Isabella Sandwell

Dr. Isabella Sandwell serves as a Senior Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Bristol's Department of Classics & Ancient History. Her research centers on religious transformations in late antiquity, particularly the rise of Christianity, cognitive approaches to doctrinal transmission, and intercultural religious dynamics between Christians and non-Christians.

Her scholarly focus encompasses:

• The application of cognitive science to analyze preaching efficacy and doctrinal dissemination
• Religious identity formation in multicultural settings like Antioch
• Metaphorical constructs in theological debates of the 4th century

Publications exhibit strong interdisciplinary trends connecting cognitive linguistics with historical theology, particularly in works examining Gregory of Nyssa's rhetorical strategies. Recent research employs conceptual metaphor theory to decode how abstract theological concepts became culturally embedded.

Significant recognitions include research funding from the British Academy (2007, 2020) and Dumbarton Oaks (2009). She actively seeks postgraduate students researching Roman religion, late antique Christianity, or cognitive approaches to ancient texts.