Jen Baird
@jenbaird.bsky.social
Professor of Archaeology at Birkbeck, University of London. Director of Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies. Excavator of archives. Syria, Romans, photographs, Dura-Europos. Newfoundlander.
I have been called many things, but "Joseph Armstrong Jr" is a new one. Le sigh.
February 3, 2026 at 10:56 AM
I have been called many things, but "Joseph Armstrong Jr" is a new one. Le sigh.
Reposted by Jen Baird
Wonderful news from Birkbeck's School of Historical Studies. We're hiring not one but TWO open-ended, full-time roles: Medieval Studies, and History of Art! cis7.bbk.ac.uk/home.html#fi...
Current Vacancies - Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck
cis7.bbk.ac.uk
January 29, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Wonderful news from Birkbeck's School of Historical Studies. We're hiring not one but TWO open-ended, full-time roles: Medieval Studies, and History of Art! cis7.bbk.ac.uk/home.html#fi...
Next week at the Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies (Birkbeck), we'll hear from Layla Renshaw about 'The Recovery and Identification of WWI Soldiers on the Western Front: Citizen Science, Nationalism, and Memorial Diplomacy'
January 29, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Next week at the Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies (Birkbeck), we'll hear from Layla Renshaw about 'The Recovery and Identification of WWI Soldiers on the Western Front: Citizen Science, Nationalism, and Memorial Diplomacy'
Working on a thing, distracted by a headpot. Please behold this incredible likeness of Syrian empress Julia Domna from York (York Museums H2132).
January 28, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Working on a thing, distracted by a headpot. Please behold this incredible likeness of Syrian empress Julia Domna from York (York Museums H2132).
Absolutely this. Carney (and Canada) are not perfect but such a relief to hear from someone who sounds like a grown-up for a change.
Distressing that Canada, which has the most to lose from this change, is ready to face reality, whilst Starmer bets on Churchillian nostalgia for the 'special relationship' and actively rejects meaningfully closer economic engagement with the EU, which must be where our future lies.
‘Nostalgia is not a strategy’: Mark Carney is emerging as the unflinching realist ready to tackle Trump
In a speech at Davos, written by Carney himself, the Canadian prime minister laid out his doctrine for a world of fractured international norms
www.theguardian.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Absolutely this. Carney (and Canada) are not perfect but such a relief to hear from someone who sounds like a grown-up for a change.
In mid-2023 I was invited to speak about the 3rd Century Crisis at a conference in Copenhagen. By the time I was writing the paper later that year, the irony of writing about ancient crises from a position of safety in a world full of real violence (in the very same places) was almost too much.
January 16, 2026 at 9:37 AM
In mid-2023 I was invited to speak about the 3rd Century Crisis at a conference in Copenhagen. By the time I was writing the paper later that year, the irony of writing about ancient crises from a position of safety in a world full of real violence (in the very same places) was almost too much.
Today! And if you tried to sign up and were waitlisted, we now have more space (Keynes library, Gordon square)
A year ago yesterday, everything changed for Syria. This January, Hiba Alkhalaf will speak at Birkbeck about "From Destruction to Recovery: Syrian Heritage, Fourteen Years On".
January 14, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Today! And if you tried to sign up and were waitlisted, we now have more space (Keynes library, Gordon square)
Reposted by Jen Baird
Birkbeck is hiring a Lecturer in Medieval Studies (c.1300-1500), full-time and open-ended.
They will be formally based in English but expected to be able to contribute about 0.5FTE to History, including teaching and supervision.
Closing date Feb 23rd: cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/lect...
They will be formally based in English but expected to be able to contribute about 0.5FTE to History, including teaching and supervision.
Closing date Feb 23rd: cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/lect...
January 8, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Birkbeck is hiring a Lecturer in Medieval Studies (c.1300-1500), full-time and open-ended.
They will be formally based in English but expected to be able to contribute about 0.5FTE to History, including teaching and supervision.
Closing date Feb 23rd: cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/lect...
They will be formally based in English but expected to be able to contribute about 0.5FTE to History, including teaching and supervision.
Closing date Feb 23rd: cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/lect...
The first Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies Seminar series, on Collaborative Archaeologies in (Post)Conflict Contexts, kicks off next week with Hiba Alkhalaf. All welcome! Sign up via the link: www.bbk.ac.uk/events?tag=1...
January 5, 2026 at 11:50 AM
The first Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies Seminar series, on Collaborative Archaeologies in (Post)Conflict Contexts, kicks off next week with Hiba Alkhalaf. All welcome! Sign up via the link: www.bbk.ac.uk/events?tag=1...
Reposted by Jen Baird
FB memories tells me that it is exactly 8 years since I received my unconditional offer for my Classical Studies BA at Birkbeck. I'm a little bit stunned to think how much I've managed to cram in since then. Seems like a good time to reshare this: ancientalexandra.weebly.com/blog/an-ode-...
An Ode to my Alma Mater
Note: this post was originally published on 29/08/2022 Since this blog was conceived to chart my adventures in adult education, it would be remiss of me not to write about how I feel as I...
ancientalexandra.weebly.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:44 PM
FB memories tells me that it is exactly 8 years since I received my unconditional offer for my Classical Studies BA at Birkbeck. I'm a little bit stunned to think how much I've managed to cram in since then. Seems like a good time to reshare this: ancientalexandra.weebly.com/blog/an-ode-...
A year ago yesterday, everything changed for Syria. This January, Hiba Alkhalaf will speak at Birkbeck about "From Destruction to Recovery: Syrian Heritage, Fourteen Years On".
December 9, 2025 at 4:48 PM
A year ago yesterday, everything changed for Syria. This January, Hiba Alkhalaf will speak at Birkbeck about "From Destruction to Recovery: Syrian Heritage, Fourteen Years On".
No points for guessing which of these articles is mine!
Have you ever wondered how the Romans worshipped the emperor? What household spirits guarded a Romans' home? How diverse the religious landscape was in the Roman Empire?
In AH 57, you can learn all about ancient Roman religion. Check it out! https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/ancient-h…
In AH 57, you can learn all about ancient Roman religion. Check it out! https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/ancient-h…
November 24, 2025 at 7:53 PM
No points for guessing which of these articles is mine!
Reposted by Jen Baird
*pinches bridge of nose* Rachel explain to me again how the university funding model works
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 23, 2025 at 10:59 PM
*pinches bridge of nose* Rachel explain to me again how the university funding model works
The Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies seminar series will start next term at Birkbeck.
The topic will be Collaborative Archaeologies in (Post)Conflict Contexts. All very welcome!
The topic will be Collaborative Archaeologies in (Post)Conflict Contexts. All very welcome!
November 17, 2025 at 8:50 AM
The Carena Institute of Sustainable Archaeologies seminar series will start next term at Birkbeck.
The topic will be Collaborative Archaeologies in (Post)Conflict Contexts. All very welcome!
The topic will be Collaborative Archaeologies in (Post)Conflict Contexts. All very welcome!
Reposted by Jen Baird
Join us Nov 25 for Engaging Publics in Media, Cities & Space -free online conference on research impact in media and urban studies. Talks on monographs, journals, podcasts, walking tours + networking, incl. a special session for ECRs.
👉 Full programme & register: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
👉 Full programme & register: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
Engaging Publics in Media, Cities and Space - Online Conference 2025
docs.google.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Join us Nov 25 for Engaging Publics in Media, Cities & Space -free online conference on research impact in media and urban studies. Talks on monographs, journals, podcasts, walking tours + networking, incl. a special session for ECRs.
👉 Full programme & register: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
👉 Full programme & register: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
Item on the Damascus Museum thefts, including quotes from @bbkhistorical.bsky.social’s own Adnan Almohamad
As cultural looting surges in Syria after a bloody civil war and a decades-long brutal dictatorship, thieves have broken into the National Museum of Damascus and walked away with six valuable Roman-era statues.
Thieves Steal Roman-Era Statues From Damascus Museum
A historian speculates it might have been an inside job.
hyperallergic.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Item on the Damascus Museum thefts, including quotes from @bbkhistorical.bsky.social’s own Adnan Almohamad
Reposted by Jen Baird
Proper treat yesterday listening to Dr Ana Vale of Uni of Porto speaking on her incredible research into social lives in Late Prehistory. Thank you to @bbkhistorical.bsky.social and @lesleymcf.bsky.social for the invitation, the Carena Institute for Sustainable Archaeologies is up and running 🌟
November 6, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Proper treat yesterday listening to Dr Ana Vale of Uni of Porto speaking on her incredible research into social lives in Late Prehistory. Thank you to @bbkhistorical.bsky.social and @lesleymcf.bsky.social for the invitation, the Carena Institute for Sustainable Archaeologies is up and running 🌟
Speaking about my/Adnan Almohamad’s work in Greenwich tomorrow evening if you’d like to come along
📢 Event coming up at the PEF!
"Oral Histories at the Archaeological Site of Dura Europos, Syria," with Jen Baird
🗓️ 6 Nov 2025 | 🕕 6pm
📍 Greenwich SE10 9FP
✍️ RSVP: rsvppef@gmail.com
#Archaeology #Syria #Palestine #PEF
"Oral Histories at the Archaeological Site of Dura Europos, Syria," with Jen Baird
🗓️ 6 Nov 2025 | 🕕 6pm
📍 Greenwich SE10 9FP
✍️ RSVP: rsvppef@gmail.com
#Archaeology #Syria #Palestine #PEF
November 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Speaking about my/Adnan Almohamad’s work in Greenwich tomorrow evening if you’d like to come along
Reposted by Jen Baird
Dura-Europos: Past, Present, Future / Lisa Brody, Anne Hunnell Chen (eds) #openaccess @brepols.net
www.brepolsonline.net/action/showB...
@julietsamsonconlon.bsky.social @jenbaird.bsky.social
@lrbrody.bsky.social
www.brepolsonline.net/action/showB...
@julietsamsonconlon.bsky.social @jenbaird.bsky.social
@lrbrody.bsky.social
Dura-Europos: Past, Present, Future | Studies in Classical Archaeology
www.brepolsonline.net
November 4, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Dura-Europos: Past, Present, Future / Lisa Brody, Anne Hunnell Chen (eds) #openaccess @brepols.net
www.brepolsonline.net/action/showB...
@julietsamsonconlon.bsky.social @jenbaird.bsky.social
@lrbrody.bsky.social
www.brepolsonline.net/action/showB...
@julietsamsonconlon.bsky.social @jenbaird.bsky.social
@lrbrody.bsky.social
University Archaeology Day is at the @britishacademy.bsky.social this year! Here with @lesleymcf.bsky.social and lots of premium Birkbeck owl swag!
October 27, 2025 at 10:16 AM
University Archaeology Day is at the @britishacademy.bsky.social this year! Here with @lesleymcf.bsky.social and lots of premium Birkbeck owl swag!
Reposted by Jen Baird
How has paperwork served as a tool of empowerment for people who often find power elusive?
In our latest podcast, a group of historians, archivists, and activists met at the Raphael Samuel History Centre (@rshc.bsky.social) to discuss the hidden history of paperwork 🗃️🎙️
In our latest podcast, a group of historians, archivists, and activists met at the Raphael Samuel History Centre (@rshc.bsky.social) to discuss the hidden history of paperwork 🗃️🎙️
Changing The Record
How has paperwork served over time as a radical tool for empowerment and change?
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
September 30, 2025 at 7:02 AM
How has paperwork served as a tool of empowerment for people who often find power elusive?
In our latest podcast, a group of historians, archivists, and activists met at the Raphael Samuel History Centre (@rshc.bsky.social) to discuss the hidden history of paperwork 🗃️🎙️
In our latest podcast, a group of historians, archivists, and activists met at the Raphael Samuel History Centre (@rshc.bsky.social) to discuss the hidden history of paperwork 🗃️🎙️
Term is coming up, time to decorate those office doors
Apropos of nothing, here's some posters I made for outside my office in case anyone wants them. Text on one edited from @blacktrowel.bsky.social, the other from an Eco article (both cited of course). If you'd like the PDF files, just email me. #antifascist #AncientBluesky 🏺
September 14, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Term is coming up, time to decorate those office doors
What are the relationships between local communities and major heritage sites in Syria, and why do they matter? Adnan Almohamad and I attempt to begin to answer -- out now, open access.
www.brepolsonline.net/doi/abs/10.1...
www.brepolsonline.net/doi/abs/10.1...
The Ruins that Remain. Remembering Dura-Europos in Salhiyeh | Dura-Europos: Past, Present, Future
The legacy of Dura-Europos is well known through hundreds of scholarly publications and continuing work in the archives of the excavations held by Yale University Art Gallery. The absences in the trad...
www.brepolsonline.net
September 9, 2025 at 8:35 AM
What are the relationships between local communities and major heritage sites in Syria, and why do they matter? Adnan Almohamad and I attempt to begin to answer -- out now, open access.
www.brepolsonline.net/doi/abs/10.1...
www.brepolsonline.net/doi/abs/10.1...
Massive congrats to Juliet, of @bbkhistorical.bsky.social, on her first publication, documenting the important corpus of bone dolls from Dura-Europos. Juliet's PhD is exploring the archaeology of childhood from the archives of the site. 🥳
September 8, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Massive congrats to Juliet, of @bbkhistorical.bsky.social, on her first publication, documenting the important corpus of bone dolls from Dura-Europos. Juliet's PhD is exploring the archaeology of childhood from the archives of the site. 🥳