Anthony Barbieri

Anthony Barbieri is a Professor of Early Chinese History at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Art and Archaeology from Princeton University (2001) and an M.A. in East Asian Studies from Harvard University (1997). His research focuses on social, legal, and material culture history of early imperial China, with comparative studies in Egyptology. Barbieri’s work bridges archaeology, epigraphy, and digital humanities, including projects like using video game engines for reconstructing ancient sites.

Education:

• Ph.D., Princeton University, Chinese Art and Archaeology, 2001
• M.A., Harvard University, East Asian Studies, 1997

Research Interests:

• Early Chinese legal systems and social stratification
• Technology and labor in ancient China
• Comparative studies between ancient Egypt and China
• Material culture analysis

Awards:

• 2008 Breasted Prize (AHA)
• 2009 Morey Prize (CAA)
• 2009 Levenson Prize (AAS)
• NEH and ACLS Fellowships

Advising and Grants:

• Advisor to Qin Zhi Lau, Yacong Qiu, and Aaron Zhao
• Recipient of NEH Collaborative Research Grants (2007–2009, 2023–2024)

Labs/Teams:

• Virtual Reality reconstructions of Wuzhaishan and Wu Family Cemeteries
• Computer-assisted archaeological visualization projects