For over thirty years the BSR has run undergraduate (Summer School) and postgraduate (City of Rome) courses on the ancient history, archaeology, and topography of Rome. In this new blog series we catch up with some of our former students, their memories of the course and where they are now.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Alex Rowson. After completing an MA in Ancient History, I went to work in factual television production, first as a researcher and then as a producer. I’m now a freelance writer and historian. My last book was The Young Alexander: The Making of Alexander the Great and I’m currently writing a new one on the history of looting and plunder.
When did you attend the City of Rome Course?
I attended the City of Rome postgraduate course in 2007, when I was studying for an MA at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Do you have a particular memory of the British School at Rome?
Honestly, I have so many memories. It’s difficult to single-out just one. Every day was exciting. The site visits were varied and interesting. The evening lectures were engrossing. Free time with Rome on the doorstep was always fun. I especially enjoyed the meals with their endless varieties of pasta, and an evening glass of wine on the front steps at the end of the day.
Was there a site visit that really sticks in your mind?
The Column of Marcus Aurelius was undergoing conservation during my time at the BSR. I still remember the thrill of climbing the scaffolding to watch the conservators at work. To see the famous spiralling frieze up close was a truly unique experience. A day trip to the Presidential Estate of Castel Porziano was also unforgettable. There were no tourists, just wild boar wandering around the ruins of ancient sea-side villas. Also, evening lectures by Adriano La Regina and Filippo Coarelli stand out for me. It was such a privilege to hear them speak and it certainly made me feel plugged into Rome’s academic world.
What did you enjoy most about the course overall?
I thought the most enjoyable aspect of the course was staying at the BSR. Living in the grand old building was special – enjoying coffee in the beautiful courtyard, study time in the amazing library, or watching TV in the cavernous dining room. A fair change from the normal student digs!
What impact did attending the course have on your rest of your studies, degree, and life beyond?
I came away from the BSR with a far greater understanding of Rome’s topography and history. It also directly benefitted my Masters dissertation, allowing me access to sites and experts related to my subject area. In a more general sense, it also taught me the importance of keeping up to date with the latest archaeological research and that our understanding of history is always evolving.
The BSR City of Rome course also had a real impact on my future. Before attending, I was unsure if I wanted to pursue a career in history. Seeing and exploring the places where world-changing events took place really affected me. I decided to search for jobs in historical storytelling. After finishing my MA, I managed to get some work experience at the BBC, developing documentary ideas generated during my stay in Rome. It was my start in TV.
Any other thoughts, comments or memories about the course or the British School?
Stay in touch with fellow participants and support the school in any way you can. It’s a special place and deserves to be kept so for future generations.
Please get in touch with us at the BSR if you would also like to share your memories of the courses
