Alison John

Dr Alison John is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Classics at All Souls College, University of Oxford (since 2021). Her research focuses on the literary and social history of the late antique West, particularly Gaul and Italy, with a specialization in Greek-Latin bilingualism and classical education. Her monograph Learning and Power in Late Antique Gaul (Cambridge University Press, 2025) examines the role of classical schools in Gallo-Roman politics and society. Current projects explore Greek use in Italy and Gaul (AD 300–650).

Education:

• BA (Honours) in Classics & Medieval Studies, University of Ottawa (2008–2012)
• MA in Classics, University of Toronto (2012–2014)
• PhD in Classics, University of Edinburgh (2014–2018)

Research Interests: Late Antique cultural transformations, bilingualism, classical education decline, Gallo-Roman intellectual networks, and textual transmission. Recent work emphasizes Greek’s role in post-Roman literary circles.

Publications: Over 7 peer-reviewed articles (2020–2025), focusing on bilingualism in late antique Gaul, classical education’s political role, and Sidonius Apollinaris’ literary networks. Recent trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches to cultural memory and textual analysis.

Awards:

• Leverhulme SAS Fellowship (2020–2021)
• SSHRC Doctoral Award (2014–2018)
• Multiple university scholarships (Edinburgh, Toronto, Ottawa)

Teaching & Engagement: Taught courses on Suetonius, late antique Latin literature, and classical bilingualism. Organized conferences on Greek-Latin puzzle poetry (2023) and late antique literary salons. Active in academic societies (Classical Association).

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Gallia docta? research project (Tübingen) and Celtic Conference in Classics networks. Coordinates interdisciplinary workshops on late antique textual practices.