Department of Classical Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University in Brno, an ALF Member, organizes the Laetae Segetes IX conference which offers an inspiring opportunity for emerging researchers to present their work and engage in dynamic scholarly discussions. Since its inception in 2005, this biennial event has served as a platform for postgraduate scholars to share their ideas and build connections in a supportive academic environment.

The call for papers invites proposals for 20-minute papers from PhD students and young researchers up to 35 years (postdoc) in the fields of Classical Philology, Medieval Latin, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Studies. All papers should be delivered in English. Each thematic session will conclude with a roundtable discussion guided by a keynote speaker to ensure constructive feedback and foster fruitful academic dialogue.

Contributions should address one or more of the following topics:

1. Digital Methods and Tools in Latin and Greek Philology
This session will explore the application of computational methods and digital tools to the study of the ancient, post-classical and medieval Greco-Roman world. Topics of interest include digital vocabularies, digital teaching, digital editions, digital epigraphy, and the use of AI tools in philological and linguistic research.

2. Language Change and Language Contact in the Greek and Roman World from Antiquity to Modern Times
This session will explore the dynamic linguistic landscape of the Greek and Roman worlds from classical antiquity to the medieval or modern periods. Focusing on language change and contact, it will examine how Greek and Latin languages evolved through extensive interactions across diverse regions, peoples, and social classes (e.g. the structural and lexical innovations arising from contact with other languages, bilingualism, diglossia, the transition of Greek or Latin from classical to medieval (or modern) forms, the development of Modern Greek, etc.).

3. Ancient and Medieval Culture and History in the Mirror of its Sources
This session will focus on reflecting the elements of ancient and medieval history and culture based on various types of sources and cultural contexts. Papers may analyze ancient or medieval literary, epigraphic, or numismatic evidence as well as sources with magical or ritual contents. Contributions from archaeologists are also welcome, provided they center on cultural-historical analysis.

4. Literary Dialogues Across Time and Space: Continuities and Transformations in Greek and Latin Literature
This session invites papers that explore the interplay between Greek and Latin literary traditions and their evolution across antiquity, the medieval period, and beyond. Topics may include intertextuality and the reception of Greek literature in Roman works, the adaptation of classical genres and themes in late antique and medieval contexts, literary strategies reflecting cultural or linguistic exchanges, and the transformation of literary motifs in the Byzantine, Medieval Latin and early modern periods.

IMPORTANT DATES
Paper Submission Deadline: 30 May 2025
Author Notification: 30 June 2025
Fee Payment Deadline: 30 September 2025

ABSTRACTS
Please submit your abstract (up to 200 words) together with a CV until May 30 via the online registration form. Acceptance notification will be sent out to you by June 30, 2025.

REGISTRATION FEE
The standard registration fee is 100 EUR / 2 500 CZK.
The conference fee includes a reception, refreshments during coffee breaks, and a cultural program. Participants will enjoy a guided city tour, which includes a visit to a selected cultural monument.
The conference fee does not include accommodation.
Payment should be made by September 30, 2025 (detailed instructions will be sent with the acceptance notification).

CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Kateřina Bočková Loudová (Masaryk University, Brno)
Irena Radová (Masaryk University, Brno)

CONFERENCE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
prof. Dionysis Goutsos, Department of Linguistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
prof. Peter Kruschwitz, Department of Ancient History, Epigraphy and Papyrology, University of Vienna
Michail I. Marinis, Ph.D., Laboratory for Greek Dialectology, The Ohio State University, USA
prof. Vasileios Vasileiadis, Department of Philology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Mgr. Ivan Prchlík, Ph.D., Department of Greek and Latin Studies, Charles University, Prague
doc. Mgr. Lucie Pultrová, Ph.D., Department of Greek and Latin Studies, Charles University, Pragueprof. PhDr. Daniela Urbanová, Ph.D., Department of Classical Studies, Masaryk University, Brno
doc. Mgr. Petra Mutlová, M.A., Ph.D., Department of Classical Studies, Masaryk University, Brno
doc. Mgr. Irena Radová, Ph.D., Department of Classical Studies, Masaryk University, Brno
Bc. Kateřina Bočková Loudová, Ph.D., Department of Classical Studies, Masaryk University, Brno