Original perspectives on the ancient world
The Classics Research Division has a proud history stretching back more than 100 years. It is renowned for its world-leading insights into the cultures, histories, societies, languages, religions and material remains of the ancient Mediterranean.
We consider the ancient world as a single entity, investigating the interactions between its civilizations, social groups and their legacies. Combining the best of traditional and modern approaches, we examine both the centres and shifting geographical and cultural boundaries at the peripheries.
Our research also investigates the ancient world as cultural capital, available for use and re-use by a range of cultures in Europe and beyond.
Our research activity is organised in three research clusters:
- Communities and Networks looks at the internal make-up of ancient communities and the networks within which they operated.
- Disciplinary Interfaces challenges conceptual boundaries imposed by previous generations of scholarship. Key areas investigated by this cluster are: interactions and continuities between different regions and cultures; interactions between languages; and chronological continuities.
- Legacies focuses on how ancient culture was received both within antiquity and in the modern period, as well as studying its contemporary relevance.
With the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology at our heart, the Division attracts students, researchers, visitors and staff from across the globe and boasts strong international connections and collaborations at research and teaching level.
