The Advanced Certificate in Political Thought (ACPT) specialization, its History of Political Thought Research Group, the Medieval Studies Department and the Institute for Advanced Studies invite you to their joint event,
a workshop by Thomas Conlan (Princeton, History and East Asian Studies)
on his article "When Men Become Gods: Apotheosis, Sacred Space, and Political Authority in Japan 1486-1599" (Quaestiones Medii Aevi Novae, 2016).
The discussion requires that participants read the text beforehand. Please register at Ráhel Turai ACPT coordinator at turair@ceu.edu who will send you the text.
When Men Become Gods: Apotheosis, Sacred Space, and Political Authority in Japan 1486-1599
Explores the political significance of the apotheosis of military lords in Japan, focusing on hitherto ignored 1486 deification of the lord Ōuchi Norihiro. Before Norihiro’s time, vengeful spirits were deified in order to pacify them, but his case represents a different pattern whereby powerful lords were made into gods. This paper explores the political and religious significance of this act, which stabilized succession, allowed for regional control, and became the template for powerful authorities to enshrine their rule in the following century.
The cover image depicts warriors following Myoken, the Northern Star Bodhisattva, in battle.
The event is open to the public but by registration only. To RSVP to this event, please register at: turair@ceu.edu
Reception to follow.