History of Women in the Ancient World Studies

The contribution made by women to ancient world studies in Australia and New Zealand has often been neglected. Few publications are devoted to their achievements (a notable exception being Ron Ridley’s Jessie Webb – A Memoir University of Melbourne Press, 1994) and much of the history of these women has been lost. As part of its initial charter, AWAWS is committed to preserving the history of women in the discipline of classics and ancient world studies.

Our blog aims to bring you new research and insights into some of these remarkable women. Written by AWAWS members, these entries will hopefully be a starting point to discovering more about the diversity of people who have shaped our understanding of the ancient world.

Get involved
We are currently seeking contributors to the blog. If you would like to write your own entry on any aspect of the history of women in ancient world studies, please get in touch with your idea and a draft outline of your entry via [email protected]
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Preliminary work is underway for a special journal issue on the History of Women in Ancient World Studies. But in order to do this, we need your help. We are gathering material on women in the discipline who made a significant contribution to the field and the life of classics and ancient world studies in Australia and New Zealand. If have any bibliography, photographs, letters, course outlines, articles, stories, anecdotes or would be interested in contributing to future scholarly publications  please contact Lea Beness, AWAWS President [email protected]. You can read more about our Alia Astra workshop and event here.