Dr Jane Francis, PhD

My primary research focuses on the reconstruction of the landscape of Crete and its use by ancient people. I concentrate specifically on the analysis of Roman ceramics and macroscopic analysis to identify clay sources and define patterns of trade and exchange. I have studied ceramic assemblages from sites in west (Sphakia, Phalasarna, Aptera, Nopigheia) and central Crete (Skoteino Cave, Moni Odigitria, Lasaia), and have undertaken experimental reconstructions of ceramic production. My current field research is the study and publication of the Roman pottery from the Khavania Survey in north-east Crete, especially the ceramic fabrics, and the completion of the Sphakia Survey Project final publication. A second major interest is ancient beekeeping, with several major publication on Graeco-Roman beehives and beekeeping in progress

Research interests

Landscape and Survey Archaeology and Ancient Agricultural Resources

Ancient Apiculture

Roman Crete (especially ceramics)

Greek and Roman Ceramics and Ceramic Fabric Analysis