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Matt Thompson
Teaching Associate in Ancient History, Faculty of Arts
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Biography
Born and raised in the historic city of York, I completed both my BA and MA in Ancient History at University College London. Following several years working as in archaeology and in museums, I came to the University of Nottingham in 2018 to undertake a PhD on the subject of Spartan monumental dedications. Since its successful completion, I have worked in the University of Nottingham as a Teaching Associate in Ancient History, as well as serving as the secretary for the Centre for Spartan and Peloponnesian Studies.
Expertise Summary
My primary area of research interest is Sparta during the Archaic and Classical periods, from both a literary and archaeological perspective. I also have broader expertise in Archaic and Classical Greek history, epigraphy, and archaeology more generally, especially topics relating to memory, commemoration, and monuments.
Teaching Summary
I have taught on several modules relating to elements of Greek history, as well as teaching Ancient Greek at beginners' and post-beginners' level. In the past I have convened modules on Greek Tragedy… read more
Research Summary
My main area of research remains tied to my PhD thesis (which I am currently converting to a monograph), primarily the study of triumphal and commemorative monuments erected by the Spartans during… read more
I have taught on several modules relating to elements of Greek history, as well as teaching Ancient Greek at beginners' and post-beginners' level. In the past I have convened modules on Greek Tragedy and Greece in the Archaic Age.
In 2023/4, I am convening and teaching Beginners Greek 1 (CLAR1000), Greek Tyrants (CLAR3053), MA Dissertation (CLAR4000), and providing teaching to Beginners Greek 2 (CLAR1003), Communicating the Past (CLAR2000), and Special Topic in Classics (CLAR4023).
Current Research
My main area of research remains tied to my PhD thesis (which I am currently converting to a monograph), primarily the study of triumphal and commemorative monuments erected by the Spartans during the sixth, fifth, and fourth centuries BCE. Beyond this, I have looked at other avenues of Spartan self-presentation, most recently the terminology used in Spartan inscriptions as an avenue to examine Spartan self-identification. In addition, I am working on the much disputed monuments potentially erected by the Spartans in the wake of their major role during the Persian Wars, and the realities of warfare in Archaic Sparta.