Kate Spence

Dr. Kate Spence is a Senior Lecturer in Egyptian Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, Department of Archaeology. She is a Fellow and Director of Studies at Emmanuel College, and serves as External Director of Studies for Christ's College and Robinson College. Her research focuses on material culture, built environments, and Egyptology, with a particular emphasis on ancient Egyptian architecture, the Amarna period, and settlement archaeology. Dr. Spence has contributed to debates on the astronomical orientations of pyramids and the socio-political dynamics of ancient Egyptian temple construction.

Her academic work integrates environmental archaeology, geoarchaeology, and landscape studies, exploring how physical environments shaped ancient societies. She has authored numerous publications, including studies on Hatshepsut’s foundation deposits, Amarna domestic cult practices, and royal walling projects. Dr. Spence is affiliated with the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research and collaborates with institutions like the Duckworth Laboratory for Archaeology.

Her research spans Egypt’s Pharaonic era, with geographical focus on Egypt and Sudan. She actively supervises PhD students and engages in archaeological heritage initiatives, including projects at Amarna. Key themes in her work include material culture analysis, urban development, and the interplay between architecture and political legitimacy. Dr. Spence’s contributions bridge archaeological theory and empirical research, offering insights into ancient socio-cultural systems.