Research

Our reputation

Archaeology and Ancient History at Leicester has long been in the vanguard of both archaeology and ancient history research in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 100% of the real-world impact of our research was judged to be 'outstanding' and 94% of our overall research was judged to be 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent', placing us in the top 5 in the UK for overall research quality.

Our research has also achieved international prominence as a result of excavation of the body of Richard III in Leicester in 2012 by our professional field archaeologists (ULAS), and the ensuing interdisciplinary study of the remains led by our research staff. The rediscovery of the King's remains was an exceptionally spectacular outcome of more typical School activity; investigation and research of archaeological remains and historical records (in this case of Leicester's medieval monastery of Greyfriars).

Our strengths

Our research strategy exploits the disciplinary mix within Archaeology and Ancient History at Leicester, developing new ideas in innovative ways. Our cutting edge research is currently focused on the following research themes:

• Big Antiquity: Pushing the boundaries of the classical antiquity. From the marginalised poor of Rome to the ‘barbarian’ neighbours of the Greeks, we are redefining the classical.
• People and Places: From bodies to landscapes, we are investigating the construction of space, place, and personhood.
• Diverse Heritage: The past in the present, from the destruction of archaeological sites in the 21st century to recovering the silenced voices of the socially and historically marginalised.
• New Approaches to the Material World: From Bronze Age metalworking to the latest developments in archaeological theory, we are exploring how people and things shaped past worlds together.

Our projects

Our staff work all over the world on research projects in Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Central Europe, Egypt, North Africa, Sudan, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, South East Asia, China, Australia, the USA, Cuba and elsewhere. We cover all periods, from the earliest humans to the recent past. Many projects are externally-funded and are collaborative with scholars from outside institutions. Our research postgraduate cohort feeds from and enhances this expertise and range.

Browse our Current projects, Big Antiquity and People and Places, and our emergent projects, Active Heritage and New Approaches to the Material World, to find out more about some of the exciting research undertaken by our academic staff and postdoctoral scholars, ranging from the ancient parkland at Bradgate, to the endangered archaeology of the Middle East and North Africa, to the birth of Greek culture.

See also our current PhD students' projects, and completed doctoral theses.