Simon James, archaeologist

I am a British archaeologist, and work as a university teacher in the School of Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Leicester in the English Midlands. In addition to my academic research and teaching, I also write books for non-specialist audiences, and like to create my own illustrations, with pen, camera and computer.

My main areas of interest are the Romans and the societies they encountered, especially the peoples of Iron Age Europe, and those of the Middle East (including the Arsacid 'Parthian' and Sasanian empires).

I study how these societies defined, defended and maintained themselves--ancient identity groups, and conflict between and within them. Violence, armed violence and warfare were common experiences, even integral to the nature of past societies--not least, the Roman empire. The sword was central to the history of the era, and I seek to reintregrate its study into general archaeological and historical understandings of the past, which in recent times have often tended to treat it as peripheral.

In recent years I have also had the good fortune to become involved in maritime archaeology in Cyprus.