Save Ancient Studies Alliance

Written By Matilda Siebrecht

Ancient studies are facing a challenging moment. Across many universities, humanities departments including archaeology, classics, history, and related fields have experienced programme closures, mergers, staffing reductions, and declining recruitment in recent years, prompting growing concern about the long-term health of these disciplines. While each institution has its own story, the overall trend raises an important question: what happens when the expertise needed to understand the ancient world begins to disappear?

The Save Ancient Studies Alliance (SASA) was formed in response to this growing challenge. Bringing together academics, students, heritage professionals, museum staff, teachers, and members of the public, the Alliance advocates for the future of ancient studies and works to demonstrate why these subjects remain vital in the 21st century.

For listeners and members of the Archaeology Podcast Network, this issue is likely to resonate. Archaeology does not exist in isolation. It is enriched by collaboration with specialists in ancient languages, history, philosophy, epigraphy, numismatics, art history, and many other disciplines. These fields help archaeologists interpret sites, understand material culture, and reconstruct the lives of past peoples. When programmes disappear, the consequences ripple far beyond a single department or university.

At the same time, archaeology has an important role to play in the conversation about the future of ancient studies. Archaeologists have long demonstrated that the ancient world belongs to everyone, not just to specialists. (Something that the APN feels especially strongly about!) Through excavations, museum exhibitions, public outreach, podcasts, documentaries, and community projects, archaeology connects people with the human stories behind artefacts and landscapes. Those same approaches can help communicate why ancient studies deserve continued investment and support.

One of SASA's strengths is its emphasis on collective advocacy. Rather than responding only when individual departments are threatened, the Alliance encourages a broader conversation about the value of studying the ancient world. It offers resources, shares success stories, and brings together people from across disciplines who recognise that preserving expertise today will shape what future generations are able to discover tomorrow.

This is not simply about protecting academic subjects. Rather, it is about safeguarding the knowledge that allows us to interpret archaeological discoveries, preserve cultural heritage, translate ancient texts, understand long-term human change, and ask meaningful questions about our shared past. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. The growing popularity of archaeology podcasts, public excavations, digital heritage projects, and online communities demonstrates that public interest in the ancient world is alive and well. Now, the task is to ensure that educational institutions continue to support the research and teaching that make these conversations possible.

Whether you are an archaeologist, a student, a museum professional, or someone who simply loves learning about the past, the future of ancient studies is worth caring about. The work of the Save Ancient Studies Alliance reminds us that advocacy is not just the responsibility of those whose jobs are at risk, but is something the entire heritage community can participate in.

After all, preserving the past also means preserving the people and disciplines that help us understand it.

Want to find out more about SASA? Why not tune in to their free virtual conference happening next week?

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