Pleiades in University Teaching and Learning
An entry for this chapter has been added to our Papers, Presentations and Other Documents section. We repeat the content of that entry here for the convenience of our readers.
Elizabeth Robinson's chapter in the third volume of Teaching and Learning Classics at the University Level (2026) addresses the importance of studying ancient topography and physical landscapes, introduces skills and tools associated with ancient geography and digital mapping, and suggests engaging with research projects beyond the classroom, including Pleiades and other digital cartography projects. Example projects shared by colleagues (including a number of other Pleiades contributors) are presented.
- Robinson, Elizabeth C. “Teaching and Learning Ancient Topography and Landscapes.” Pages 217-249 in Teaching and Learning Classics at the University Level, vol. 3, edited by Alberto Regagliolo. Vernon Press, 2026. https://vernonpress.com/book/2562.
This chapter introduces university students studying Classics and their instructors to ancient topography and physical landscapes. It begins by explaining why this field is worth exploring in the Classics classroom, regardless of whether or not instructors engage with material culture. It then explains and defines basic terms that may be unfamiliar to readers before discussing the many resources that exist at the university level to help students and educators learn about ancient topography.
Next, it discusses skills and tools associated with ancient geography and digital mapping that are useful for both educators and students, as well as resources for becoming better acquainted with these tools. It also provides examples of ancient topography projects that Classics educators have used in university classrooms.
It concludes by suggesting how educators and students could use these skills and techniques in research projects beyond the classroom, including encouragement for engaging with various digital cartography projects.
Robinson has been a Pleiades contributor since 2016 and serves as an Associate Editor. Her contributions to the gazetteer may be accessed via this link. Classroom and student projects discussed include those created by Pleiades contributors Sarah E. Bond, Noah Kaye, Tom Landvatter, and Adam Rabinowitz.