Power, Ideology and Politics in the Ancient World

About the research project

The ancient world witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, empires, republics, and dynasties all across the Mediterranean and Near East. From the city-states of Greece and the kingdoms of the Hellenistic East to the Roman Empire, political communities were shaped by continual struggles over authority, leadership, and legitimacy. Periods of conquest, civil war, and social transformation repeatedly raised fundamental questions and reflections about how power should be exercised, and what made political authority acceptable to those who lived under it.

This project is concerned with the ways in which power was acquired, legitimised, and maintained in the ancient world. It explores how rulers, elites, or political communities constructed and communicated authority, particularly during periods of instability, transition, and change. It is interested in questions around how claims to power were justified, as well as the role  institutions, traditions, religion, military success, or popular support played in establishing political legitimacy.

Of particular interest are  how individuals or regimes used tools to construct political narratives, project legitimacy, and negotiate their place within broader social and cultural frameworks. As such, in addition to textual evidence, this project could include examinations of visual imagery, monuments, public ceremonies, the establishment of religious practices, coinage, architecture, or other forms of symbolic communication. 

By exploring both successful and unsuccessful attempts to secure power, the project seeks to deepen our understanding of the dynamics of politics and leadership in the ancient world.

Potential research focus areas under this project could include:

• The creation, maintenance, and public presentation of dynasties or other ruling clans
• Strategies of legitimacy and succession in periods of political transition
• The relationship between rulers, armies, and elite power networks
• Political imagery, royal iconography, and visual propaganda, the “language of power”
• Spectacle, ceremony, and the performance of authority
• The development of ruler cults, exceptionalism, and divine associations
• Royal patronage, monumentality, and the shaping of public memory
• The role of women in dynastic representation and political legitimacy
• Innovation in political messaging during periods of crisis and regime change

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Charlotte Dunn

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

Honours or equivalent in Classics

High degree of capability in researching topics in ancient Greek and Roman culture and literature

Excellent written expression

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

Advanced language skill in Ancient Greek and/or Latin as well as relevant modern language an advantage

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Charlotte Dunn to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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