Graduate Student, Archaeology and Ancient History
University College London, UCL Institute of Archaeology
Thesis Title: Making Your Mark In Britannia - an investigation into the production and presentation of identity in Roman Britain, based on evidence from signet rings and intaglios
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Prof. David Mattingly
Dr Penelope Allison |
About
The focus of my current research is on the use of signet rings in Roman Britain, and their role in the creation and development of identities. These beautiful artefacts give us a glimpse of the lives of ancient individuals, that is otherwise rarely possible via studying archaeological material. The wearers of such rings chose them with conscious intent, since in both public an private life they were an important medium of expression. All manner of subjects were chosen for signet motifs to enable individuals to present many aspects of their identities. The range of Roman imagery they carry is truly vast, being the second largest surviving, after coinage. Yet unlike coins, which were a medium of state and imperial expression, signet rings show us the ancient Roman people themselves, as they wanted to be seen.
I am also working on a smaller project conducting a topographic survey of a somewhat mysterious monument in Leicester, known as the Raw Dykes. It is often suggested to be a Roman aqueduct, but has in the past been seen as an Iron Age fort, a Roman rampart, the Roman town of Leicester itself, an ancient canal and even a horse racing circuit. Today, the impressive feat of ancient engineering, whatever its purpose, has been reduced to an isolated fragment of bank and ditch enveloped by the sprawl of industrial Leicester. It is hoped that a topographic survey will help shed light on its construction and possibly its function, as well as help in its future conservation and presentation.
I am a member of the Standing Committee of the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference from 2010 until 2013.
Contact Information
| Address: | School of Archaeology & Ancient History, |
