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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Faculty News
Dr. Cristiana Zaccagnino has published a new book!
Title: Gli uccelli nella pittura funeraria tarquiniese
For more information, please click HERE!
Department News!
The Department of Classics & Archaeology is excited to announce the 2026 Newsletter! We hope you enjoy the read and share it amongst friends and family! We are excited to share another wonderful year in Classics & Archaeology!
To read the Newsletter, click HERE!
Faculty News!
Dr. Cristiana Zaccagnino will be giving a talk at the Niagara Peninsula Society of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) at Brock University!
Title: Not only divination. Birds in Etruria: a few case studies
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
For more information, click HERE!
Student Spotlight
Spotlight on Anna Smythe, one of our second-year graduate students!
Anna recently took part in a CFRC Podcast, titled: Epigraphy, or everyday writing, from subordinate people in pre-Hellenistic Greece
To listen to the podcast, 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. Jan-Mathieu Carbon, whose topic is: How to Butcher a Sheep for Greek
Sacrifice and Why
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Location: Dunning, room 11
Time: 2:30 pm
We hope to see you there!
Classical Association of Canada Conference 2026!
Faculty News!
Dr. Lehoux will be presenting for March of the Museums at the Canadian Museum of Health Care! Dr. Lehoux will be presenting on ancient understandings of the natural world.
Date: Monday, March 16th
Time: 1 pm
Cost: free
Location: 32 George Street, Kingston
No registration required
See poster for details HERE!
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Faculty News!
Dr. Skaltsa will be presenting at the International Online Conference, 'New Evidence and Insights into the Athletic Festivals in Attica from Hellenistic to Late Antiquity’, organized by A.-I. Rassia and A. Farrington, Democritus University of Thrace.
Title: Competitions and connections: Rhodians at the Panathenaia in the Hellenistic Period
Date: Saturday, March 14th
Time: 5:20-5:40
See poster for details HERE!
