Durham, as a founding member of the Classical Reception Studies Network (CRSN), has, for many years, been one of the key centres for research in Classical Reception and the Classical Tradition.
Our Centre was founded in 2007, as the Centre for the Study of the Classical Tradition, under the directorship of Ingo Gildenhard. The study of the legacies of the ancient world is a fundamentally interdisciplinary enterprise - and our Centre's aim has always been to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue, both within Durham, and beyond. The University is particularly fortunate to have a large research community, spanning many departments, with interests in classical reception, broadly defined. Thus Dr David Ashurst (English Studies) is one of the world's leading experts in the medieval reception of Alexander the Great. Professor David Cowling (Modern Languages and Cultures) has special expertise in one of the greatest printers of classical texts, Henri Estienne. Professor Richard Gameson (History) holds the recently established Chair in the History of the Book. Professor Richard Hingley (Archaeology) has written the 'biography' of Hadrian's Wall. And within the Department of Classics and Ancient History, interests in Classical Reception include Prof. Jennifer Ingleheart's work on modern responses to ancient sexuality (particularly what we would now call homosexuality) and translation as a form of reception; Dr Caroline Barron's work on the cultural significance of epigraphy from antiquity to the present day; Prof. Edmund Richardson's work on spiritualism and the Classics; and Prof. Nora Goldschmidt's work on ancient fragments in the discourses of modernism.
"Fragmentary Modernisms: The Classical Fragment in Literary and Visual Cultures, 1896-1950" was a UK Research and Innovation Project supported by an AHRC Leadership Fellowship, led by Professor Nora Goldschmidt (May 2020-Sept. 2022).
The 'Living Poets' project, co-ordinated by Professor Barbara Graziosi, received a major grant from the European Research Council. Over the last few years, the Centre has co-ordinated a high profile and diverse range of events.
The Centre is committed to fostering a vibrant research community in Classical Reception - and building on Durham's record of success in attracting external research funding in the field. The 'Living Poets' project, co-ordinated by Professor Barbara Graziosi, received a major grant from the European Research Council, to develop a new approach to classical poetry, based on how listeners and readers imagined the Greek and Roman poets.
Public engagement is an important part of the Centre's work - and members of the public have learned more about Durham's research in Classical Reception from recent exhibitions, broadcasts, and public events and debates - including a visit from the director Oliver Stone.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/departments-/classics-and-ancient-history/Classical-Reception.jpg)