Pedar W. Foss

Pedar W. Foss is Professor of Classical Studies and Chair of the Classical Studies Department at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to Roman archaeology, particularly in Pompeii studies and landscape archaeology of central Italy, Lycia, and North Africa.

His research interests focus on landscape archaeology, the settlement dynamics of the Roman conquest of central Italy, Roman provincial archaeology in Lycia (Turkey) and North Africa (Tunisia), Pompeii and the ancient Bay of Naples, and the manuscript tradition of the Younger Pliny's Letters. With Rebecca K. Schindler, he co-directs the Trasimeno Regional Archaeological Project centered in Castiglione del Lago, Umbria (Italy).

Foss's scholarly work demonstrates remarkable interdisciplinary breadth, combining traditional classical scholarship with cutting-edge GIS technology and volcanological research. His 2022 book Pliny and the Eruption of Vesuvius has generated significant scholarly discussion and media attention, including coverage in The New York Times, for its rigorous textual analysis that confirms August 24 as the eruption date of AD 79.

• 2023 Edwin L. Minar Jr. Scholarship Award for 'exceptional scholarly record,' DePauw University
• 2004 First Place for Best Poster at AIA Annual Meeting for 'CGMA: Collaboratory for GIS and Mediterranean Archaeology'
• 1988-92 Jacob K. Javits Fellowship, University of Michigan

As an educator, Foss teaches Latin at all levels and offers courses in Mediterranean archaeology, including specialized seminars on Pompeii, Ancient North Africa, Ancient Britain, King Arthur, and Ancient Central Italy. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, having served as Dean of Academic Life (2009-2013) and currently as Department Chair (2019-2026). His fieldwork spans multiple countries including Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Turkey, and England, reflecting his commitment to hands-on archaeological research across the Mediterranean world.