Mary McHugh

Mary McHugh is a Professor in Classical Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College. She holds a B.A. cum laude from Mt. Holyoke College, an M.A. from Tufts University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her academic focus spans Roman social history, gender studies, classical reception, and ancient philosophy.

• Education
  • B.A. cum laude, Mt. Holyoke College
  • M.A., Tufts University
  • M.A. and Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Her research emphasizes the intersection of literature, art, and material culture in antiquity. Notably, she explores the commemorative practices of Hellenistic dynasties, the portrayal of Julio-Claudian women in Roman media, and the role of food in ancient societies. Her work also examines the satirical use of classical texts under oppressive regimes, such as Nazi-era adaptations of Plautus.

Mary’s publications include analyses of Tacitus’ historiography, the reception of Franciscan motifs in modernist architecture, and the ethics of Epicurean dietary practices. She has presented her findings at international conferences in Brazil, Poland, and England, and her current projects include a Tacitus Reader textbook and research on Hellenistic science’s influence in the Islamic world.

She has taught courses ranging from Latin literature to Roman food culture, including the popular January term course A Taste of Roman Food, which combined academic study with hands-on culinary workshops where students recreated Roman banquets.