After several years of research, the first half of a two-part paper on the symbolic value of Roman bread has been released. Abstract: When duplicated, the single icon of a monument, deity, or object, could recall entire narratives of divine intervention, great ancestral feats, and desirable ‘Roman’ attributes. The common, round, and quartered loaf of wheat-bread was produced and eaten […]
Name: Dr David Walsh Area of Specialism: Roman History and Archaeology Topics of Interest: Roman religion (especially the cult of Mithras), and the reception of Roman Britain by wider audiences (such as the works of Rudyard Kipling and Rosemary Sutcliff). Job Title: Lecturer in Roman Archaeology Job Responsibilities: I am a lecturer at Newcastle University, teaching modules on Roman Archaeology […]
Greetings All, You are warmly invited to an exciting interdisciplinary event: on April 17th 2023. This workshop, funded by Artfund, will address the challenges and benefits of collaboration between the digital and gaming industry, education, and heritage. Hosted by the Vindolanda Charitable Trust, Newcastle University and Creative Assembly, the event will comprise of a range of speakers from digital and heritage backgrounds, […]
On 8th December 2021, Professor Federico Santangelo, Dr John Holton and I gave three online talks about different aspects of Roman Republican life. Recorded for a sixth form audience, these talks address the theories, methods, practices and importance of studying ancient literature, archaeological material and the Roman past. Oragnised by Dr Stephanie Holton, Each talk is twenty minutes long with […]
Recently, the Classics Department of the University of Reading was delighted to announce the release of a special video called What Can a Dog Called Margarita Teach us About Ancient Rome? In this video Prof. Peter Kruschwitz (University of Vienna), Prof. Xavier Espluga (University of Barcelona) and Dr. María Limón (University of Seville) discuss the lettered world of ancient Rome […]
At the beginning of the year, I started a mini-series during my role as Social Media Manager for the Classics Department, University of Reading. The aim was to produce a collection of short interviews which articulated what it was really like to work in the various areas of ancient history careers. These interviews discuss the stark reality of the pros, […]
The Ides of March 44 BCE is remembered each year by history enthusiasts as the day of Julius Caesar’s assassination. The execution of the most prevalent Roman leader of his time by the co-governing senate was no small matter and is often marked as a turning point in Roman politics. Before this infamous day, however, the 15th March was already […]
Archaeology Grrl has been a little quiet recently. The pandemic chaos has halted all excavations and rearranging all teaching. It has produced an intense level of work and anxiety for all involved and so I thought now would be the ideal time to improve my online presence. And so, on this sunny afternoon in England, I am happy to announce […]
Some spooky stories with a classical twist for you, from the genius of The Petrified Muse. Gory, gruesome, and grotesque: two ancient vampire tales
Once again the University of Reading’s Archaeology Department has done a sterling job organising and running a field school for its students. Alongside undergraduate and postgraduate students, local residents, archaeology enthusiasts, A-Level students and long-time Silchester volunteers arrived to help excavate, record and decipher the Roman Bathhouse of Calleva. The areas opened in 2019 were a combination of extensions from […]