UC News

UC students uncover
Ancient City

The Cincinnati Enquirer highlights UC Classics archaeological research in Sardinia

headshot of Michael Miller By Michael Miller 513-556-6757
4 minute read August 10, 2022

The Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted the archaeology research of University of Cincinnati students under the direction of UC Classics associate professor Steven Ellis in the ancient Sardinian city of Tharros.

Steven Ellis winner of Rome Prize stands in the Pompeii exhibit @ the Museum Ctn.

The Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted the archaeology research of University of Cincinnati students under the direction of UC Classics associate professor Steven Ellis in the ancient Sardinian city of Tharros.

Ellis and several of his students have spent five weeks this summer working in Sardinia off the mainland of Italy where they are learning more about people who lived in the ancient city of Tharros more than 3,000 years ago.

Ellis, an expert on ancient Rome, has conducted work across ancient Europe from Spain to Algeria. He directs UC's excavations at Pompeii and Tharros and is the author of the 2018 book "The Roman Retail Revolution."

"What's great about this site is it wasn't buried by a volcano. It has a more usual demise — economic decline and collapse and abandonment," Ellis said during a 2021 lecture at the University of Sydney's Chau Chak Wing Museum.

WATCH: What University of Cincinnati archaeology looks like in Italy

“They require the work of exceptionally talented people.”

— Steven Ellis | UC archaeologist on UC Classics teamwork

Tharros on the western coast of Sardinia served on the trade route between the coastal ports of what are now Spain, North Africa and France between the 7th century B.C. and the 6th century A.D.

"I'm especially interested in ideas of neighborhoods and communities," Ellis said.

Ellis noted that archaeology research projects are team efforts. His projects at Tharros and Pompeii are no exceptions, he said. Ellis and his students have been studying Tharros for several years now.

 

Kerry Ulm wearing a hardhat kneels in an excavation.

UC graduate Kerry Ulm in 2019 participated in a UC Classics archaeology project in Pylos, Greece. Photo/Provided

UC research expenditures reached a record $551.8 million in in 2021-22.

"They require the work of exceptionally talented people," he said.

UC students such as Matt Wabler are helping to make new discoveries at Tharros. The Enquirer was there when the team discovered an ancient coin that last saw sunlight on Sardinia thousands of years ago.

"Someone used it. Touched it," Wabler told the Enquirer. "It's personal." 

See the full story and photo gallery online.

 


Education in action

UC students have contributed to UC Classics' other work, including excavations of the Griffin Warrior in Greece. From research abroad to co-ops and internships, UC offers experience-based learning opportunities to all students.

See more recent headlines:

Learn by Doing

UC students literally get a chance to get their hands dirty by participating in field research around the world. UC Classics students have participated in excavations at Pylos, Greece, and Pompeii, Italy, among other historic sites. At UC, students learn by doing, taking experiential learning to the next level through firsthand research. Learn more about UC's career education.

Tags

Related Stories

1

UC hosts governors for bipartisan conversation

Event: October 21, 2025 5:30 PM

The University of Cincinnati welcomes Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for a conversation on policy and leadership. The discussion, titled "Across the River and Across the Aisle," will be moderated by former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and is being sponsored by the Portman Center for Policy Solutions.

3

Do plastics have toxic effects on the heart?

October 10, 2025

We’ve all heard warnings about BPA — a chemical found in plastics and personal care products. Studies show that nearly 90% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies. Now, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine research has revealed this everyday exposure is tied to changes in the heart’s electrical system.

4

Museum helps UC Chemistry celebrate 150 years

Event: October 11, 2025 4:00 PM

UC's Oesper Collections in the History of Chemistry museum is helping to celebrate 150 years of UC chemistry. The chemistry museum features scientific artifacts, books, journals, photos and prints chronicling the development of chemical science over the centuries.

5

Innovative, AI-fueled conference returns to Lindner

October 10, 2025

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business will once again host the annual Project Management Institute (PMI) Summit on Saturday, Nov. 8, with a sharp focus on artificial intelligence success strategies in business.

Debug Query for this