Dr Martin Pitts
Senior Lecturer
BA MA Ph.D (York) FHEA
Extension: 4205
Telephone: 01392 724205
I am an archaeologist with an interest in gaining new insights into ancient society through the application of quantitative approaches to material culture, principally in late Iron Age to Roman north-west Europe. My research investigates the origins of mass consumption and the role of artefacts as indicators of historical globalising processes, in terms of both overarching mechanisms and their impacts on local cultural practices.
A particular focus is the analysis of pottery and ceramics, which present an ideal resource for shedding light on ancient communities, from economic activities to eating and drinking habits. In addition to the Roman period, my research also touches upon mass consumption and globalisation in early modern Europe (Chinese porcelain), and the 20th century (oils, fats and cuisine), for comparative perspectives.
These topics and themes all play a major role in my undergraduate modules Barbarian societies, Globalisation in the Roman empire, and Domination and Resistance in Roman Britain. I am able to supervise BA, MA or PhD dissertations in the following areas:
- Iron Age to Roman NW Europe
- Globalisation, identity and material culture
- The archaeology of consumption and consumption practices
- Quantitative approaches to pottery, and other material culture
- Ancient economies
