Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
@tjderrick.bsky.social
Archaeologist and Social Historian - Glass, perfumes/medicines, the senses, & the everyday in the Roman World. Gale Research Fellow
at Macquarie University - He/Him. 🇬🇧 in 🇦🇺 on unceded Cammeraygal and Wallumattugal (Dharug) Land
at Macquarie University - He/Him. 🇬🇧 in 🇦🇺 on unceded Cammeraygal and Wallumattugal (Dharug) Land
Pinned
How smelly was ancient Rome?
Ancient Rome stank to the high heavens, according to Dr Thomas Derrick from Australia's Macquarie University.
www.rnz.co.nz
📻 Fun interview with Jim Mora on national radio in New Zealand Aotearoa aired this morning. I was talking about what everyday life was like in ancient Rome, and a little about time travel!
Solidarity. If you haven't done so, please consider pulling out of the EAA conference, revoking memberships (requesting reimbursement). If not, please consider making your voice heard at the AMBM (Fri 6.45pm CET). Also, write to express your concerns to the EAA exec. www.e-a-a.org/EAA/About/EA...
September 3, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Solidarity. If you haven't done so, please consider pulling out of the EAA conference, revoking memberships (requesting reimbursement). If not, please consider making your voice heard at the AMBM (Fri 6.45pm CET). Also, write to express your concerns to the EAA exec. www.e-a-a.org/EAA/About/EA...
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
your periodic reminder that “archaeology isn’t political” is a political statement
September 3, 2025 at 12:10 PM
your periodic reminder that “archaeology isn’t political” is a political statement
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
NEW in #TRAJ Vol. 8:
Performing Gender Normativity & Queerness in the Roman Funeral: An Analysis of Historical Sources & Iconographic Evidence by Jessica Tilley
doi.org/10.16995/tra...
#AcademicSky #RomanArchaeology
Performing Gender Normativity & Queerness in the Roman Funeral: An Analysis of Historical Sources & Iconographic Evidence by Jessica Tilley
doi.org/10.16995/tra...
#AcademicSky #RomanArchaeology
Performing Gender Normativity and Queerness in the Roman Funeral: An Analysis of Historical Sources and Iconographic Evidence
This article contributes to the emerging field of Queer Death Studies by offering a queer analysis of the gendered performances of mourners during the Roman funeral through an examination of subversio...
doi.org
September 3, 2025 at 2:14 PM
NEW in #TRAJ Vol. 8:
Performing Gender Normativity & Queerness in the Roman Funeral: An Analysis of Historical Sources & Iconographic Evidence by Jessica Tilley
doi.org/10.16995/tra...
#AcademicSky #RomanArchaeology
Performing Gender Normativity & Queerness in the Roman Funeral: An Analysis of Historical Sources & Iconographic Evidence by Jessica Tilley
doi.org/10.16995/tra...
#AcademicSky #RomanArchaeology
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
The email from @archaeologyeaa.bsky.social was only sent to session organisers and after the conference started. There will be presenters who are unaware of this decision - spread the word #archaeology #EAA2025 @blacktrowel.bsky.social @archagainstaparth.bsky.social
BTC Call for Action - EAA
EAA reversed its decision to exclude Israeli institutions complicit in the genocide of Palestinians after intimidation campaigns.
Read & share the full statement: blacktrowelcollective.wordpress.com/2025/09/02/b...
EAA reversed its decision to exclude Israeli institutions complicit in the genocide of Palestinians after intimidation campaigns.
Read & share the full statement: blacktrowelcollective.wordpress.com/2025/09/02/b...
September 2, 2025 at 2:50 PM
The email from @archaeologyeaa.bsky.social was only sent to session organisers and after the conference started. There will be presenters who are unaware of this decision - spread the word #archaeology #EAA2025 @blacktrowel.bsky.social @archagainstaparth.bsky.social
Overturning a democratic vote and implementing a moderation style (via volunteers) that severely limits academic freedoms is awful. That this happened AFTER the conference started is even more disappointing. I will be revoking my membership and boycotting the conference.
🏺 With alt-text added.
September 2, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Overturning a democratic vote and implementing a moderation style (via volunteers) that severely limits academic freedoms is awful. That this happened AFTER the conference started is even more disappointing. I will be revoking my membership and boycotting the conference.
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
A 6th or 7th century grave marker for #StandingStoneSunday
Dedicated to Iudnne.. [Iudnnerth?] son of Qui.. [Quintus?]
Carved into a Romano British column (from a villa?)
Found during the demolition of an 8th century church in 1841
Now in Lady St Mary church Wareham #Dorset
📷 May 2025
Dedicated to Iudnne.. [Iudnnerth?] son of Qui.. [Quintus?]
Carved into a Romano British column (from a villa?)
Found during the demolition of an 8th century church in 1841
Now in Lady St Mary church Wareham #Dorset
📷 May 2025
August 10, 2025 at 8:12 AM
A 6th or 7th century grave marker for #StandingStoneSunday
Dedicated to Iudnne.. [Iudnnerth?] son of Qui.. [Quintus?]
Carved into a Romano British column (from a villa?)
Found during the demolition of an 8th century church in 1841
Now in Lady St Mary church Wareham #Dorset
📷 May 2025
Dedicated to Iudnne.. [Iudnnerth?] son of Qui.. [Quintus?]
Carved into a Romano British column (from a villa?)
Found during the demolition of an 8th century church in 1841
Now in Lady St Mary church Wareham #Dorset
📷 May 2025
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
Apparently wearing a raspberry beret (the kind you find in a second hand store), this cheeky red-crested, tiny-tongued tessellated serpent features on a mid 4th century #Roman mosaic from Dorchester
Found in Durngate Street in 1905, it's now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social
📷 Sept 2024
#MosaicMonday
Found in Durngate Street in 1905, it's now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social
📷 Sept 2024
#MosaicMonday
August 4, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Apparently wearing a raspberry beret (the kind you find in a second hand store), this cheeky red-crested, tiny-tongued tessellated serpent features on a mid 4th century #Roman mosaic from Dorchester
Found in Durngate Street in 1905, it's now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social
📷 Sept 2024
#MosaicMonday
Found in Durngate Street in 1905, it's now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social
📷 Sept 2024
#MosaicMonday
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
My new article "Looting and Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Sudan and the Glass from Sedeinga" in Glass News 55, embargo-free. It can be downloaded below (or contact me ([email protected]) for a copy if you don't want to use the below site).
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
July 31, 2025 at 4:15 AM
My new article "Looting and Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Sudan and the Glass from Sedeinga" in Glass News 55, embargo-free. It can be downloaded below (or contact me ([email protected]) for a copy if you don't want to use the below site).
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
My new article "Looting and Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Sudan and the Glass from Sedeinga" in Glass News 55, embargo-free. It can be downloaded below (or contact me ([email protected]) for a copy if you don't want to use the below site).
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
July 31, 2025 at 4:15 AM
My new article "Looting and Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Sudan and the Glass from Sedeinga" in Glass News 55, embargo-free. It can be downloaded below (or contact me ([email protected]) for a copy if you don't want to use the below site).
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
'Baffled' archaeologists. An excellent article by Tim Penn, University of Reading, which not only describes the hypotheses and discussions which are part of the archaeological method but also addresses the use of 'baffled' and other clichés used some journalists.
theconversation.com/big-roman-sh...
theconversation.com/big-roman-sh...
Big Roman shoes discovered near Hadrian’s Wall – but they don’t necessarily mean big Roman feet
It’s up for debate what the big shoes found at Magna mean and that’s an integral part of archaeological research
theconversation.com
July 19, 2025 at 6:44 AM
'Baffled' archaeologists. An excellent article by Tim Penn, University of Reading, which not only describes the hypotheses and discussions which are part of the archaeological method but also addresses the use of 'baffled' and other clichés used some journalists.
theconversation.com/big-roman-sh...
theconversation.com/big-roman-sh...
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
Worrying podcast from @theguardian.com about the rapid rise of metal detecting in Syria lost Assad - and what it means for the preservation of the country's heritage.
www.theguardian.com/world/audio/...
www.theguardian.com/world/audio/...
Syria’s treasure hunting fever - podcast
What can be done to stop Syria’s unprecedented scramble for antiquities? William Christou reports
www.theguardian.com
July 14, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Worrying podcast from @theguardian.com about the rapid rise of metal detecting in Syria lost Assad - and what it means for the preservation of the country's heritage.
www.theguardian.com/world/audio/...
www.theguardian.com/world/audio/...
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
📻 Fun interview with Jim Mora on national radio in New Zealand Aotearoa aired this morning. I was talking about what everyday life was like in ancient Rome, and a little about time travel!
How smelly was ancient Rome?
Ancient Rome stank to the high heavens, according to Dr Thomas Derrick from Australia's Macquarie University.
www.rnz.co.nz
July 13, 2025 at 3:14 AM
📻 Fun interview with Jim Mora on national radio in New Zealand Aotearoa aired this morning. I was talking about what everyday life was like in ancient Rome, and a little about time travel!
📻 Fun interview with Jim Mora on national radio in New Zealand Aotearoa aired this morning. I was talking about what everyday life was like in ancient Rome, and a little about time travel!
How smelly was ancient Rome?
Ancient Rome stank to the high heavens, according to Dr Thomas Derrick from Australia's Macquarie University.
www.rnz.co.nz
July 13, 2025 at 3:14 AM
📻 Fun interview with Jim Mora on national radio in New Zealand Aotearoa aired this morning. I was talking about what everyday life was like in ancient Rome, and a little about time travel!
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
Had fun filming a talking head interview about historical glass at Hyde Park Barracks, as part of a new (as yet unannounced) archaeological exhibition opening in Sydney late 2025. Sneak peek: this European glass 'core' was knapped by First Nations Australians to make small blades (First Gov. House).
July 9, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Had fun filming a talking head interview about historical glass at Hyde Park Barracks, as part of a new (as yet unannounced) archaeological exhibition opening in Sydney late 2025. Sneak peek: this European glass 'core' was knapped by First Nations Australians to make small blades (First Gov. House).
Had fun filming a talking head interview about historical glass at Hyde Park Barracks, as part of a new (as yet unannounced) archaeological exhibition opening in Sydney late 2025. Sneak peek: this European glass 'core' was knapped by First Nations Australians to make small blades (First Gov. House).
July 9, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Had fun filming a talking head interview about historical glass at Hyde Park Barracks, as part of a new (as yet unannounced) archaeological exhibition opening in Sydney late 2025. Sneak peek: this European glass 'core' was knapped by First Nations Australians to make small blades (First Gov. House).
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
This absolutely gorgeous #Roman enamelled flask was found in a grave in Buzet (Pinguente), Istria/Croatia.
It's a product of a workshop in Britain or Gaule.
Enamelled objects were typical for the northwestern parts of the Roman Empire. 🧵 1/2
📷 taken by me
#archaeology #RomanArchaeology 🏺
It's a product of a workshop in Britain or Gaule.
Enamelled objects were typical for the northwestern parts of the Roman Empire. 🧵 1/2
📷 taken by me
#archaeology #RomanArchaeology 🏺
July 6, 2025 at 6:43 AM
This absolutely gorgeous #Roman enamelled flask was found in a grave in Buzet (Pinguente), Istria/Croatia.
It's a product of a workshop in Britain or Gaule.
Enamelled objects were typical for the northwestern parts of the Roman Empire. 🧵 1/2
📷 taken by me
#archaeology #RomanArchaeology 🏺
It's a product of a workshop in Britain or Gaule.
Enamelled objects were typical for the northwestern parts of the Roman Empire. 🧵 1/2
📷 taken by me
#archaeology #RomanArchaeology 🏺
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
Stop spreading this garbage about em dashes in ACTUAL EDITED PROSE OH MY GOD.
Plenty of actual human beings know how to type em dashes! We’re called “writers” and “editors” — maybe you’ve heard of us?
Plenty of actual human beings know how to type em dashes! We’re called “writers” and “editors” — maybe you’ve heard of us?
July 6, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Stop spreading this garbage about em dashes in ACTUAL EDITED PROSE OH MY GOD.
Plenty of actual human beings know how to type em dashes! We’re called “writers” and “editors” — maybe you’ve heard of us?
Plenty of actual human beings know how to type em dashes! We’re called “writers” and “editors” — maybe you’ve heard of us?
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
🔊I talked about this research on ABC Hobart/Northern Tasmania Radio last night with the fab Steven White. Listen from 2:27:46: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
July 3, 2025 at 12:46 AM
🔊I talked about this research on ABC Hobart/Northern Tasmania Radio last night with the fab Steven White. Listen from 2:27:46: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
Is it possible to re-envision the place of Greece and Rome in the ancient world overall? In today’s new #PeoplingPodcast, we are joined by Dr. Mathura Umachandran to reimagine Classics through the lens of Critical Ancient World Studies (CAWS) /1 peoplingthepast.com/2025/07/01/p...
July 1, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Is it possible to re-envision the place of Greece and Rome in the ancient world overall? In today’s new #PeoplingPodcast, we are joined by Dr. Mathura Umachandran to reimagine Classics through the lens of Critical Ancient World Studies (CAWS) /1 peoplingthepast.com/2025/07/01/p...
🔊I talked about this research on ABC Hobart/Northern Tasmania Radio last night with the fab Steven White. Listen from 2:27:46: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
July 3, 2025 at 12:46 AM
🔊I talked about this research on ABC Hobart/Northern Tasmania Radio last night with the fab Steven White. Listen from 2:27:46: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
👃🤢 Enjoyed writing this for @theconversation.com
What did ancient Rome smell like? Honestly, often pretty rank
We can probably safely assume Rome, in many areas, was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. That said, there’s evidence of perfumes, incense and even deodorants.
theconversation.com
July 1, 2025 at 10:12 PM
👃🤢 Enjoyed writing this for @theconversation.com
👃🤢 Enjoyed writing this for @theconversation.com
What did ancient Rome smell like? Honestly, often pretty rank
We can probably safely assume Rome, in many areas, was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. That said, there’s evidence of perfumes, incense and even deodorants.
theconversation.com
July 1, 2025 at 10:12 PM
👃🤢 Enjoyed writing this for @theconversation.com
Reposted by Dr Thomas J. Derrick 🧪🌺🏛 ⛏📚
This looks fascinating!
Living Amongst and with Trees: Botanical Agency and the Archaeology of Plant-Human Relationships, by Barry Taylor
🧪 🏺
Living Amongst and with Trees: Botanical Agency and the Archaeology of Plant-Human Relationships, by Barry Taylor
🧪 🏺
Living Amongst and with Trees: Botanical Agency and the Archaeology of Plant-Human Relationships
The last decade has seen a significant change in the way the humanities have approached the study of botanical life. Termed ‘the plant turn’, this questions traditional views of plants as a largely...
www.tandfonline.com
June 28, 2025 at 2:00 AM
This looks fascinating!
Living Amongst and with Trees: Botanical Agency and the Archaeology of Plant-Human Relationships, by Barry Taylor
🧪 🏺
Living Amongst and with Trees: Botanical Agency and the Archaeology of Plant-Human Relationships, by Barry Taylor
🧪 🏺
📢 I was very lucky to be asked to be an expert on ABC Kids’ Imagine This. I help answer “How is glass made” and we go back to Egypt and Jerusalem during the Roman Empire to find out! Thanks to Nij and Soumia at ABC Kids - this is the best thing I've ever done.
www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/p...
www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/p...
May 21, 2025 at 12:23 AM
📢 I was very lucky to be asked to be an expert on ABC Kids’ Imagine This. I help answer “How is glass made” and we go back to Egypt and Jerusalem during the Roman Empire to find out! Thanks to Nij and Soumia at ABC Kids - this is the best thing I've ever done.
www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/p...
www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/p...
Experimental archaeology (of sorts) happening today at Macquarie with my student intern (and chemist) Evie. We are trying to replicate the fake patination found on Roman glass facsimiles in our museum.
May 1, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Experimental archaeology (of sorts) happening today at Macquarie with my student intern (and chemist) Evie. We are trying to replicate the fake patination found on Roman glass facsimiles in our museum.