Postgrad and beyond
A Macquarie University enewsletter for postgraduate study
Arts
Doing a PhD – it’s all about having fun
Macquarie University Doctoral student Chris Matthew has a long list of ‘to do’s’ for his PhD and they are not all research based – a key one is to have fun.
“If you are not enjoying your research you may not be achieving the quality that you are capable of,” says Matthew. “If you really enjoy what you are doing, when a problem comes along you look at it as a challenge rather than an obstacle.”
Re-creating Ancient Greek warfare
Ancient History buff and ex infantry soldier Matthew is looking at the mechanics of ancient Greek warfare from the perspective of the individual – how the weapons worked and how effective they were. He is using the relatively recent practices of physical re-creation and experimental archaeology to undertake his research.
“I have had a whole set of Ancient Greek armour and weapons made by professional armour makers and I use them to undertake testing,” he explains. “I have examined how you have to stand to carry the equipment correctly; the level of protection afforded to the wearer by the armour of the time; the reach and trajectory of attacks made with the spear; and injuries and target selection in battle.”
Creating authentic armour from ancient times
Chris is focusing on the period from the Persian invasion of Greece (490 BC) until the rise of Macedon (c. 350 BC) and is able to create authentic armour due to a wealth of artefacts.
“The Ancient Greeks dedicated a lot of captured armour to temples and, over time, they were buried,” he explains. “Archaeologists have discovered these artefacts so there is quite a good record of both armour and weapons.”
Chris has also worked with the Sydney Ancients a group of re-enactors who have their own equipment. “I have been able to test different formations and examine the difficulties in maintaining a group,” he explains. “Some of the battles in Ancient Greece were fought with men marching side-by-side in a formation of 10,000 or more. We take it for granted that they could do this easily with their armour on.”
For further information on Matthew’s project contact his supervisor Dr Ian Plant ian.plant@mq.edu.au If you would like to find more about studying Ancient History at Macquarie University visit www.anchist.mq.edu.au