Stilling: PhD Candidate in Ancient History
Institusjon: University of Oslo, Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH)
Alder: 31
Har tidligere studert: Universitetet i Napoli Federico II (Bachelor); Universitetet i Bologna (Master)
What is your doctoral research about?
My PhD thesis explores the cultural change that occurred in the Greek cities of southern Italy after the Roman conquest. I aimed to understand the dynamics of exchange, negotiation, and power relations between different cultures, focusing on issues of continuity and change in the local heritage of these cities. My research began with the 3rd century BCE, when the Greeks of Italy, led by the city of Tarentum, were defeated by Rome. However, I particularly concentrated on the period following the early first century BCE. During this century, the Greeks of Italy were granted Roman citizenship and gradually adopted Roman institutions in various ways. This moment is extremely interesting because it showcases the Greeks adapting to a new set of public offices and regulations, which inevitably led to profound changes in the social and religious fabric as well. My thesis aimed to understand how they reacted to these changes and how their cultural practices, representations, and self-representations were shaped during this period.
How did you arrive at this topic?
When I completed my Master’s in Ancient History at the University of Bologna, I graduated with a thesis on the Greek city of Paestum. At that time, I had a clear vision of continuing my research on the history of southern Italy, specifically on Magna Graecia, an ancient region historically inhabited by Greeks. The University of Oslo presented a great opportunity to carry on a project in this field, especially with the assistance of researchers specialised in the history and historiography of Rome and the peoples of Italy. This support allowed me to set up a research project to explore these cities during the Roman period – a fascinating and relatively under-explored era rich with intriguing elements.
What do you believe your recent research has contributed to the field?
Even in recent studies on Magna Graecia, it is still uncommon to find an exhaustive analysis of the region during the Roman period. Simultaneously, the interpretation of Greek practices in southern Italy during the early empire remains a topic of debate. The main challenge at present lies in the need for a systematic study that encompasses and compares the cultural dynamics across multiple case studies. I believe my study has addressed this gap by broadening the scope to include a more comprehensive analysis and providing a robust theoretical framework for understanding cultural changes.
What is the biggest difference between writing a doctoral thesis and a master’s thesis?
The biggest difference in writing a PhD dissertation compared to a master’s thesis is the increased level of responsibility. As a PhD candidate, you are expected to produce high-quality research, and there is less room for naivety or mistakes. This adds more pressure and necessitates better scheduling to ensure you complete your thesis within the allotted time. On the other hand, you typically have more time for your PhD research than for a master’s thesis. This means you can carefully and thoroughly consult all the main sources, bibliographical, and documentary materials to conduct truly advanced research. It is also a period during which you learn to work more independently as a scholar.
What is your best advice for history students and future historians?
My best advice for future historians comes from my professor of Greek history during my master’s studies in Bologna. He always reminded us to «avoid arrogance but be audacious when dealing with history».
What are your future plans?
At the moment, I am waiting for the evaluation of my thesis, and I hope to have a defence in early 2025. Currently, I am in my completion year and have started teaching activities for both bachelor’s and master’s students. This is something very exciting, and I am eager to continue in the spring semester, even though it also demands a significant amount of time. I also want to reserve some time for publishing papers and organising conferences and workshops. Eventually, after my defence, I plan to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship and work on new and exciting topics.
