Doctoral study in Ancient History
Why study with us?
Our research strengths include Greek and Roman history and historiography, Egyptian history, late antiquity, archaeology, art history, and the intellectual world of Greece and Rome.
As a doctoral candidate, you'll benefit from: financial support for research expenses through PReSS funding; high-calibre supervision practices; and the networks and expertise of our world-class academic researchers.
Research opportunities
You will be supervised by our researchers and have access to a range of resources to assist you in your academic and professional development.
We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as:
- Ancient economies
- Costs of archaic states
- Accounting in the ancient world
- Administration in the ancient world
- The rise of archaic states (Near East, Egypt, Asia Minor)
- Military aspects of the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Asia Minor)
- Icon and narrative in art of the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Greece)
- Ancient Egyptian art
- Astronomy and mathematics in the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Greece)
- International relations in the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Greece)
- Aspects of literary narrative in ancient literature (Near East and Egypt)
- Personality in ancient literature (Near East and Egypt)
Our people
Our researchers are known nationally and internationally for their expertise in the languages, history and culture of ancient Mediterranean peoples, from pre-dynastic Egypt to Late Antiquity.
Past research topics
- "Defining the Inaros tradition: An interdisciplinary approach" | Supervised by Professor Anthony Spalinger
- "'True of Voice?': The speech, actions, and portrayal of women in New Kingdom literary texts, dating c.1550 to 1070 B.C." | Supervised by Dr Jennifer Hellum and Dr Maxine Lewis
- "The art of war in pharaonic Egypt: An analysis of the tactical, logistic, and operational capabilities of the Egyptian army" | Supervised by Professor Anthony Spalinger
- "Social aspects in ancient Egyptian personal correspondence" | Supervised by Professor Anthony Spalinger and Dr Jennifer Hellum
Scholarships and awards
There are several scholarships you may be eligible for when you decide to pursue your doctoral studies in Ancient History.
- University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships
- Faculty of Arts Doctoral Scholarship
Help and advice
Our friendly staff will provide you with advice on enrolling in your PhD at Student Hubs.
If you would like to discuss your plans for your doctoral research you can contact our PhD Adviser.