Sean Spencer
@cicerocantabridgi.bsky.social
Byzantine worlds, aristocratic hegemony, and the rituals of power.
Half my life’s in libraries, the other in coffee queues.
Eternally optimistic Everton fan.
Half my life’s in libraries, the other in coffee queues.
Eternally optimistic Everton fan.
Reposted by Sean Spencer
I find the discussion of what UK universities "should do" increasingly absurd. The notion that we just have an undifferentiated sector all pretending to be Oxbridge & ignoring their regional stakeholders is so farcically wrong as to be actively insulting.
profserious.substack.com/p/what-we-ne...
profserious.substack.com/p/what-we-ne...
November 23, 2025 at 12:19 PM
I find the discussion of what UK universities "should do" increasingly absurd. The notion that we just have an undifferentiated sector all pretending to be Oxbridge & ignoring their regional stakeholders is so farcically wrong as to be actively insulting.
profserious.substack.com/p/what-we-ne...
profserious.substack.com/p/what-we-ne...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Slip past the door and into the 1200s. Tucked behind the castle’s main entrance is the oldest known graffiti on site, likely carved by the jailer.
What story would you pin to that mark? Plan a visit to see it in person: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colche...
What story would you pin to that mark? Plan a visit to see it in person: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colche...
November 23, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Slip past the door and into the 1200s. Tucked behind the castle’s main entrance is the oldest known graffiti on site, likely carved by the jailer.
What story would you pin to that mark? Plan a visit to see it in person: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colche...
What story would you pin to that mark? Plan a visit to see it in person: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colche...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
🎉 All stipendiary IHR Fellowships, Bursaries, & Prizes are now LIVE! 🎉
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
Programs - School of Advanced Study
universityoflondon.smapply.io
November 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
🎉 All stipendiary IHR Fellowships, Bursaries, & Prizes are now LIVE! 🎉
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
universityoflondon.smapply.io/prog/lst/
(All of our open competitions start with "IHR" in the title.)
Got a question? Please check the application page & our website for more information.
www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Hello #AAA25! We hope to see you at booth 209
We're happy to offer a 30% discount on selected #anthropology titles on our website when you use the promo code S25AAA at checkout between November 8 and December 25, 2025: www.sup.org/virtual-exhi...
#AAA2025
We're happy to offer a 30% discount on selected #anthropology titles on our website when you use the promo code S25AAA at checkout between November 8 and December 25, 2025: www.sup.org/virtual-exhi...
#AAA2025
November 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Hello #AAA25! We hope to see you at booth 209
We're happy to offer a 30% discount on selected #anthropology titles on our website when you use the promo code S25AAA at checkout between November 8 and December 25, 2025: www.sup.org/virtual-exhi...
#AAA2025
We're happy to offer a 30% discount on selected #anthropology titles on our website when you use the promo code S25AAA at checkout between November 8 and December 25, 2025: www.sup.org/virtual-exhi...
#AAA2025
Reposted by Sean Spencer
add this to the list of reasons why Trump's defamation claim would not stand a chance
November 20, 2025 at 5:26 PM
add this to the list of reasons why Trump's defamation claim would not stand a chance
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Hard quiz Q: who were the three 20th century chancellors who served for less than a year?
November 19, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Hard quiz Q: who were the three 20th century chancellors who served for less than a year?
Is it inappropriate to email a respected academic asking for an autograph in a book you devoured in 48 hours? Asking for a friend
November 9, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Is it inappropriate to email a respected academic asking for an autograph in a book you devoured in 48 hours? Asking for a friend
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Tory policy: Let's spend 14 years asset stripping the country for our own ends & when we're finally voted out & things begin crumbling around us, we can blame the current government.
Slow hand clap Chris Philp, you hypocritical prick.
Slow hand clap Chris Philp, you hypocritical prick.
November 6, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Tory policy: Let's spend 14 years asset stripping the country for our own ends & when we're finally voted out & things begin crumbling around us, we can blame the current government.
Slow hand clap Chris Philp, you hypocritical prick.
Slow hand clap Chris Philp, you hypocritical prick.
Reposted by Sean Spencer
The #1 lesson from yesterday’s blowout:
Humanities majors killed on the job market
1) Mamdani- Africana Studies
2) Spanberger -French
3) Sherill - Global History
Humanities majors killed on the job market
1) Mamdani- Africana Studies
2) Spanberger -French
3) Sherill - Global History
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The #1 lesson from yesterday’s blowout:
Humanities majors killed on the job market
1) Mamdani- Africana Studies
2) Spanberger -French
3) Sherill - Global History
Humanities majors killed on the job market
1) Mamdani- Africana Studies
2) Spanberger -French
3) Sherill - Global History
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Curious how other researchers are using Bluesky vs. Twitter/X for academic or professional communication? Me too!
That’s exactly what I’m studying for my graduate capstone.
Would love your input (5 min survey + optional interview) uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
#AcademicSky #SciComm 🧪
That’s exactly what I’m studying for my graduate capstone.
Would love your input (5 min survey + optional interview) uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
#AcademicSky #SciComm 🧪
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
uiowa.qualtrics.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Curious how other researchers are using Bluesky vs. Twitter/X for academic or professional communication? Me too!
That’s exactly what I’m studying for my graduate capstone.
Would love your input (5 min survey + optional interview) uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
#AcademicSky #SciComm 🧪
That’s exactly what I’m studying for my graduate capstone.
Would love your input (5 min survey + optional interview) uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
#AcademicSky #SciComm 🧪
Reposted by Sean Spencer
The ‘leading academics’ were from History Reclaimed
November 6, 2025 at 8:01 AM
The ‘leading academics’ were from History Reclaimed
Reposted by Sean Spencer
On Farage, the economy and how spent he looks when he can’t work the Maga playbook www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Economic policy is one thing Nigel Farage can’t crib from the Donald Trump playbook | Rafael Behr
The Maga model, based on the US’s exorbitant market privileges, can’t be imported to Britain. That’s going to be a problem for Reform UK, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:14 AM
On Farage, the economy and how spent he looks when he can’t work the Maga playbook www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Our PhD studentship applications are open for 2026 entry and I'm keen to hear from outstanding candidates in history of early modern conflict and/or creative histories.
November 5, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Our PhD studentship applications are open for 2026 entry and I'm keen to hear from outstanding candidates in history of early modern conflict and/or creative histories.
Reposted by Sean Spencer
LNER employee Samir Zitouni, who was hospitalised after Saturday’s incident, hailed by police and transport secretary for ‘bravery beyond measure’
No doubt Farage and Goodwin will be all over this example of British virtue
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
No doubt Farage and Goodwin will be all over this example of British virtue
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Cambridgeshire stabbing attack: ‘heroic’ train worker praised for saving passengers’ lives
LNER employee Samir Zitouni, who was hospitalised after Saturday’s incident, hailed by police and transport secretary for ‘bravery beyond measure’
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:51 PM
LNER employee Samir Zitouni, who was hospitalised after Saturday’s incident, hailed by police and transport secretary for ‘bravery beyond measure’
No doubt Farage and Goodwin will be all over this example of British virtue
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
No doubt Farage and Goodwin will be all over this example of British virtue
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
CfP: 5th Annual Graduate Workshop Late Antique and Byzantine Studies, 27 February 2026, @univie.ac.at in cooperation with the Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies
@weareceu.bsky.social
#blueskybyzantine #ancienbluesky #classicbluesky #phdsky
dshcs.univie.ac.at/aktivitaeten...
@weareceu.bsky.social
#blueskybyzantine #ancienbluesky #classicbluesky #phdsky
dshcs.univie.ac.at/aktivitaeten...
5th Annual Graduate Workshop on Late Antique and Byzantine Studies
5th Annual Graduate Workshop on Late Antique and Byzantine Studies
dshcs.univie.ac.at
November 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM
CfP: 5th Annual Graduate Workshop Late Antique and Byzantine Studies, 27 February 2026, @univie.ac.at in cooperation with the Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies
@weareceu.bsky.social
#blueskybyzantine #ancienbluesky #classicbluesky #phdsky
dshcs.univie.ac.at/aktivitaeten...
@weareceu.bsky.social
#blueskybyzantine #ancienbluesky #classicbluesky #phdsky
dshcs.univie.ac.at/aktivitaeten...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
VAMPIRES AREN’T REAL, RIGHT? …RIGHT?
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
October 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM
VAMPIRES AREN’T REAL, RIGHT? …RIGHT?
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
We should just come back to old tested academic traditions. Articles should have titles like "Some More Thoughts on Medieval Kingship" (87 pages), "Merovingian Gaul. A History" (3 pages, no footnotes), and "An Interesting Pendant from Paris" (unknown pagination, published in village-based journal).
February 27, 2025 at 12:40 PM
We should just come back to old tested academic traditions. Articles should have titles like "Some More Thoughts on Medieval Kingship" (87 pages), "Merovingian Gaul. A History" (3 pages, no footnotes), and "An Interesting Pendant from Paris" (unknown pagination, published in village-based journal).
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Good news everyone!
The paperback edition of 'Late Roman Italy' is now available for pre-order, with a whooping 30% discount! Just order directly from @edinburghup.bsky.social using the code PAPER30.
That's barely £20 for a tome of more than 500 pages...
Get it while it's hot!
The paperback edition of 'Late Roman Italy' is now available for pre-order, with a whooping 30% discount! Just order directly from @edinburghup.bsky.social using the code PAPER30.
That's barely £20 for a tome of more than 500 pages...
Get it while it's hot!
Late Roman Italy
Late Roman Italy
edinburghuniversitypress.com
January 10, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Good news everyone!
The paperback edition of 'Late Roman Italy' is now available for pre-order, with a whooping 30% discount! Just order directly from @edinburghup.bsky.social using the code PAPER30.
That's barely £20 for a tome of more than 500 pages...
Get it while it's hot!
The paperback edition of 'Late Roman Italy' is now available for pre-order, with a whooping 30% discount! Just order directly from @edinburghup.bsky.social using the code PAPER30.
That's barely £20 for a tome of more than 500 pages...
Get it while it's hot!
Reposted by Sean Spencer
One year ago, I wrote this blogpost after visiting Rome. It explores the idea of viewing the break with Constantinople from an archaeological-ideological view. I'm flying to Istanbul next week; the circle seems complete.
www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl/articles/liv...
www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl/articles/liv...
Living as a Roman Citizen in Byzantine Rome: The Archaeology of Exchange and Identity
The city of Rome went from inviting the Byzantine army in 536 to shoving aside Constantinople by declaring the Frankish king Charlemagne emperor in 800. How did this happen? Clues to the cause for thi...
www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl
January 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
One year ago, I wrote this blogpost after visiting Rome. It explores the idea of viewing the break with Constantinople from an archaeological-ideological view. I'm flying to Istanbul next week; the circle seems complete.
www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl/articles/liv...
www.leidenmedievalistsblog.nl/articles/liv...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Reposted by Sean Spencer
This week I got annoyed about people using "what can we really know about the past" as an excuse for bad history in media. So I wrote about how historians know things about the past and how this has changed over time.
If you liked this I hope you will share and subscribe!
#medievalsky
If you liked this I hope you will share and subscribe!
#medievalsky
Were you there? The case for knowing things about the past
Imagine you are watching a movie set in the Middle Ages. Something seems off so you dutifully Google "movie + historical accuracy," giving you plenty of results that emphasize the mistakes in the film...
among-the-ruins.ghost.io
September 6, 2025 at 9:04 AM
This week I got annoyed about people using "what can we really know about the past" as an excuse for bad history in media. So I wrote about how historians know things about the past and how this has changed over time.
If you liked this I hope you will share and subscribe!
#medievalsky
If you liked this I hope you will share and subscribe!
#medievalsky
Reposted by Sean Spencer
It increasingly feels like I'm only writing 'commissioned' pieces anymore, that fit a certain theme and publication, but occasionally, I get to write more freely and to just try things out...
Very happy with this chapter on Theodosios III, son of Maurice, out now: doi.org/10.1515/9783...
Very happy with this chapter on Theodosios III, son of Maurice, out now: doi.org/10.1515/9783...
#notmyemperor: Theodosios (III), the Son of Maurice, and a Heraclian Disinformation Effort
#notmyemperor: Theodosios (III), the Son of Maurice, and a Heraclian Disinformation Effort was published in Fake News in Ancient Greece on page 269.
doi.org
November 25, 2024 at 11:51 AM
It increasingly feels like I'm only writing 'commissioned' pieces anymore, that fit a certain theme and publication, but occasionally, I get to write more freely and to just try things out...
Very happy with this chapter on Theodosios III, son of Maurice, out now: doi.org/10.1515/9783...
Very happy with this chapter on Theodosios III, son of Maurice, out now: doi.org/10.1515/9783...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Belisarius & Antonina: Love and War in the Age of Justinian. By David Alan Parnell. New York: Oxford University Press. 2023. 260 pp. £19.99. ISBN 9780197574706. - Kennedy - 2025 - Early Medieval Europe - Wiley Online Library onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Belisarius & Antonina: Love and War in the Age of Justinian. By David Alan Parnell. New York: Oxford University Press. 2023. 260 pp. £19.99. ISBN 9780197574706.
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
July 29, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Belisarius & Antonina: Love and War in the Age of Justinian. By David Alan Parnell. New York: Oxford University Press. 2023. 260 pp. £19.99. ISBN 9780197574706. - Kennedy - 2025 - Early Medieval Europe - Wiley Online Library onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
The AHR is doing a special issue on pre-modern history. Worth flagging up because so many of us are frustrated that AHR in particular and AHA in general have become so focused on modern history. I hope some of my very clever colleagues will submit for this.
www.historians.org/news-publica...
www.historians.org/news-publica...
Special Issue Submissions - AHA
Natural light and processed MSI images of the HMML Palimpsest Project Methods for Archival Silence in Early History The American Historical Review seeks proposals for a special issue illustrating a ra...
www.historians.org
August 23, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The AHR is doing a special issue on pre-modern history. Worth flagging up because so many of us are frustrated that AHR in particular and AHA in general have become so focused on modern history. I hope some of my very clever colleagues will submit for this.
www.historians.org/news-publica...
www.historians.org/news-publica...
Reposted by Sean Spencer
Link to album on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/album/3spjXW...
open.spotify.com/album/3spjXW...
T&J: A Roman Empire Love Story (Original Podcast Soundtrack)
open.spotify.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Link to album on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/album/3spjXW...
open.spotify.com/album/3spjXW...