenous elites, which have not previously been studied in this context. Examined together for the first time, these categories reveal commonalities that show clearly the progression of the status of indigenous religious culture. From this, it is argued that, despite being economically disadvantaged by the Roman administration, the high status of this culture persisted in Egyptian society under both the Ptolemies and the Romans. Patterns of Egyptian temple and classical civic building show that Egypt's indigenous elite controlled the resources allocated for temple construction under the Ptolemies, but that the Romans gradually transferred this land into the management of the culturally Hellenic elite. This resulted in a decrease in Egyptian temple building after the first century CE and a corresponding increase in classical construction from then on. The production of hard-stone statues is shown for the first time to reveal that the indigenous elite had the resources and cultural confidence to continue and develop their traditions under the Ptolemies, while the sharp decrease at the start of the Roman period reflects their diminution in autonomy and prosperity under Roman rule. New analysis of traditional elements and motifs in the tombs of Alexandrian elites shows that this group respected and adopted indigenous religious customs and beliefs, with a higher incidence of indigenous imagery in the Roman period compared with the Ptolemaic period. In a similar way, well-informed Egyptian religious iconography rendered in a classical style on Alexandrian coins demonstrates the respect of the Roman authorities for Egyptian religious cults and institutions at an official level. In sum, it is argued that indigenous religious culture largely maintained its privileged economic and social status throughout the Ptolemaic period, despite political upheavals. Under Roman rule, the individuals and institutions representing Egyptian religious culture were disadvantaged economically; however, its social importance and standing were preserved and it continued to enjoy respect.

This thesis addresses the gap in the scholarly record pertaining to the explicit relationship between gospel genre and implied audience. This thesis challenges the consensus that the canonical gospels were written to/for individual communities/churches and that these documents (gospels) address the specific historical/social circumstances of each community. It is argued in the thesis that the Evangelists chose the genre of biography because it was the genre that was best suited to present the words and deeds of Jesus to the largest possible audience. The central thesis is supported by four lines of evidence: two external and two internal (Chapters 3-6). Furthermore, the thesis is bolstered by a new typology for Greco-Roman biography that arranges the biographical examples within a relational matrix. Chapter 2 is integral to the main thesis of this dissertation in that it proposes nuanced language capable of being applied to specific kinds of biographies with the emphasis on the relationship to implied audience. Chapter 2 sets the boundaries of the discussion of genre as a vital factor in potentially determining audience as well as raising the important consideration that genres are representative of authorial choice and intent. Chapters 3 and 4 take up the discussion of the two lines of external evidence pertinent to placing the Gospels within the relational typology proposed in chapter 2. Chapter 3 supports the main argument of the thesis in that it demonstrates that the earliest Christian interpreters of the Gospels did not understand them to be sectarian documents written specifically to and/or for specific sectarian Christian communities. The second line of external evidence, taken up in chapter 4, deals with the wider context of Jesus literature in the second/third century. We argue that these texts, if any of them are indeed biographies, were part of the wider Christian practice of writing and disseminating literary presentations of Jesus and Jesus traditions. Chapters 5 and 6 address the lines of internal evidence and chapter 5 deals specifically with the difficulty in reconstructing the various gospel communities that might lie behind the gospel texts. It is argued that the genre of biography does not allow us to reconstruct these communities with any detail. Finally, chapter 6 is concerned with the ‘all nations’ motif present in all four of the canonical gospels. The ‘all nations’ and ‘sending’ motifs in the Gospels suggest an evangelistic tone for the Gospels and further suggest an ideal secondary audience beyond those who could be identified as Christian.

This thesis examines whether the theological method currently known as inculturation was used in the Supper Narratives of the New Testament. A methodology is set up in which texts are examined against the backdrop of Graeco-Roman, Judaic and early Christian cultures. This methodology focusses on family resemblances and analogies, rather than genealogy or causal dependence to examine the links between text and context. It also avoids claims for orthodoxy dependent on claims about origins. Engaging with the claims of writers from Schweitzer, through Jeremias and up to the present, three themes are identified: meals, sacrifice and eschatology. The manifestations of each are examined against the three cultural groups:Judaic, Graeco-Roman and early Christian. The Supper Narratives (Mk 14:12-26, Matt. 26:17-30 and Luke 22:7-23 and 1 Cor 11:17-34) are then mapped against these themes. Analogies to the cultural groups are then traced. This process leads to conclusions that the New Testament writers did use a methodology which can be identified as inculturation. It manifests itself particularly through patterns identified by anthropologists as bricolage and re-accentuation. A notable example is "sacrificialisation", in which events and items are invested with a fresh sacrificial significance. Judaic concepts (e.g., covenant and Atonement) and rituals (e.g., sacramentals and Passover) dominate the interpretations of Jesus' last meal with his disciples. This does not mean that inculturation only took place in relation to Jewish culture. Many of the concepts used (e.g., sacrifice and sacrament) share commonalities with Graeco-Roman thought which allows them to engage with such world-views. This process sees Judaic understandings used as correctives to Graeco-Roman thinking about sacraments. It also sees Jewish concepts used to address Graeco-Roman values, and give an added historical depth (antiquitas) to a comparatively recent event. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D.Th. (New Testament)

Cette étude concerne le fait théâtral dans ses dimensions matérielles, éclairé par les textes relatifs au fonctionnement et à la place du théâtre dans la société de l'Égypte hellénistique et romaine. Foyer d'expression et de diffusion de la culture gréco-romaine, la pratique théâtrale apparaît comme un élément fondamental au sein du processus d'hellénisation qui se met en place en Égypte à partir de la conquête d'Alexandre le Grand. Trois grands axes de recherche ont été définis : en premier lieu, le théâtre est étudié en tant qu'ouvrage architectural. Cette approche, essentiellement archéologique, est également mise en relation avec la notion de cadre urbanistique et de parure monumentale des villes d'Égypte à cette période. Nos recherches s'orientent ensuite plus spécifiquement sur le rayonnement de la pratique théâtrale en Égypte, à travers l'étude des productions d'objets issus de l'univers théâtral et dionysiaque. Ces représentations témoignent non seulement de la diffusion et de l'adaptation d'une composante essentielle de la culture grecque et romaine en Égypte, mais également de l'attachement royal à Dionysos, considéré comme l'ancêtre de la dynastie lagide. En troisième et dernier lieu, les activités et les diverses manifestations associées à l'édifice théâtral sont développées ; il s’agit d’aborder non seulement les spectacles, les auteurs et les acteurs, mais également les questions d'entretien, de maintenance et de gestion du bâtiment. L'apport de la documentation textuelle et archéologique constitue un outil précieux dans le développement de cette problématique. / This study deals with theatre in his material dimensions, enlightened by the texts relating to the operation and place of theatre in the society of Hellenistic and Roman Egypt. Centre of expression and diffusion of Graeco-Roman culture, theatrical practice appears as a fundamental element in the process of Hellenization which implements in Egypt from the conquest of Alexander the Great. Three main areas of research were identified : first, the theatre is discussed as in his architectural dimension. This approach, mainly archaeological, is also in relation with the notion of urban planning framework and set of monumental cities of Egypt at this time. Then our research focuses specifically on the influence of theatrical practice in Egypt, through the study of the production of objects associated to theatrical and Dionysiac world. These images reflect not only the diffusion and adaptation of an essential component of Greek and Roman culture in Egypt, but also the royal attachment to Dionysus, considered the ancestor of Ptolemaic dynasty. Third and finally, the various activities and events associated with the theatre building are developed ; we deal not only dramatic shows, authors and actors, but also maintenance and building management issues. The contribution of textual documentation is an invaluable tool in the development of these notions.

Die im Oktober 2011 verteidigte und mit der Note "summa cum laude" bewertete Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Auswertung aller bis 2011 bekannt gewordener Zeugnisse, die im Nahen Osten auf eine Kenntnisnahme und Verehrung der ägyptischen Götter Isis, Sarapis, Apis, Harpokrates etc. hindeuten. Eine grundlegende Materialaufnahme mithilfe eines DAAD-Stipendiums erfolgte 2003 bis 2004 in allen Levanteländern. Die im Zuge dieser Recherchen allerdings ausufernde Materialbasis führte dazu, den Fokus der Dissertation auf die südliche Levante zu richten. Zeitlich wurden vor allem die Jahrhunderte der hellenistischen und römischen Beherrschung des Gebiets näher untersucht. / This thesis, defended in October 2011 and rated "summa cum laude", evaluates testimonies that became known until 2011, which in the Middle East point to a recognition and worship of the Egyptian gods Isis, Sarapis, Apis, Harpocrates, etc. , Basic material was collected with the help of a DAAD scholarship in 2003-2004 in all Levant countries. However, in the course of these researches, a sprawling material base led to the focus of the dissertation on the southern Levant. In particular, the centuries of Hellenistic and Roman domination of the area were examined more closely.

This thesis examines whether the theological method currently known as inculturation was used in the Supper Narratives of the New Testament. A methodology is set up in which texts are examined against the backdrop of Graeco-Roman, Judaic and early Christian cultures. This methodology focusses on family resemblances and analogies, rather than genealogy or causal dependence to examine the links between text and context. It also avoids claims for orthodoxy dependent on claims about origins. Engaging with the claims of writers from Schweitzer, through Jeremias and up to the present, three themes are identified: meals, sacrifice and eschatology. The manifestations of each are examined against the three cultural groups:Judaic, Graeco-Roman and early Christian. The Supper Narratives (Mk 14:12-26, Matt. 26:17-30 and Luke 22:7-23 and 1 Cor 11:17-34) are then mapped against these themes. Analogies to the cultural groups are then traced. This process leads to conclusions that the New Testament writers did use a methodology which can be identified as inculturation. It manifests itself particularly through patterns identified by anthropologists as bricolage and re-accentuation. A notable example is "sacrificialisation", in which events and items are invested with a fresh sacrificial significance. Judaic concepts (e.g., covenant and Atonement) and rituals (e.g., sacramentals and Passover) dominate the interpretations of Jesus' last meal with his disciples. This does not mean that inculturation only took place in relation to Jewish culture. Many of the concepts used (e.g., sacrifice and sacrament) share commonalities with Graeco-Roman thought which allows them to engage with such world-views. This process sees Judaic understandings used as correctives to Graeco-Roman thinking about sacraments. It also sees Jewish concepts used to address Graeco-Roman values, and give an added historical depth (antiquitas) to a comparatively recent event. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D.Th. (New Testament)

This study investigates, via the socio-rhetorical approach, how the Jewish-Christian conflict that occurred during the formative period of early Christianity, and the environment contemporary to the writing of John, took shape around three main questions to which the researcher's answers are given. The event described in John 9 is an historical and significant illustration of the conflict. Jesus is shown rhetorically, by the writer, as the Son of Man, in whom "divine reality" operates away from the temple or other traditionally sacred places like the synagogue, and finds a new locality in the persona of Jesus himself. From a polemical view, John endeavours to portray Jesus as holy man, the only one to mediate heavenly and earthly realities, and that is why Jesus is presented as the real locus of the encounter between God and human beings, a locus of the divine presence, or "the conduit for the transmission of the divine." / New Testament / MTH (NEW TESTAMENT)

This study investigates, via the socio-rhetorical approach, how the Jewish-Christian conflict that occurred during the formative period of early Christianity, and the environment contemporary to the writing of John, took shape around three main questions to which the researcher's answers are given. The event described in John 9 is an historical and significant illustration of the conflict. Jesus is shown rhetorically, by the writer, as the Son of Man, in whom "divine reality" operates away from the temple or other traditionally sacred places like the synagogue, and finds a new locality in the persona of Jesus himself. From a polemical view, John endeavours to portray Jesus as holy man, the only one to mediate heavenly and earthly realities, and that is why Jesus is presented as the real locus of the encounter between God and human beings, a locus of the divine presence, or "the conduit for the transmission of the divine." / New Testament / MTH (NEW TESTAMENT)

Cette étude cherche à appréhender la place qu’avaient occupée les Conflits et les Amours mythiques dans la mosaïque de l’Afrique Proconsulaire au Bas-Empire (fin du IIIème - début du Vème siècle). Aussi, savoir la nature des sujets, les modalités d’assimilation figurative, l’évolution des concepts, ainsi que les rapports qu’auraient eus les mosaïstes ou les commanditaires avec une culture considérée comme étrangère. Pour chaque mosaïque sont mis en évidence les apports respectifs de l’iconographie et de la littérature. Les composantes structurelles et conjoncturelles de chaque image, à savoir le cadre de l’action, les personnages, les modèles et les formules iconographiques, ainsi que les modalités de mise en scène, sont examinés de plus prés. s’interrogeant sur l’insistance des empreints, l’interchangeabilité entre thèmes, nous remettons en question des idées devenues avec le temps comme des dogmes, telle la totale dépendance de la mosaïque de l’Afrique Proconsulaire aux tendances artistiques de l’époque et son incapacité à se détacher de l’hégémonie des arts dits majeurs, et nous montrons que les mosaïstes africains ne sont pas de simples imitateurs, mais de véritables novateurs. D’autres approches sont nécessaires pour mettre nos mosaïques dans leurs contextes architecturaux et décoratifs d’origines. Ceci permettant d’aborder les problématiques liées aux relations sémantiques, vise à connaître les modalités d’insertions utilisées dans le reste de l’Empire, mais aussi de s’interroger sur la validité de certaines idées, comme l’existence d’une codification régissant les scènes représentées et les contextes architecturaux.Enfin le replacement de la mosaïque, et à l’intérieur d’une production artistique englobant toutes les autres disciplines, et la prise en considération de toutes les particularités, géographiques, historiques, sociales et culturelles de l’Afrique romaine au Bas-Empire, montre qu’il est difficile, voire impossible, de mesurer le rapport exact entre fonction administrative, statut financier et niveau culturel des commanditaires. Au lieu de continuer de parler de l’existence d’une même et une seul culture élitiste à laquelle adhère tous les aristocrates de l’Empire, il serait nécessaire de surpasser certains a priori et parler de diversités et de différences que de ressemblances. / The object of this thesis is the review of the conflicts and mythological love endeavors depicted in the Africa Proconsularis mosaics in the Late Antiquity period. In the meantime, one of the main aims is the study of the subject of the mosaics, the manners of the figurative assimilation, the evolution of the concept, and also the relation between the mosaic makers and a culture considered as a foreign one.For each mosaic are highlighted the respective contributions of the iconography and literature. The structural and conjectural components of each image, meaning the setting of the actions, the characters, the models and the iconographic formulas, and the methods of the production are examined more narrowly; questioning the insistence of imprints, interchange- ability between subjects. We are putting into question theories which has become over time as a dogma, such as the total dependence of the mosaic of Africa Proconsularis to the artistic trends of the time and the inability to separate from the hegemony of the arts alias the major; and we will try to demonstrate that the African mosaic makers were not mere imitators, but truly innovators.Moreover, other approaches are needed to put the mosaics within their architectural and decorative context. These approaches will allow addressing issues related to semantic relations, aiming to find out the modality of the insertion in the rest of the Empire, but also to investigate the validity of certain theories, such as the existence of a codification as a regulator linking the scenes presented and the architectural contexts.Finally, the replacement of the mosaic, in the artistic production encompassing all the other disciplines, taking into consideration all the geographical, historical, social particularities, and the cultural aspects of Roman Africa during the Late Antiquity, which give evidence that it is difficult or impossible to measure the exact relationship between administrative function, financial status and cultural level of the elite sponsors. Instead of, continuing to discuss about the existence of only an elitist culture that adheres to all the aristocracy of the Empire, it would need to exceed some a priori and talk about diversity and differences rather than only similarities.