A University of Cincinnati associate professor of classics is leading an archaeological project in the ancient Punic-Roman city of Tharros, located on the western shores of Sardinia. Originally from Australia, Steven Ellis moved to the U.S. to work at the University of Michigan before coming to Cincinnati in 2007. Now, Ellis researches Roman urbanism, organization and ancient cities and has been directing excavations at Pompeii. His latest excavation in Tharros began this year and has been recognized in World Archaeology magazine.  

“We’re trying to ask new questions about how to dig up a city,” Ellis said. “How we can develop new ideas, new methodologies, new approaches to understanding how communities came together.” Ellis has traveled back and forth to Sardinia for the past couple of years to properly organize the excavation, working with the Italian government, the local community and the local town council.