Classics Research
Our faculty and students explore the history, literature, and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Research Discovery in the Classics at a Top R-1 University
The University of Mississippi is designated as a R-1 Highest Research Activity university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We are in an elite group of 2.5% of universities nationwide.
The Department of Classics is a highly collaborative department, with faculty and undergraduate students working in diverse areas of the field of classics.
- Art & Archaeology
- Greek History & Literature
- Roman History & Literature
Our archaeologists study Roman graffiti in Pompeii and Greek architectural sculpture in Corinth. In history and literature our research expertise runs the gamut from Homeric epic to Roman early-imperial history and ideology, and from Greek oratory and biography to Latin poetry and gender.
Art & Archaeology
Dr. Dibiasie-Sammons is a leader of the Ancient Graffiti Project, an international effort to study the ancient graffiti of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Her TEDx talk was picked up by the TED platform and became popular world-wide!
"The impetus to write on the walls has not changed in over 2,000 years and it reveals a common thread of our humanity."
Greek History and Literature
With the support of a National Endowment for the Humanities, Dr. Brad Cook spent five months at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece, working on two inscriptions - one in gold and one in bronze - that are part of the UM Robinson Collection. Back on campus, he worked with a geological engineering colleague to use a high-energy X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to unlock the elemental compositions and unlock the age of the inscriptions.
Roman History and Literature
Dr. John Lobur published his new monograph, Cornelius Nepos: A Study in the Evidence and Influence, with University of Michigan Press. The book offers a fresh look at the literary abilities and cultural understanding of a Roman author whom generations of scholars have dismissed as an inaccurate and simplistic writer. Read more about the book on his faculty profile webpage!
John A Lobur
Professor of Classics
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
"I was inspired by an early Archaeic period cup (kylix) during my classics course, Studying Ancient Artifacts, with Dr. Aileen Ajootian. She was a wonderful mentor. We would pore over documents, searching for any mention of the kylix. Dr. Ajootian was an endlessly patient proofreader and helped me secure travel funds to present my research at a classics conference. Her calm and enthusiasm was a much-needed boost in morale. Her knowledge and kindness was everything a young researcher needs."
Gwen Pfrenger
Class of 2024