Dr Ryan Strickler

I am Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Newcastle.

My research examines the intersection of religion, identity, and crisis response in the Roman and Byzantine Empires. My most recent work has considered these themes as they are found in apocalyptic themes associated sixth- and seventh-century Byzantine literature, particularly in response to millenarian concerns, the Sassanid Persian invasions, and nascent Islamic invasions.

Beginning in July 2024 I will participate as a Chief Investigator in the ARC Discovery Project DP240100112 Images of Power in the Roman Empire: Mass Media and the Cult of Emperors with a team from Macquarie University, The University of Queensland, and Australian National University. Our project will map the ways in which Roman Emperors from the Flavian Dynasty (69-96 CE) to the Theodosian Dynasty (397-457 CE) asserted power and legitimacy through the use of ancient forms of mass media and religion, with a special focus on continuity and change following the advent of Christianity as the majority religion in the empire.

As disciplinary lead for Ancient History I have continued the revision of the curriculum which provides foundational instruction across Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Byzantine societies at the 1000 level, and designing 2000 and 3000 level courses which explore larger themes across the premodern world, from the archaic period to the Middle Ages, to establish a "big picture" approach to ancient history. My courses emphasise concrete skills that prepare students for careers in the modern world while exploring age old questions which have fascinated humans for centuries.

I am available for supervision of HDR students on most topics in Ancient and Medieval history, with a special interest in Roman Imperial History, Early Medieval and Byzantine History, and ancient religion and identity.