Marjon Steedman
MA(hons) Classical Civilisations
MLitt Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
PhD Candidate
Title
Looking between the lines: a re-appraisal of the Latin inscriptions in relation to identity and community, during the period of transition from Punic to Roman Sardinia.
Abstract
My thesis aims to integrate the evidence from Latin inscriptions, an often over-looked resource, with existing research about the period of transition from Punic domination to Roman rule.
The study of the inscriptions has two research objectives: inscriptions and identity, and inscriptions and the organization of local government.
The first theme will look into the way in which funerary inscriptions can be seen as expressions of identity. The ‘epigraphic habit’ did not arrive in Sardinia as an entirely new concept. There already existed a tradition of erecting stone in both the Phoenician and Punic phases. This research objective fits in well with the perceived notion of Punic persistence, as is recognized in the adherence to Punic pottery forms, well into the Roman period.
The second theme will consider wider integration of the island within the Roman Republic. The lack of change in rural organisation has traditionally been attributed to the rebellions in the early years of Roman rule. The inscriptions can help to look at changes Roman government wrought on local communities, especially in view of some inscriptions that mention the persistence of Punic style magistrates, the so-called sufetes.
Supervisor
Professor Peter van Dommelen
Teaching Experience
Classical Civilisations 1A and 1B
Archaeology of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean (level 2 course)