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鈥檚, 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
Classics & Archaeology is excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Excavations are now open!
Visit the CAERE and STOBI web pages for more info and to submit an application!
Department News
Today is the 183rd anniversary of the first day of classes taught at Queen鈥檚 University. As seen in the Circular, written by the first Principal, the curriculum was one of 鈥淎rts and Sciences鈥, with Latin and Greek proudly proclaimed first. That curriculum was based on both interdisciplinarity and the clear notion of the central role of the Humanities. An inspiration for us in the Department of Classics and Archaeology and for those who have the responsibility of deciding the future of the University.
Department Head
Classics & Archaeology
CAGC Event!
This Friday is Valentine's Day! In celebration of this loving season, the CAGC will be selling Classics & Archaeology-themed Valentine's Day cards! Be sure to stop by and get some for your loved ones!
Date: Wednesday, February 12th & Thursday February 13th
Time: 12:00 - 4:00PM
Location: Mac-Corry (by the cafeteria)
For more information, please click HERE!
Department News!
The Department of Classics & Archaeology has released our annual Newsletter!
This Newsletter covers all the exciting events and updates over the past year, 2024!
To see what we've been up to, please click HERE to read the full Newsletter!
Student Spotlight
Spotlight on Anna Smythe, a new addition to our Graduate Masters program this year! Anna has published two papers, to read more about them, click HERE!
Classics and Archaeology Presents...
The Colloquium Speaker Series is an ongoing series of talks by Professors from other universities discussing their areas of specialization.
Classics and Archaeology Presents... Dr. Cristiana Zaccagnino, whose topic is: Not Only Divination. Birds in Etruria: A Few Case Studies
Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
Location: Watson Hall, Room 517
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
We hope to see you there!
Student Spotlight
Spotlight on Pungavi Linghan who recently joined our Graduate Masters program! Pungavi did an interview with the CFRC as she was a winning presenter at the Inquiry@Queen's Undergraduate Research Conference 2023. To Listen to the Podcast, click HERE!