Jennifer Cromwell

Dr Jennifer Cromwell is a Reader in Egyptology at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), specializing in late antique and early Islamic Egypt. She holds a PhD, MA, and BA in Egyptology from the University of Liverpool. Her research bridges social-economic history and digital humanities, focusing on Coptic language/texts, monastic life, and ancient Egypt's representation in games. She leads the Manchester Games Centre's history/heritage initiatives and curates its gaming archive (launching 2024).

Education:

• PhD in Egyptology (University of Liverpool, 2008)
• MA in Egyptology (University of Liverpool, 2004)
• BA in Egyptology (University of Liverpool, 2003)

Research focuses on:

• Coptic language and texts post-641 CE Islamic conquest
• Social structures of late antique Egypt (5th–8th c. CE)
• Monastic economies and scribal practices
• Reception of ancient Egypt in digital games (e.g., Persona 5)

Current projects include the UKRI-funded Ancient History, Contemporary Belonging (2021–2024), exploring migrant youth engagement with ancient objects. She has held prestigious fellowships including the Marie Sklodowska-Curie (2016–2018) and Australian Research Council grants.

Teaching spans Egyptology/Ancient History, with supervision on topics like Egyptian social history, Coptic texts, and gaming studies. She chairs joint honours programs combining history, politics, and philosophy.

Labs/Teams: Manchester Games Centre (leading history/heritage initiatives), Manchester Museum collaborations, and the interdisciplinary Ancient History, Contemporary Belonging project team.