Roger Rees

The majority of my research focuses on the Latin Literature and Roman history, from the Late Republic (i.e. from Cicero) through to Late Antiquity (i.e. to the mid fifth century). This is, of course, a huge field, and my own particular interests are in panegyrical discourse (i.e. praise) throughout that period. A specific area of interest of mine is the XII Panegyrici Latin collection.

Occasional diversions have included writing a source/evaluation book on the Tetrarchic period and editing a collection of articles on the reception and representation of classical material in the poetry of Ted Hughes.

The bulk of my research would reasonably be termed 'literary critical', although there have been occasional departures (into art, history and law). Latin texts are my staple material, particularly those of the 4th century.

My current focus is a commentary on the panegyric of Pacatus, addressed to the emperor Theodosius in 389CE. This research is part of the Panegyrici Latini project, a collaborative enterprise with Professor Bruce Gibson of Liverpool University.

The Panegyrici Latini collaborative project will take some years to complete, as it intends to cover all twelve speeches in the collection of that name. It will result in hard-copy commentaries (i.e. books!) My book on speech II(12) will be out in 2023; I have begun work on XII(9) with  Jan Willem Drijvers (Groningen).

I am writing a biography of the emperor Diocletian.