Arts & Sciences Events

Location

The talk will be at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors to Spain in Washington D.C. From Dr. Ramallo: "Santiago de Compostela, along with Rome and Jerusalem, ranks among the most visited Christian shrines worldwide. Since the beginning of the 9th century when the tomb of the Apostle St. James was discovered, journeys to his burial site grew in popularity, especially from the 11th through the 13th centuries. Santiago has emerged as the last great Christian center to maintain a pilgrimage trek in the same way as in the Middle Ages. Every year more than 400,000 pilgrims and 3,5 million tourists arrive from across the planet to northwest Spain to enter the cathedral that shelters the saint’s remains. Across the centuries sacred routes connected Christendom, co-existing with thriving commercial networks. Multicultural populations arose in northern Iberia inhabited by pilgrims, merchants, peasants and sailors attracted by fresh socio-economic opportunities. Not all travelers survived. Modern forensic science has reverently explored more than 400 public burials from over 35 sites across northern Iberia – including the medieval tomb chamber beneath the floor of the cathedral itself. Radical new technologies can evaluate bone health and deformities, radiocarbon dating, isotope residues and DNA. Together they offer startling new perspectives on religious expression and social mobility."

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