Dr Zena Kamash

I am a Roman archaeologist who specializes in the archaeology and heritage of the Middle East and Roman Britain. I have wide-ranging interests that include cultural heritage in (post-)conflict zones, uses of heritage to promote well-being, the contemporary politics of archaeology, ancient technologies, memory, food, sensory understandings of the past and religion. I am currently leading a British Academy-funded project based in Iraq that explores the relationships between crafting, heritage and well-being for people and communities who have experienced conflict: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/projects/heritage-dignity-violence-crafting-heritage-well-being-iraq/ This project builds on previous research projects, such as ‘Rematerialising Mosul Museum’ and ‘Remembering the Romans in the Middle East and North Africa’, which explored new ways of connecting with the past through crafting, creative writing, drawing and photography.

My teaching is strongly influenced by my research, so I offer specialized courses on, for example, ‘The Archaeology of the Roman Middle East’ (Undergraduate and Masters) and ‘Who Owns the Roman Past?’ (Masters) with the latter focusing specifically on the ethics and politics of Roman archaeology.

I am a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and of the Higher Education Academy. I am Deputy Editor of the European Journal of Archaeology and sit on the Institute of Classical Archaeology's Publications Committee. In addition, I am a member of the Council of University Classical Departments EDI committee and a Trustee of Oxfordshire Mind.