Rachel Meyers

Bio

Rachel Meyers (PhD Duke University) is Associate Professor of Classical Studies in the Department of World Languages and Cultures. Meyers has diverse research interests in the material culture and social history of the ancient Roman world. Her scholarship is centered broadly on Roman art, architecture, and social history and, more specifically, on women in the Roman world and imperial representation and propaganda. In addition, Meyers explores the functions and values of the practice of benefaction (philanthropic activity) in the Roman Empire. Her research encompasses a large body of evidence, including marble portraits and portrait statues, coinage, architectural monuments, written documents, and inscriptions. She is currently working on projects that document and examine benefactions by women across the Roman world and sculptural displays in Roman Hispania.

During the 2024-25 academic year, Meyers served as Associate Professor at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome.

She co-directs Roman Italy, a summer study abroad program that centers on the art, culture, and history of ancient Rome and Italy. Meyers is also an affiliate faculty member in the program Women’s and Gender Studies. She also is a contributor to the Roman Provinces Project.

Courses Taught (Past & Present)

• CLST 3760C: Roman Archaeology
• CLST 3740: Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean
• CLST 2730: Greek and Roman Mythology
• CLST 3730: Heroes of Greece, Rome, and Today
• LAT 1010-1020: Elementary Latin

Research Areas

Roman social history, art, and archaeology; Roman portraiture; women in art; (ancient) public monuments; epigraphy; Roman provinces

Grants and awards