This post is part of a blog series introducing the editors of Studies in Late Antiquity (SLA), our new online quarterly journal scheduled to launch in February 2017. Stay tuned for more Editor’s Spotlights with other SLA editors leading up to the journal launch.


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Edward Watts, UC San Diego

We are pleased to introduce Edward Watts, Professor of History at UC San Diego and one of the associate editors of Studies in Late Antiquity. Since receiving his PhD in History from Yale University, Watts has published four books and more than 40 articles on topics ranging from the Old Academy in the fourth century BC, to the relationship between orality and textuality in the early Byzantine period.

With his research focused primarily on the intellectual and religious history of the Roman Empire and the early Byzantine Empire, Watts’ expertise aligns perfectly with the journal’s editorial vision to connect the Mediterranean with other parts of the late ancient world.

We sat down with Watts to talk about his research interests, his involvement in the journal, and what makes Studies in Late Antiquity different from other journals in the field.

Can you tell us more about your research interests and areas of expertise?

unnamedMy research spans most of Roman, late antique, and early medieval history. The areas of Christianization, Roman intellectual and cultural life, ancient philosophy (especially Platonism), and Roman numismatics particularly appeal to me.

What inspired you to get involved with Studies in Late Antiquity?

The journal offers a unique platform to explore the chronological and geographic limits of late antiquity. As the field grows and matures, it needs venues that can accommodate new visions of what late antiquity research could encompass, while offering space for intellectual experimentation. Studies in Late Antiquity offers that space, and this is an an exciting opportunity to participate in the continued evolution of scholarship focused on late antiquity.

What sets Studies in Late Antiquity apart from other journals in the field?

Studies in Late Antiquity will enable scholars working on late antiquity to expand the geographical reach of their work, develop projects that transcend regional or linguistic boundaries, and publish more of the exciting work done on late antique material culture. By providing a venue for new and cutting edge projects, this journal will help chart future developments in the field.


Want to get more involved with SLA? Here are just a few ways:

  • Submit your papers to SLA. Visit sla.ucpress.edu for more information.
  • Recommend SLA to your institution. Give this Library Recommendation Form to your campus librarian to request that your library pre-order a subscription.
  • Sign up for SLA launch updates! For future updates on the inaugural issue, free sample content, and more, sign up for email alerts at sla.ucpress.edu.
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