Research: “Christina of Sweden, Descartes, European Christianity and the Rosicrucian Movement: An Unpublished Investigation“
Sofia Araia is an Italian-Eritrean scholar with an eclectic academic background spanning philosophy, history, religions, art law, and cultural heritage management. Born in Rome on March 15, 1991, Sofia has always demonstrated a keen interest in the humanities and historical-religious studies, a passion that has shaped her academic and professional path. Currently, Sofia is a PhD candidate in History and Cultures of Europe at Sapienza University of Rome, enrolled in the 40th Cycle (2024/2025), specializing in the History of Religions. Her educational journey has taken her across Italy and the United Kingdom. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and the History of Philosophy with a thesis titled The Taurobolium: Attis Platonicus, which focused on the analysis of an ancient cult and its philosophical connections. She later completed her Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies in London in 2018, with a thesis revisiting the history of Tewahedo Christianity through new sources. Her education was further enriched by a First-Level Master’s Degree in Cultural Heritage and Activities Management, as well as advanced training courses in Art Law and Collecting (2024) and Art Appraisal (2021). These experiences have enabled her to combine a solid theoretical foundation with practical skills in the management and protection of cultural heritage. Sofia’s academic activity is marked by a strong inclination for interdisciplinary research. She has collaborated with the CNR - Institute for the European Intellectual Lexicon and History of Ideas, participating in both individual and group research projects on migration, under the guidance of prominent scholars such as Tullio Gregory. She also served as a teaching assistant at the Philosophy Department of Sapienza University, working with Professor Luciano Albanese from 2015 to 2016. Her publications reflect the breadth of her interests. Among her most significant works are From the Taurobolium to Attis Platonicus: The Adventures of a Cult (Stamen, Rome 2023), a historical-religious and philosophical analysis of the Attis cult, and the article Lucio Colletti: From Della Volpe’s Parricide to the Neoliberal Rereading of Marx, published in 2024 in the journal Il Contributo. She has also contributed philosophical and historical-religious essays to academic journals such as Storia del Mondo, exploring topics like the origins of Hermetic writings and the relationship between art, science, and reality. In parallel, Sofia has gained significant professional experience. Since 2016, she has worked as a translator specializing in Tigrinya and English for international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Ministry of the Interior, and the World Bank. She also completed a civil service term at Roma Capitale, where she organized cultural events at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and coordinated activities at a migration management center. Currently, she is a member of the Center for Italian Philosophy and collaborates with its journal Il Contributo, continuing to promote the dissemination of Italian philosophical thought.