Rose MacLean

Rose MacLean is an Associate Professor of Classics and Department Chair at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research examines cultural dynamics in the Roman Empire, focusing on elite-margin interactions through Latin literature, slavery studies, and epigraphy. She earned her Ph.D. from Princeton University in 2012 and held a position at the University of Cincinnati before joining UCSB. Her 2018 monograph Freed Slaves and Roman Imperial Culture explores social integration via freedpersons' contributions to Principate values.

Recent publications analyze Stoic/Cynic slavery discourses, Danubian citizenship epigraphy, and co-edited volumes on freedpersons' roles. She co-convenes an interdisciplinary research group on 'Slavery, Captivity, and Freedom,' fostering dialogue across disciplines. Her work bridges literary and material evidence to illuminate ancient societal structures and modern implications.

Professor MacLean advises graduate students in Roman cultural history, Latin literature, slavery studies, and epigraphy. She actively promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives in Classics through departmental leadership.