Ancient Lights, Modern Insights: Recent Advances in Lychnology
7th ILA Congress, Athens 2026
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at the École Française d’Athènes
May 7th 2026 to May 9th 2026
A three-day summit of talks, activities, and workshops
A three-day summit of talks, activities, and workshops
Ancient Lights, Modern Insights: Recent Advances in Lychnology
École française d’Athènes, Athens, Greece
7–9 May 2026
The International Lychnological Association, in collaboration with the French School at Athens and the Hellenic Open University, is pleased to announce the 7th International Lychnological Congress (ILA 2026).
This year’s theme, Ancient Lights, Modern Insights, invites scholars working on ancient lighting to share their latest findings. The conference will explore recent advances in the typology, production, use, and cultural significance of ancient lamps and other lighting devices. Participants are encouraged to present experimental, digital, archaeometric, and contextual approaches to the archaeology of light.
We look forward to three illuminating days of discussion, discovery, and knowledge exchange in the heart of one of antiquity’s most luminous cities.
Key Information at a Glance
Dates: 7–9 May 2026
Venue: École française d’Athènes, 6 Didotou Street, Athens, 10680
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 January 2026
Official Language: English
Registration Fee: Free (with a €50 fee for the optional excursion)
Latest Announcement
Latest Announcement
Abstract Submission is Now Open.
Submit your proposal by 31 January 2026 to be considered for inclusion in the scientific programme.
Send your 300 word abstract at info@ila2026.eu or lychnologicalcongress@outlook.com
Conference Themes
The 7th ILA Congress welcomes contributions on all aspects of ancient and pre-industrial lighting, with particular focus on the following themes:
1. Lamp Typology, Technology, and Production
New research on lamp types, manufacturing techniques, workshop practices, and traces of use.
2. Broader Lighting Technologies
Studies on torches, candles, hearths, and objects repurposed as lighting devices.
3. Contexts of Use
Lighting in domestic, ritual, funerary, public, and communal settings, and its impact on social and architectural behaviour
4. Archaeometric Approaches
Chemical, mineralogical, and organic residue analyses of fuels, wicks, and carbonized deposits.
5. Reconstruction of Lighting Environments
3D/4D/5D modelling and scientific methods for simulating ancient lighting conditions.
6. Experimental and Ethno-archaeological Studies
Hands-on experimentation and ethnographic parallels illuminating ancient lighting practices.
7. Cultural and Social Dimensions of Light
The symbolic, ritual, and behavioural significance of light and darkness across ancient societies.
Minoan experimental lamp with vegetable oil (copyright Bastien Rueff)
Keynote Speech (TBA)
Keynote Speech (TBA)
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[Name]
About this person
TBA
Practical Information
Practical Information
École Française d’Athènes
École Française d’Athènes
6 Didotou Street, 10680 Athens
6 Didotou Street, 10680 Athens
The School is easily accessible by public transportation:
Metro: A 5-minute walk from Panepistimio Station (Line 2 - Red Line) and about 10 minutes from Syntagma Station (Line 3 - Blue Line), which connects directly to the airport.
Bus: Several buses and trolley lines run along nearby Academias Street and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, with stops just a few minutes from the venue.
On foot: The School is within easy walking distance from Syntagma Square, the National Library, and other major central landmarks.
From the airport: The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) offers a direct connection from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Syntagma Station, followed by a short walk or taxi ride to the venue.
Travel to Athens
Athens is served by Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), with direct flights from most major European and international cities.
From the airport, the city center can be reached by:
- Metro Line 3 (to Syntagma or Panepistimiou station)
- Express Bus X95 (to Syntagma Square)
- Suburban Railway
- Taxi (approx. 35–50 EUR, fixed rate depending on time of day)
Getting Around the City
Athens has an efficient and affordable public transport network:
- Metro (Lines 1, 2, 3)
- Buses and trolleys
- Trams (towards the coastal suburbs)
- Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced
Tickets can be purchased at metro stations and kiosks. A 3-day tourist pass is available and includes airport transport.
Accommodation
Athens offers a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals. Areas close to the venue include:
- Kolonaki (walking distance to the venue)
- Exarchia (vibrant and central)
- Syntagma/Plaka (historic center)
We recommend booking early, especially for central locations.
Weather in May
May is one of the most pleasant months in Athens, with average daytime temperatures around 24–27°C, and cooler evenings. Light clothing, sun protection, and a jacket for the evening are recommended.
Visas
Greece is part of the Schengen Area.
EU/EEA citizens do not require a visa.
Participants from outside the EU may need a short-stay Schengen visa. Please check requirements in advance and request a formal invitation letter if needed.
Currency and Payments
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Credit/debit cards are widely accepted
- Cash is useful for small purchases or taxis
- ATMs are easily found throughout the city
Emergency Contacts
- General emergency number: 112
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 166
- Congress emergency number: (To be provided to registered participants)
Accomodation
Participants will find a wide range of accommodation options near the French School.
In addition, a limited number of rooms are available on-site at the French School, at a modest rate of approximately 20 euros per night. These rooms are available by prior reservation and subject to availability. If you wish to request accommodation at the French School, please contact the organizing team as early as possible to secure your place.
We look forward to welcoming you to the French School at Athens for three days of stimulating academic exchange in a setting rich in history, scholarship, and cultural significance.
Register now!
Register now!
How to Register
To register for the conference, please send an email to the organizing committee with the subject line 'ILA 2026 Registration'. Include the following information in your message:
- Full name
- Institutional affiliation (if applicable)
- Email address
- Whether you wish to join the optional technical visit to Marathon
Registration details and confirmation will be acknowledged via email.
Deadline for Registration
The final deadline for registration will be announced in Spring 2026. Early registration is encouraged to ensure availability for optional activities and excursions.
Organizing Committee
Organizing Committee
Ioannis Motsianos, Dorina Moullou, Bastien Rueff, Stelios Zerefos and Laurent Chrzanovski
Send your inquiries at info@ila2026.eu
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