Aegean archaeologist,
art historian,
educator,
traveller,
runner
“The world is a visitation and an abode of transition. Be you then travellers in it and take warning from what remains of the traces of the early ones.”
— Yaqut ibn Abd’Allah al-Hamawi, c. early 13th century
Quite a few years ago now, there was this amazing television commercial for the Discovery Channel. It had an incredibly catchy jingle sung by people all over the world doing what they love in the places they love. Do you remember it? Lots of “boom-dee-ya-dahs”… The point of that commercial (aside from its marketing for the Discovery Channel, of course) appeared at the end in plain white font:
The world is just awesome.
That is the best way that I can explain the feeling I have about my work. The sentiment has stuck with me since I first saw that commercial and felt a particular affinity for the archaeologist leaning over a mummy, singing “I love Egyptian kings…”
This great big world that we are lucky enough to call home is just simply awesome! Too awesome not to explore it as much as possible.
It is this enthusiasm that I try to bring to all of my work, whether I’m digging 3500 year old settlements in Greece, studying ancient miniature pottery, sharing my passion for learning about the past with students in the classroom or families at the museum, or exploring new places at a run!
This little corner of the internet is a place to share some of that passion with you. Here you can learn more about my work in archaeology and art history, my love of teaching and public outreach, my research projects, and how running connects all aspects of my life.
Have a question? Feel free to contact me. When I’m back from the dig, the library, the museum, or a run, I’ll be in touch!
- Rachel
Archaeologist
I am passionate about understanding the past to build a better future. Although my research focuses on the archaeology of the Bronze Age Aegean, my interests and experience cover a wide range of places and time periods, from the Classical world to the ancient Near East, prehistoric Europe to historical North America.
Art History
Think about it: All art has been contemporary.* No matter how old an object or art piece might be, at one point in time, it was intentionally made to reflect a person’s opinion, belief, idea, or creative expression. Art is connection between people. By studying that art we can feel that connection and grasp the creative forces that bind us.
* “All Art Has Been Contemporary,” neon work by Maurizio Nannucci in the Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst in Munich (right).
Contact
dewan.rachel@gmail.com
Department of Art History
University of Toronto, Canada