Department of Classics | Queen's University

What is Classics and Archaeology?

Classics refers to the study of the Greek and Roman worlds. Multi-disciplinary in approach, it involves the studies of history, literature, archaeology, religion, mythology, drama and philosophy, in addition to the ancient languages of Greek and Latin. Archaeology is the study of ancient (and more recent) societies through the remains of their material culture. The methods of archaeology are many (excavation, remote sensing, surface survey, imaging, chemical and physical analysis to name a few) and can be applied to any area and period. The study of the physical remains of the Greek and Roman cultures and of the many other cultures that interacted with them is called Classical Archaeology.

Today our understanding of Greek and Roman culture is further enhanced by the latest digital techniques that increasingly pervade studies in archaeology, epigraphy, papyrology, and ancient science and medicine. At Queen’s, students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the latest techniques by participating in one of two archaeological excavations supervised by our own faculty, or through a variety of projects and assignments.

It can be said that studying Classics can lead to a wider appreciation of human values and achievements, and a more objective understanding of ourselves and our times. Our undergraduates have gone on to a variety of occupations and have been accepted into graduate programs nationally and internationally.

Feel free to contact any of our faculty (see our Faculty page for our experts' listings) or come visit us in the department with questions you have about our courses and programs.

Interested in Graduate Studies at Queen's? Click to see application information!

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CAGC News

Are you looking to continue your academic career? Do you have Questions about an MA in Classics & Archaeology? If yes, the Classics & Archaeology Graduate Council will be hosting a Q&A Session!

If you are interested in the Virtual Session, please click HERE! (for non-Queen's students only)

If you are interested in the In-Person Session, please click HERE!

CAGC News!

The CAGC is excited to announce its annual Potter Night Event!

Date: Thursday, November 20
Location: Watson Hall 217
Time: 6:30 - 9:30

To read the poster, click HERE!

Department News!

The Department of Classics & Archaeology is excited to announce a new course!

CLST 210: Animals in the Ancient Classical Past

For more information, click HERE!

Student Spotlight

Spotlight on Robert Carrusca, a new addition to our Graduate Master's program this year!

To read Robert's publication on Michal and Jonathan: The Gendered Support of Davidic Kingship, click HERE!

Classics and Archaeology Presents...

The Colloquium Speaker Series is an ongoing series of talks by Professors from other universities discussing their areas of specialization.

Classics and Archaeology Presents... Dr. Richard Ascough and Dr. Cédric Brélaz, whose topic is: How Inscriptions Help Us Rethink the Earliest Christians

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Location: Watson Hall, Room 517
Time: 5:30 pm

We hope to see you there!