Nicola Denzey Lewis
Professor, Classics
Academic focus:
Social and intellectual history of Rome, 2nd-4th centuries, late antiquity, formation of Christianity, religion in the ancient world
Current research project:
I’m working through ancient Roman Christian funerary inscriptions from Rome’s catacombs to investigate how ordinary people negotiated religious change.
Previous positions:
Margo L. Goldsmith Chair in Women’s Studies in Religion, School of Arts and Humanities, Claremont Graduate University, 2017-2026
Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Religion, Brown University, 2007-2017
Visiting Lecturer, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, 2003-2007
Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of History, Bowdoin College , 2001-2003
Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Skidmore College, 1999-2001
Academic background:
Ph.D., Religions of antiquity and program in the ancient world, Princeton University, 1996
M.A. Religions of antiquity and program in the ancient world, Princeton University, 1994
B.A. Christian origins, Department of Religion, University of Toronto, 1991
Last book read:
“Wanderings Through Rome’s Ancient Churches” by Rodolfo Lanciani
In your own time/when not working:
Writing, traveling, circuit training, spending time with family
Courses you’re most looking forward to teaching:
Ancient Magic
Death and the Afterlife in the Ancient World
What most excites you about Cornell:
Outstanding colleagues, smart students, and I’m just amazed about the range of courses of study, so I am looking forward to some real cross-disciplinary conversations.
