Colchester Museums has received a prestigious Collaborative Doctoral Award (CDA) by the South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership (SWW DTP). The recognition marks a new chapter in Colchester Museums' commitment to advancing research.
The CDA will be carried out in partnership with the University of Reading, leveraging the combined expertise of both institutions to delve into the fascinating world of Colchester's historical collections. The collaboration will allow for a deeper exploration of the city's Roman history and its significant role in early Roman Britain, taking a closer look at the cremated human remains curated by the museum.
The project, “All that remains: Reframing the importance of human cremations in understanding life in ancient Colchester,” will enhance our understanding of the Roman occupation's impact on funerary traditions and the lives of the city’s earliest inhabitants.
The successful candidate will develop specialised skills in cremation analysis and contribute to our decolonisation program, Hidden Histories, ensuring a more inclusive portrayal of Roman Britain's people.
Cllr Michelle Burrows, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “I am delighted to see Colchester Museums being awarded the Collaborative Doctoral Award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to preserving and celebrating our rich heritage. We look forward to the insights and contributions that will emerge from this collaboration and how it will further enhance our cultural heritage.”
For more information about the studentship, please visit https://www.sww-ahdtp.ac.uk/collaborative-doctoral-award-cda-projects-2023-2024/all-that-remains/
For those interested in further studies related to this field, the online history course “Decoding the Roman Dead” is a valuable resource that can be accessed through FutureLearn.
Anyone who would like to further explore the rich history of Roman Britain can do so by visiting the new exhibition, Gladiators: The Roman Games | Colchester Museums, at Colchester Castle.
Page last reviewed: 6 December 2023