Victoria Austen

Victoria Austen is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA. Her research focuses on the imaginative spaces of ancient Roman gardens and landscapes in literature and art from the Late Republic and Early Empire. She holds a PhD in Classics from King’s College London, UK.

Education:

• PhD in Classics, King’s College London, UK

Research Interests: Victoria explores interdisciplinary connections between ancient environments, cultural expression, and artistic representation. Her work bridges archaeology, literature, and environmental studies, emphasizing how gardens and landscapes shaped Roman identity and socio-political discourse. She regularly delivers academic and public lectures on topics such as Latin poetry’s portrayal of nature, Roman frescoes, and the ecological dimensions of classical antiquity.

Publications & Contributions: She authored Analysing the Boundaries of the Ancient Roman Garden, which examines the symbolic and functional roles of gardens in Roman society. Her research often intersects with modern environmental humanities, offering insights into historical ecological practices.

Professional Activities: Victoria has presented at international conferences and engages in public outreach to make classical studies accessible. Her interdisciplinary approach highlights the relevance of ancient environmental thought to contemporary discussions.