The 2026 UK Ancient Historians’ Annual Meeting will take place on 16–17 May at Conference Aston, on the Aston University campus in central Birmingham. Further details are below. Bookings (to ln294@cam.ac.uk or georgy.kantor@classics.ox.ac.uk) should be made by 12 noon on Friday 24 April
This meeting offers a valuable opportunity for ancient historians across the UK, whatever their specialism, to meet, exchange ideas, and engage in both formal and informal discussion. Early-career scholars and those recently appointed to posts are especially encouraged to attend. The event is open to those currently in, or retired from, university posts, as well as to scholars at postdoctoral level outside permanent academic positions.
PROGRAMME
Saturday 16 May 2026
1.00 p.m. Arrivals and lunch
2.30–4.30 p.m. Discussion: Global and comparative history
This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges posed by global and comparative approaches in ancient history. How can scholars work across geographical, cultural, and chronological boundaries while maintaining methodological rigour and sensitivity to local contexts? What forms of institutional support, funding structures, and scholarly networks are currently available to researchers developing such projects? What are the key do’s and don’ts of global and comparative work?
Panellists: Myles Lavan (St Andrews), Jo Quinn (Cambridge), and Marco Santini (Edinburgh).
4.30 p.m. Tea
5.00–7.00 p.m. Ella Kirsh (Cambridge), Lessons from the Late Antique Documentary Record
7.00 p.m. Bar
7.45 p.m. Dinner
Sunday 17 May 2026
9.30 a.m.–12 noon (with a break for coffee)
Discussion: Ancient coinage: how can it be integrated into other fields of ancient history research and teaching?
This panel will consider how the study of ancient coinage can be incorporated into broader research agendas and teaching practice in ancient history. It will address the methodological tools required to make effective use of numismatic evidence, as well as strategies for introducing coins to students with little prior exposure. The discussion will also reflect on the role of research-led teaching in embedding numismatic material within wider curricula.
Panellists: Andrew Meadows (Oxford), Clare Rowan (Warwick), and George Watson (Independent Scholar).
10.15–10.45 a.m. Coffee/tea
12.00–12.30 p.m. Information exchange and business meeting
12.30 p.m. Lunch and departures
Costs
The residential rate (including lunch on Saturday and Sunday, dinner on Saturday, and bed and breakfast) is £163.00.
The non-residential rate (attendance on Saturday or Sunday only, including lunch on the day attended but not dinner) is £38.00.
A limited number of bursaries to support travel and accommodation costs will be available. Please indicate your interest when making your booking. Priority will be given to early-career scholars and those in non-established positions.
Advance booking (but not advance payment) is required. Please book early, and in any case no later than 12 noon on Friday 24 April.
The meeting will be held at Conference Aston, 10–15 minutes’ walk from New Street Station. Further information is available here.
Note: this is a fee-paying event run by an organisation which is not affiliated to, or funded by, the Classical Association. Please contact the organisers directly with any enquiries.