Department of Classics | Queen's University

What is Classics and Archaeology?

Classics refers to the study of the Greek and Roman worlds. Multi-disciplinary in approach, it involves the studies of history, literature, archaeology, religion, mythology, drama and philosophy, in addition to the ancient languages of Greek and Latin. Archaeology is the study of ancient (and more recent) societies through the remains of their material culture. The methods of archaeology are many (excavation, remote sensing, surface survey, imaging, chemical and physical analysis to name a few) and can be applied to any area and period. The study of the physical remains of the Greek and Roman cultures and of the many other cultures that interacted with them is called Classical Archaeology.

Today our understanding of Greek and Roman culture is further enhanced by the latest digital techniques that increasingly pervade studies in archaeology, epigraphy, papyrology, and ancient science and medicine. At Queen’s, students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the latest techniques by participating in one of two archaeological excavations supervised by our own faculty, or through a variety of projects and assignments.

It can be said that studying Classics can lead to a wider appreciation of human values and achievements, and a more objective understanding of ourselves and our times. Our undergraduates have gone on to a variety of occupations and have been accepted into graduate programs nationally and internationally.

Feel free to contact any of our faculty (see our Faculty page for our experts listings), or come visit us in the department with questions you have about our courses and programs.

ACCEPTING applications for graduate studies in Classics and Archaeology for 2023-2024

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CERES Graduate Journal

Classics & Archaeology is proud to support the CERES Graduate Academic Journal!

Check out this latest volume VI, as well as past volumes, HERE!

cover for Routledge Handbook of the Archeology of Urbanism in Italy in the Age of Roman Expansion

Faculty News

A book that our department's own Dr. Fabio Colivicchi has been working on has recently been published.

The Routledge Handbook of the Archaeology of Urbanism in Italy in the Age of Roman Expansion explores trends in urbanism across Italy in the period when Rome extended its power across the entire peninsula, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica.

Check out the new publication, as well as all our faculty publications, HERE!

Classics & Archaeology Newsletter!

Classics & Archaeology is excited to present our Annual Newsletter! 2023 was full of excitement but was not without its trials!

To read all about what went on in 2023, be sure to click HERE for the full Newsletter!

Special Guest Speaker

The School of Environmental Studies and The Department of Classics & Archaeology Present Dr. Lisa Maher! For more details, please see the poster HERE!

Topic:
Persistent Places: A Comparative Geoarchaeological Approach to Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherer Landscapes

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Ellis Hall, room 319