Editorial n. 2 (2009)

This second issue of "Quaderni del Ramo d'Oro On-Line" consists of two parts. The first part of the volume is dedicated to the acts of the conference "L'inganno dei sensi" held in Siena in December 2008. This event had important resonances nationally and reflected the AMA Center's youthful energy and potential at its best; for this, its organizers (Daniela Fausti, Licia Ferro and Svetlana Hautala) must be congratulated. We are very proud to be able now to publish the papers presented at the conference, thanks to the care and patience of the editors (Daniela Fausti and Francesca Marzari).
   The second part contains contributions in line with the journal's interests in anthropology and its thematics. These contributions draw parallels between the Greek world, the Roman world and the experiences of cultures farther afoot, as well as between ancient and modern experience. Thus, Greek and Roman mythology (Damiano Fermi and Micol Perfigli) can be read against that of the Rom through the lens of the trickster (Leonardo Piasere); a historical-mythological reading of Ghanian culture recalls aspects of Georges Dumézil's trifunctionalism (Simone Ghiaroni); while special attention is given also to the other side of the Mediterranean, from the Near East to Mesopotamia (Daniel Barbu, Anne-Caroline Rendu Loisel and Anna Angelini).
   In particular, our intention with this volume has been to follow a sub-thematic thread, so to speak, focusing on the (very modern) themes of reconciliation, pardon and the gift in general. In fact, readers will have the opportunity to compare two different reflections on the experience of the famous Athenian mè mnesikakèin (those of Mauro Moggi and Luigi Spina) with what a young Columbian anthropologist (Catalina Cortès Severino) – one of our own doctoral students – suggests about the troubles that are taking place in her country; and finally with Pietro Li Causi's considerations of beneficium in Seneca.
   The endeavor of "Quaderni del Ramo d'Oro On-Line" continues to be one of great success and promise, and makes us optimistic about the future of classical studies. The third issue is already in preparation and we are happy to receive other proposals for publication. Meanwhile, good reading!
                                                                                     Maurizio Bettini