Ross Clare

Email: sa0u91f7@liverpool.ac.uk

Previous Education

BA (Hons) Ancient History & Archaeology (University of Liverpool)
MA Ancient History (University of Liverpool), with a thesis on ancient mythology in science fiction

Thesis Title

‘Ancient Worlds in Interactive Videogames’

Supervisors

Dr. Fiona Hobden (Primary), Dr. Colin Adams (Secondary)

Research Summary

My research explores the representation of ancient Greek and Roman worlds, peoples, and cultures in contemporary videogames, with a focus on titles released in the 21st century. Drawing on numerous bodies of scholarship, from theories of knowledge acquisition to cognitive science, to popular culture studies and theories of receptions of antiquity, I examine these virtual ancient worlds as both exercises in fictional world-building and as products subject to the strictness of imposed rules in ways that are unique to the medium.

I argue that since videogames require direct input, we negotiate these worlds and rules with an ‘unofficial’ understanding of the ancient world informed by a wide range of popular entertainment media.

Research Interests

– Modern receptions of ancient Greece and Rome in the contemporary world
– Videogames
– Popular culture and entertainment
– Theories of fictional worlds, particularly those of science fiction
– Ancient religion and mythology

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