Rebalancing Roman Archaeology: from disciplinary inertia to decolonial and inclusive action

Abstract

This article analyses the current state of our discipline, particularly its decoloniality and inclusivity. This is investigated via two lenses: data from Roman Archaeology Conferences and Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conferences from 1991 to 2019; and data from the 2019 Roman Archaeology Teaching Survey. These two lenses provide ways into thinking about whose voices are heard in the discipline, current barriers to more diverse voices, and biases within the topics and regions of the Roman world in our research and teaching. The article argues that these data demonstrate a need for change within our discipline, across research and teaching, in order to promote a healthier, decolonial, and more inclusive discipline for the future. As a consequence, this article also makes numerous recommendations and suggestions for action to bring about positive change.