Archaeologies of the Roman Mediterranean: Papers Presented in Honour of Professor Simon Keay

Professor Simon Keay had a long and industrious career in Roman Archaeology. Following completion of a PhD at UCL specialising in Roman amphorae, his career included fieldwork at major archaeological sites in Spain and Italy culminating in the Portuslimen project, bringing together colleagues from across the Mediterranean to study the ports and trade networks of the Roman Empire. His research meant close involvement with the British School at Rome, as well as the Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology and colleagues at the site of Italica, Andalusia among many others. Simon’s contribution to the discipline of Roman Archaeology was immense, and his energy and mentorship influenced scholars from many different backgrounds.

This volume brings together papers authored by those who knew Simon and who were supported and enabled by his passion for archaeology, from amphora studies to research on Roman urbanism and landscapes. Each section deals with a particular area of Simon’s interests; Mediterranean ports and river systems, trade and connectivity, and landscapes and urbanism. The contributions include reminiscences of Simon and his work, together with the results of his different projects, and research that has stemmed from his scholarship. Here, these paper underscore the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary research in the areas that interested Simon, reflecting the contribution he made and the legacy of his work.