October 2016 saw the founding of a new professional organization within the field of ancient Mediterranean studies. The acronym is MRECC: Multiculturalism, Race & Ethnicity in Classics Consortium.

Nemrut Dağ (Turkey): the tomb-sanctuary of Antiochus I (69–34 BCE) of Commagene. Credit: Bill Ray/LIFE/Google Arts & Culture
The goal of MRECC? To promote and support the study of multiculturalism, race, and ethnicity in classics and classical archaeology—at all levels. How? By facilitating discussion and establishing a supportive network of international scholars, who approach these questions from any number of perspectives, including those of classical languages, literatures, material culture, and pedagogy. An additional, important aim is to increase the diversity of students, staff, and faculty within the professional world of Classics. Continue reading