Centre for Ancient Environmental Studies

Description

Established in September 2020, the Centre is dedicated to promoting the study of human-environment interactions in the Ancient Mediterranean, Europe, and West Asia. It contributes to the growth of ancient environmental studies by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers. Recognising the necessity of understanding the past to address present environmental crises, the Centre examines the intricate history of human-environment relations. Its work often involves applying concepts from the environmental humanities to explore novel aspects of the ancient world, highlighting both similarities and differences between ancient and modern responses to environmental challenges.

The Centre conducts regular online and hybrid events, aiming to engage a global audience while reducing its carbon footprint. It encourages all interested individuals to join its email list to stay informed about upcoming activities.

The Centre's objectives include highlighting environmental perspectives in ancient studies, innovating approaches to studying human responses to the environment, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, inspiring scholars to acquire new skills and engage with diverse data, and ensuring the relevance of ancient human-environment interactions to contemporary times. Its key interdisciplinary themes comprise the study of ecological systems, the challenges of recording and reconstructing past landscapes, the cultural and literary significance of landscapes, the role of visual arts and literature in shaping the experience of landscapes, ancient perceptions and depictions of the environment, resilience and sustainability in ancient cultures, the impact of human conflicts on the environment, long-term environmental changes and their modern impacts, and the development of narratives of environmental change.

The Centre is committed to sustainable academic practices, hosting remote workshops to facilitate discussions with researchers worldwide without exacerbating the carbon footprint linked to academic travel.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

2020

Contact details

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University affiliation(s)

University of St Andrews
St Andrews