The Department has research strengths in many areas of Classics and Ancient History, including those listed below.
The interpretation of ancient Greek theatre, one of the most powerful and influential literary genres of all time; its transmission, performance, and reception.
The complex practical and theoretical issues involved in production of critical editions of ancient texts; their relationship with and impact on questions of interpretation.
The problems, and opportunities, afforded by engagement with fragmentary evidence from the ancient world.
The dynamic interaction of literary, historical, and political thinking that results from the consideration of ancient historical writing as a source for intellectual history more broadly.
The visualisation in virtual environments of ancient evidence, whether of art, archaeology, or texts, and the contribution which such platforms can make to our understanding of the ancient world.
The world-wide impact of the ancient Greeks and Romans; the profound engagement that cultures across the globe have had with these ancient cultures.
Mythology and narrative
The interpretation of classical myth in ancient art and literature; its continuing impact down to the present day (e.g. in psychoanalytic theory and feminist thought).
The civic contexts of the ancient world; the role that they played in expressing and forging identities.
Religious practice in classical antiquity; explanations for religious change in late antiquity, including the relationships between Christians and non-Christians.
The use of cognitive theories to investigate ancient evidence, particularly social emotions and the concept of the self.