Sandra Blakely

Sandra Blakely is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Classics at Emory University. She holds a PhD in Classics and Anthropology from the University of Southern California (1998) and a BA in German and Humanities from Brigham Young University (1982). Her research focuses on the intersection of religion, archaeology, and digital humanities, with particular emphasis on the ancient Mediterranean. She is renowned for applying Social Network Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to study religious practices, notably the Samothracian Mysteries. Blakely has published extensively on ancient mystery cults, maritime rituals, and material culture, including works on the Great Gods of Samothrace and the application of digital tools to classical studies.

Her academic service includes leadership roles such as Chair of the Department of Classics (2019–present), co-chair of the Undergraduate Education working group for Emory’s Strategic Plan (2014–2016), and President of the Society for Ancient Mediterranean Religions (2016–2018). She has also organized major international conferences on topics like religious convergence and digital approaches to ancient studies. Blakely’s awards include the Getty Research Institute Villa Scholar residency (2013–2014) and the Winship Distinguished Associate Research Professorship (2007–2010).

Her research interests extend to cognitive science, comparative religion, and the digital humanities, particularly gaming and virtual archaeology. She has pioneered projects like Samothracian Networks, which uses GIS to model the cult’s maritime influence. Blakely’s work bridges anthropology and classics, emphasizing interdisciplinary methodologies to understand ancient rituals and their socio-cultural contexts.

• Education:
  • PhD in Classics and Anthropology, University of Southern California, 1998
  • BA in German and Humanities, Brigham Young University, 1982
• Key Research Themes:
  • Social Network Analysis of ancient religious practices
  • GIS applications in archaeological studies
  • Cognitive science approaches to religion
  • Digital humanities and gaming in pedagogy
• Professional Activities:
  • Editorial Advisory Board member, American Journal of Archaeology
  • Co-organizer of international conferences on maritime religion and digital classics