- *Archaeologist & Project Manager, ETH Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Institute for Environmental Dec... more*Archaeologist & Project Manager, ETH Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Institute for Environmental Decisions, 2020-present.
*Research Fellow, the W.F. Albright Institute for Archaeological Research in Jerusalem, 2020.
*Fellow in Greek Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, 2018-2019.
Current projects:
*Current book: A Stranger in All Lands: Mercenary Warfare in the Eastern Mediterranean. Projected publication date 2022, Brepols Publishers.
*Northeast Fayyum Lakeshore Project, Egypt.
*Kom Wasit/Kom al-Ahmer excavations in the Western Nile Delta, Egypt.
Received Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from the University of Oxford, 2018.
Research interests: ancient warfare, trade, connectivity, ceramics, weapons, supply chains, digital humanities.edit
This chapter investigates a small, but significant, repertoire of Attic black glaze and red-figure wares and local imitations, dating approximately from the second half of the fifth century to the fourth century BCE, from the Western Nile... more
This chapter investigates a small, but significant, repertoire of Attic black glaze and red-figure wares and local imitations, dating approximately from the second half of the fifth century to the fourth century BCE, from the Western Nile Delta in Egypt.
The early roots of the Greek mercenary profession stem from the Archaic period, when ancient references attest to their seemingly sporadic existence in Near Eastern armies. This paper explores the archaeological evidence to add to the... more
The early roots of the Greek mercenary profession stem from the Archaic period, when ancient references attest to their seemingly sporadic existence in Near Eastern armies. This paper explores the archaeological evidence to add to the on-going discussion of locating Archaic Greek mercenaries. Beginning with the well-known early interactions between the Neo-Assyrians and hostile groups from the Aegean, methods of communication other than trade materialise. Subsequently, imports begin to infiltrate fortresses in Egypt and the southern Levant, and different cultural practices from burials and rituals emerge from the use and reuse of the imports, shedding light on a varied population of soldiers. The discussion places the archaeological remains in the wider scope of contact between the Near East and the Aegean during the eighth to sixth centuries BCE, when mercenary contingents arrive and ultimately reinforce the role of cross-cultural interactions with the West.
Research Interests:
The paper examines the Near Eastern and Greek dedications at the Sanctuary of Hera in Samos during the 8th to 6th centuries BC. Contextualising the types of dedications and their origins indicate the identity of the dedicators, and... more
The paper examines the Near Eastern and Greek dedications at the Sanctuary of Hera in Samos during the 8th to 6th centuries BC. Contextualising the types of dedications and their origins indicate the identity of the dedicators, and whether they were Samians, other Greeks or from the Near East. Much scholarship has been devoted to the Samian Heraion and this paper contributes to these discussions by tracing the socio-economic and political objectives of the dedicators and bringing different theories into a single narrative. The paper presents a selection of votive dedications and connects them to four comprehensive themes and functions: firstly as a political act between states; as a display of social power; the growing trade routes and role of sanctuary markets; and finally, the other modes of contact that emerged, such as mercenaries and pirates. Overall, the Samian Heraion played an essential role as a timely crossroads between the East and West, where the dedication practices shed light on the various groups of dedicators.
Research Interests:
This paper explores the ceramic repertoire of Al-Qārah al-Ḥamrā, a small settlement in the Fayyūm, on the north shore of Lake Qārūn, dating from the Hellenistic to Early Roman period. A selection of significant typologies of local wares... more
This paper explores the ceramic repertoire of Al-Qārah al-Ḥamrā, a small settlement in the Fayyūm, on the north shore of Lake Qārūn, dating from the Hellenistic to Early Roman period. A selection of significant typologies of local wares is discussed and contributes to the picture of what activities occurred at the site. The paper further contributes to the understanding of the infiltration of Greek ceramic shapes and influences, the impact this had on a local community, and the transition to Early Roman wares. The ceramics also evince the trade connections between the Fayyūm, and the rest of Egypt and the Mediterranean, indicating the extent of exchange and communication outside the Fayyūm. Such analysis is particularly relevant considering the paucity of archaeological data from small-scale Fayyūm settlements. Comparisons with Karanis, Tebtunis, and other larger sites point to a similarly diverse repertoire of materials and further stress the interconnectedness of this region.
Research Interests:
In this episode, Joshua Hall and Josho Brouwers are joined by experts Stephanie Craven and Hannah Ringheim to discuss mercenaries in the ancient world. The discussion covers across a large swathe of (mostly) the first millennium BC, with... more
In this episode, Joshua Hall and Josho Brouwers are joined by experts Stephanie Craven and Hannah Ringheim to discuss mercenaries in the ancient world. The discussion covers across a large swathe of (mostly) the first millennium BC, with a particular emphasis on the interaction of Greek mercenaries in the wider Mediterranean world. The introduction and closing are handled by contributing editor Matthew Lloyd.
This podcast is dedicated to the memory of Matthew Trundle, who died too young at the age of 53 on 12 July of this year. His scholarship had a significant impact on our discussion of mercenaries, especially his 2004-book Greek Mercenaries: From the Late Archaic Period to Alexander.
Aired September 2, 2019
https://www.ancientworldmagazine.com/podcast/mercenaries-ancient-world/
This podcast is dedicated to the memory of Matthew Trundle, who died too young at the age of 53 on 12 July of this year. His scholarship had a significant impact on our discussion of mercenaries, especially his 2004-book Greek Mercenaries: From the Late Archaic Period to Alexander.
Aired September 2, 2019
https://www.ancientworldmagazine.com/podcast/mercenaries-ancient-world/
Research Interests:
The thesis investigates the presence of mercenaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically in Egypt and the Levant, from the Late Bronze Age to the end of the sixth century BCE. The time frame predates the ubiquitous mercenaries of... more
The thesis investigates the presence of mercenaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically in Egypt and the Levant, from the Late Bronze Age to the end of the sixth century BCE. The time frame predates the ubiquitous mercenaries of the Classical period onwards, and traces the origins of the profession and how it manifested in the archaeological record.
The examination begins with the earliest evidence for non-local contingents hired in armies during the Bronze Age, based on the sources and archaeological remains, in order to address how to define mercenaries in antiquity. From these instances, the thesis posits a new definition for mercenaries that encompasses the activities and characteristics of such foreign groups. The investigation then turns to the Iron Age, when the contemporary sources are scarce, but the archaeology is telling of numerous calamitous, historical events that precipitate the need for mercenaries.
Past scholarship argued that specific sites in the Iron Age Levant and in Egypt exemplify evidence of mercenary activity, based primarily on different ceramic repertoires. An evaluation of the case studies reassesses whether this is indeed the case; how do the archaeological remains function as indicators of mercenaries? What factors are revealing of non-local contingents situated in a different context? The material remains, and whether they indicate non-local cultural practices and activities, are investigated. By considering the available remains, in addition to the ceramics, including architecture, burial rites, ritual practices, weapons, and the contexts in which the finds are discovered, it is then possible to assess where and when mercenaries are traceable. The discoveries and interpretations from the thesis shed light on the archaeological indicators for mercenary activity, and which sites suggest such evidence, and which do not.
The examination begins with the earliest evidence for non-local contingents hired in armies during the Bronze Age, based on the sources and archaeological remains, in order to address how to define mercenaries in antiquity. From these instances, the thesis posits a new definition for mercenaries that encompasses the activities and characteristics of such foreign groups. The investigation then turns to the Iron Age, when the contemporary sources are scarce, but the archaeology is telling of numerous calamitous, historical events that precipitate the need for mercenaries.
Past scholarship argued that specific sites in the Iron Age Levant and in Egypt exemplify evidence of mercenary activity, based primarily on different ceramic repertoires. An evaluation of the case studies reassesses whether this is indeed the case; how do the archaeological remains function as indicators of mercenaries? What factors are revealing of non-local contingents situated in a different context? The material remains, and whether they indicate non-local cultural practices and activities, are investigated. By considering the available remains, in addition to the ceramics, including architecture, burial rites, ritual practices, weapons, and the contexts in which the finds are discovered, it is then possible to assess where and when mercenaries are traceable. The discoveries and interpretations from the thesis shed light on the archaeological indicators for mercenary activity, and which sites suggest such evidence, and which do not.
Research Interests:
Panel Organizer and Chair: Matthew Skuse Panelists: Matthew Skuse - 'Scarabs, Sailors, and Seaside Sanctuaries: Pre-Naukratis Evidence for Archaic Greek Interactions with Egypt' Hannah Ringheim - 'Greek Mercenaries in Saite Egypt during... more
Panel Organizer and Chair: Matthew Skuse
Panelists:
Matthew Skuse - 'Scarabs, Sailors, and Seaside Sanctuaries: Pre-Naukratis Evidence for Archaic Greek Interactions with Egypt'
Hannah Ringheim - 'Greek Mercenaries in Saite Egypt during the 7th and 6th Centuries B.C.: Revisiting the Archaeological Evidence in the Nile Delta'
Kira Hopkins - 'Herodotean Influences on Saite Egypt'
Justin Yoo - 'The Statue of Pedon: A Re-Assessment and Re-Analysis from both sides of a Disciplinary Divide'
Panel Abstract:
Traditionally, discussions of Greek interactions with Egypt in the Archaic Period have been dominated by the consideration of a small number of common features – mercenaries, merchants, royal gifts, and Naukratis - the features which Herodotus describes to us, and which have appeared validated by archaeological finds at Naukratis and Tel Defenneh. Naturally, however, Herodotus cannot be expected to have provided a complete or unproblematic picture of Graeco-Egyptian interactions. This panel brings together different disciplines (Ancient History, Archaeology, and Egyptology) in order to demonstrate how the utilisation of a broader range of evidence and approaches can challenge, and contribute new perspectives to, the conventional and largely Herodotean narrative of Graeco-Egyptian interactions in the Archaic Period. The panel begins by considering evidence for archaic Greek interactions with Egypt which pre-date the foundation of Naukratis and Psammetichus I’s use of Greek mercenaries (SKUSE). The ensuing two papers (RINGHEIM, HOPKINS) scrutinise, in turn, modern and ancient accounts of Greek mercenaries in Egypt against archaeological evidence. The final paper (YOO) concludes the panel by demonstrating the benefits of a holistic, interdisciplinary approach through the discussion of a specific object, an Egyptian statue used as a votive by a Greek mercenary. Together, these papers will highlight some of the new findings which can be drawn from the consideration of classical texts and material culture in parity.
Full abstracts of all papers: http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/final_abstracts_list_ca2016.pdf
Panelists:
Matthew Skuse - 'Scarabs, Sailors, and Seaside Sanctuaries: Pre-Naukratis Evidence for Archaic Greek Interactions with Egypt'
Hannah Ringheim - 'Greek Mercenaries in Saite Egypt during the 7th and 6th Centuries B.C.: Revisiting the Archaeological Evidence in the Nile Delta'
Kira Hopkins - 'Herodotean Influences on Saite Egypt'
Justin Yoo - 'The Statue of Pedon: A Re-Assessment and Re-Analysis from both sides of a Disciplinary Divide'
Panel Abstract:
Traditionally, discussions of Greek interactions with Egypt in the Archaic Period have been dominated by the consideration of a small number of common features – mercenaries, merchants, royal gifts, and Naukratis - the features which Herodotus describes to us, and which have appeared validated by archaeological finds at Naukratis and Tel Defenneh. Naturally, however, Herodotus cannot be expected to have provided a complete or unproblematic picture of Graeco-Egyptian interactions. This panel brings together different disciplines (Ancient History, Archaeology, and Egyptology) in order to demonstrate how the utilisation of a broader range of evidence and approaches can challenge, and contribute new perspectives to, the conventional and largely Herodotean narrative of Graeco-Egyptian interactions in the Archaic Period. The panel begins by considering evidence for archaic Greek interactions with Egypt which pre-date the foundation of Naukratis and Psammetichus I’s use of Greek mercenaries (SKUSE). The ensuing two papers (RINGHEIM, HOPKINS) scrutinise, in turn, modern and ancient accounts of Greek mercenaries in Egypt against archaeological evidence. The final paper (YOO) concludes the panel by demonstrating the benefits of a holistic, interdisciplinary approach through the discussion of a specific object, an Egyptian statue used as a votive by a Greek mercenary. Together, these papers will highlight some of the new findings which can be drawn from the consideration of classical texts and material culture in parity.
Full abstracts of all papers: http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/final_abstracts_list_ca2016.pdf
Research Interests: Egyptology, Egyptian Archaeology, Greek Archaeology, Archaic Greek history, Ancient Greek History, and 10 morePhoenician Punic Archaeology, Herodotus, Ancient Greek and Roman Art, Geometric and archaic Greece, Greek Mercenaries, Contact and Exchanges between Ancient Communities, Orientalizing Period (art & archaeology), Votive offerings, Greeks in Egypt, and Medditerranean cross-cultural artistic exchanges
What is a mercenary? Modern history has defined them as militaristic soldiers, fighting without a cause and purely for financial reward; however, the mercenary identity proves much more complex. Looking at the earliest examples of... more
What is a mercenary? Modern history has defined them as militaristic soldiers, fighting without a cause and purely for financial reward; however, the mercenary identity proves much more complex. Looking at the earliest examples of mercenaries in antiquity, these external hires were essential tools for success, with lasting socio-economic impacts on local communities. The circulation of mercenary warfare further speaks to the wider mobility and migration of people in antiquity, and the events that triggered such movements. This book investigates the origins of the mercenary profession as early as the third millennium until the fifth century BCE in the Aegean, Egypt and Levantine littoral, through archaeological and textual evidence that illuminates where, when and why mercenaries emerge in such environments.