Classics at Leeds

21/05/2026

Also today, our own Dr Henry Clarke and Dr Giacomo Savani are in Aarhus (Denmark) for the joint Roman Archaeology Conference (RAC) and Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference (TRAC). Henry and Giacomo have co-organised a panel on 'Water Cultures Beyond Roman Italy' which takes place this afternoon.

For more information, please visit:

Roman Archaeology Conference

21/05/2026

Today marks the start of ‘Rhetoric, Drama and Their Critics’, a two-day symposium in memory of Malcolm Heath, late emeritus Professor of Greek Language and Literature at Leeds.

The symposium is being be held on the University of Leeds' main campus, in the Michael Sadler Building where Leeds Classics is situated, from Thursday 21 to Friday 22 May.

The symposium will also provide the basis for an edited volume as a Festschrift in Professor Heath’s memory.

View the symposium's programme: https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/2148/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-celebrating-the-work-of-malcolm-heath

Read Professor Stafford's tribute to Malcolm: https://secretariat.leeds.ac.uk/home/obituaries/malcolm-heath/

19/05/2026

Later this week we'll be coming together for ‘Rhetoric, Drama and Their Critics’, a two-day symposium in memory of Malcolm Heath, late emeritus Professor of Greek Language and Literature at Leeds.

Malcolm was lecturer then Professor of Greek Language and Literature for 34 years at Leeds (1988-2022). An outstanding scholar, he was author of eight monographs and more than 70 articles ranging across an extraordinary breadth of interests, from Homeric epic poetry via tragedy, comedy and Aristotelean philosophy to the rhetorical theory of late antiquity - in all these areas his work has been highly influential.

This symposium will be held on the University of Leeds' main campus, in the Michael Sadler Building where Leeds Classics is situated, from Thursday 21 to Friday 22 May.

Emma Stafford, Professor of Greek Culture at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, who has co-organised the event in memory of her friend and colleague, said:

"Malcolm was a great scholar, phenomenally intelligent, but also extraordinarily modest and kind. He was genuinely interested in the ideas of junior colleagues and students, and possessed of a very dry wit. I hope we can reflect something of this in our symposium!"

The symposium will also provide the basis for an edited volume as a Festschrift in Professor Heath’s memory.

View the symposium's programme: https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/2148/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-celebrating-the-work-of-malcolm-heath

Read Professor Stafford's tribute to Malcolm: https://secretariat.leeds.ac.uk/home/obituaries/malcolm-heath/

Explore our faculty-wide research projects and the academic expertise who lead on our work.

19/05/2026

Good luck to everyone sitting exams over the next few weeks 🌟

Remember to take breaks while revising - whether that’s grabbing a drink from one of the campus cafés, spending time with friends, or going for a walk to spot wildlife on campus 🐇🦆

If you need any support or help with exam preparation, we’ve got plenty of advice on our website 👇

https://students.leeds.ac.uk/assessments

14/05/2026

Looking for a Masters degree in Classics and/or Ancient History? Look no further: our new MA in Classics and Ancient History launches in September 2026!

From the epic poetry of Homer to the archaeology of the Roman Empire, the MA in Classics and Ancient History at Leeds offers you the opportunity to study the ancient Mediterranean world in all its diversity. Spanning literature, history, philosophy, religion, and material culture, this programme allows you to explore the ancient world on your own terms, supported by expert staff and access to exceptional local resources.

For more information and to apply, please visit:
https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/k149/classics-and-ancient-history-ma

Course highlights include:

* Research-led teaching in a distinctive regional setting: As the region’s leading centre for postgraduate study in Classics and Ancient History, Leeds provides distinctive opportunities for advanced study and public engagement in the humanities.

* Access to rare and valuable materials: Students have hands-on access to the University’s Cultural Collections — including coins, papyri, early printed books, and artefacts relating to the ancient world — and will have opportunities to undertake placements with partner organisations outside the university as part of the optional Classics in Public Life module.

* Flexible, interdisciplinary study: Alongside dedicated core modules, students can choose from optional language, literature, or history modules. These are based on our full suite of Level 3 undergraduate modules, giving you maximum choice of topics, but with enhanced postgraduate supervision tailored to your interests and prior experience.

* Supportive, research-active staff community: Our academic team includes experts in ancient history, ancient languages, classical literature, ancient philosophy, classical reception studies, and more — offering students the chance to engage with a broad range of research specialisms and participate in the vibrant research culture of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies.

* Industry work experience opportunities: Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with the chance to undertake an optional work placement, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that’s attractive to employers.

The Classics and Ancient History MA is unique to Leeds and explores the ancient Mediterranean world, spanning literature, history, philosophy, religion and material culture.

13/05/2026

Final few places available for "Rhetoric, drama and their critics: a symposium in memory of Malcolm Heath", our much-missed Classics colleague, taking place next Thursday-Friday (21-22 May).

Please see the project website for full details of the academic programme:
https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/directories1/dir-record/research-projects/2148/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-celebrating-the-work-of-malcolm-heath

To register, please visit this webpage: https://store.leeds.ac.uk/product-catalogue/faculty-of-arts/classics/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-a-symposium-in-memory-of-malcolm-heath-late-emeritus-professor-of-greek-language-and-literature-at-leeds

In related news, we're delighted to announce that Michael Sadler Building Seminar Room 1.01 has recently been re-named 'The Malcolm Heath Seminar Room' in memory of Malcolm. There will soon be a picture of Malcolm inside the room along with a copy of the short obituary to be found on the University's website: https://secretariat.leeds.ac.uk/home/obituaries/malcolm-heath/

Explore our faculty-wide research projects and the academic expertise who lead on our work.

13/05/2026

Join us for a very exciting event at Holmfirth High on 1st July!

🏺Jennifer Saint will be giving a talk about her
new book This Immortal Heart

🏛️ Emily Hauser will be delivering a talk via live
link

🏺 University of Leeds (Classics at Leeds) Professors Dr Sam Gartland and Professor Emma Stafford will be discussing Homer's Odyssey

🏛️ Email [email protected] to register if you'd like to attend or get tickets here
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/readholmfirth/2212017

06/05/2026

Tomorrow's planned CAWCRS seminar with Dr Claire Holleran has been postponed. We look forward to hearing about Claire's work in the future.

📣 'Rhetoric, drama and their critics: a symposium in memory of Malcolm Heath, late emeritus Professor of Greek Language and Literature at Leeds' - a reminder register now to avoid disappointment!

We're now just 2 weeks out from our colloquium celebrating the work of our late colleague Malcolm Heath. Registration will remain open right up to the days of the event, but it would be helpful to have most bookings complete at least a fortnight ahead so we can finalise catering numbers etc. PGR students / ECR colleagues looking to apply for any remaining bursaries: please email at [email protected] *before* registering.

There is an option for 'virtual registration', allowing for online participation in the academic sessions.

Please register via the University of Leeds Store page:
https://store.leeds.ac.uk/product-catalogue/faculty-of-arts/classics/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-a-symposium-in-memory-of-malcolm-heath-late-emeritus-professor-of-greek-language-and-literature-at-leeds

For more information about the conference, including the provisional programme, please visit the conference webpage:
https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/dir-record/research-projects/2148/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-celebrating-the-work-of-malcolm-heath

30/04/2026

We've had a great day holding the finals of our Classics Competition: Myths and Legends. Around 60 Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) students from half a dozen schools came onto campus - most were from West Yorkshire, but one group had come all the way from London! Written entries in three categories - poetry, short story, group drama - on topics in Greek and Roman myth had been submitted back in March and those shortlisted were invited to come and perform their pieces live. Leeds Classics staff led taster sessions in the morning, which were followed by campus tours and lunch, before the grand finals. Many thanks to the Faculty Educational Engagement Team for organising everything so brilliantly, and to all those involved in both stages of the judging. It was an absolute pleasure to see such enthusiasm for Classics in our young visitors!🤩😎 Leeds Classical Association

20/04/2026

📣 'Rhetoric, drama and their critics: a symposium in memory of Malcolm Heath, late emeritus Professor of Greek Language and Literature at Leeds' - register now to avoid disappointment!

We're now just 5 weeks out from our colloquium celebrating the work of our late colleague Malcolm Heath. We still have one or two bursaries available to contribute towards the costs of PGR students / ECR colleagues: if you fall into this category, please email us at [email protected] *before* registering.

There is an option for 'virtual registration', allowing for online participation in the academic sessions.

Please register via the University of Leeds Store page:
https://store.leeds.ac.uk/product-catalogue/faculty-of-arts/classics/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-a-symposium-in-memory-of-malcolm-heath-late-emeritus-professor-of-greek-language-and-literature-at-leeds

For more information about the conference, including the provisional programme, please visit the conference webpage:
https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/dir-record/research-projects/2148/rhetoric-drama-and-their-critics-celebrating-the-work-of-malcolm-heath

Explore our faculty-wide research projects and the academic expertise who lead on our work.

23/03/2026

Public Lecture (hybrid) by Prof. Shaun Tougher, Cardiff University: 'S*x and the City: The Eunuchs of Constantinople.' Thursday 26th March: 5.30pm.

Online: please see below for sign-up link.
In person: 5pm in Parkinson Building 1.08 with drinks reception

Abstract:
Both the academic study and popular engagement with the subject of eunuchs continue to grow apace. Georges Jablonski-Sidéris has just published his book on early Byzantine eunuchs, Les anges du Palais, and the celebrated designer and director Tom Ford recently announced he is filming Anne Rice’s novel Cry to Heaven, which focuses on the castrati singers of eighteenth-century Italy. This talk will reflect on the upsurge of interest in eunuchs and analyse the presence of eunuchs in Constantinople, from its foundation by Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 and throughout its history. The foundation of Constantinople coincided with the institutionalisation of court eunuchs in the Roman Empire, with the first well-documented cases appearing in the fourth century (e.g. Eusebius, Eutherius, Eutropius). Further, in medieval Byzantium eunuchs came to be associated with the foundation itself, being presented as instrumental in the momentous decision of Constantine. The talk explores how and why eunuchs were interwoven into the history and fabric of Constantinople.

If you would like to attend online, please register using the link below by 3pm on 26th March at the latest to be emailed a Zoom link:
https://forms.office.com/e/CcFcJyAnTZ

(No pre-registration is required for attendance in person, which is free of charge.)