It is well understood today that the cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean and Near East are closely intertwined. Greek literature, philosophy, and material culture draw extensively on the ideas and practices of Persians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Ancient ‘superpowers’ must be seen in the context of their relationships – both violent and peaceful – with local cultures. On a smaller scale, commercial networks, political ties and bonds of hospitality reached far beyond the boundaries of any given society.

Texts, cults, social and political structures, architectural habits and dress were continually translated and adapted for new audiences. At a time of alarming cultural and political polarisation along ancient fault lines, the Centre for the Study of the Ancient Mediterranean and the Near East aims to strengthen the dialogue between neighbouring academic disciplines, in an attempt to gain a better understanding of multiculturalism and cultural contact in the ancient Mediterranean.