Please tell us about your research project.
I’m a third-year PhD candidate in ancient history at Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne University working on the economic activities of Hellenistic queens and princesses (Seleucids, Lagids, Antigonids, Attalids). The period under study extends from the reign of Philip II of Macedon to the death of Cleopatra VII (359-30 BC) and focuses on the geographical areas under the influence of the Macedonian kings and later of the Hellenistic dynasties. The main themes studied are land holdings and commercial activities, as well as acts of euergetism and the personnel dedicated to them. Relations with the local population are also considered. Political, legal and cultural issues are analysed from an economic perspective.
Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?
I was honoured to receive the monthly scholarship of the MFO for July. Thanks to this opportunity, in addition to meeting with renowned researchers from my field, I will study some archaeological materials from the Ashmolean Museum, gather data from the Griffith Institute archives about some excavations and artefacts, and of course spend the rest of my time here using the Bodleian libraries. I am very grateful to the MFO for allowing me to complete my dissertation writing at Oxford.
First impressions of Oxford/the University?
It seems to be an open-air museum. It’s an enchanting place which immerses us in history and instantly makes you want to go to work before walking around its charming streets and enjoying the rich student and cultural life.
