University of London, Birkbeck College
Graduate Student, History, Classics and Archaeology
|
Caspar Meyer
Christy Constantakopoulou |
About
My research is centred during the period of increased movement and mobility which characterised the ancient Mediterranean, between the 9th-6th centuries BC. Through the regional case study of Iron Age Campania I aim to reassess ancient Greek colonisation through the notion of connectivity (Horden and Purcell, 2000) and Network Analysis (Malkin et al, 2007).
I aim to utilise network models to visualise patterns of contact, exchange and interaction between sites in each region. The connections or ties between settlements also require quantification. I am using Granovetter's (1973, 1983) strong and weak tie thesis to attempt a measure of tie strength for each settlement under observation.
I am particularly interested in the way material culture was used to 'solidify' bonds between groups and act as mediators in contact. Furthermore, I also hope to consider the ways that objects are used to assert or 'advertise' such connections and thus create new identities.
Alongside my current research I have been employed within the departments of Greece and Rome (2007-2008) and Coins and Medals (2008-2011) of the British Museum. I have also worked as a Sessional Lecturer at Birkbeck College on the Greek Archaeology (2009-2010) and Discovering Archaeology (2010-2011) modules.
