RIP Averil Cameron (1940-2026)

Exterior view of the Desmarais Building at the University of Ottawa, a modern multi‑storey structure with a curved glass façade and a rectangular architectural frame at the roofline. A sidewalk, greenery, and a few pedestrians appear in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

🚨 BREAKING: uOttawa has RE-SUSPENDED Greek & Roman Studies for 2026-27 just weeks after reinstating the programme. Seems to violate Ontario's regulation on designation. Department: "We are shocked at the willingness to ignore the interests of Franco-Ontarians." More soon. #SOSClassicsUO #ONfr

Can you spare a minute to help this campaign? Save Classics and Medieval Studies at the University of Calgary!

Now it is at the University of Calgary that Classics & Medieval studies are threatened. Please sign the petition : c.org/WrCPMhK2rm

🚨 SAVE CLASSICS AND MEDIEVAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY! 🚨
University leadership has rejected an innovative new program developed by faculty in good faith, citing budget constraints.
This decision would eliminate the Classics major at Calgary!

Read more : 👉 www.cac-scec.ca/2026/01/supp...

🚨 SAUVONS LES ÉTUDES CLASSIQUES ET MÉDIÉVALES À L’UNIVERSITÉ DE CALGARY ! 🚨
L’administration universitaire a rejeté un programme innovant élaboré de bonne foi par le corps professoral, invoquant des contraintes budgétaires.
Cette décision supprimerait la majeure en lettres classiques à Calgary!

Sign the Petition Save Classics and Medieval Studies at the University of Calgary!

Sign the petition! www.change.org/Save_Classic...

And finally, the most recognizable of the sites, the Tomb of Lihyan.

And now Jabal Ithbil from my visit.

And there’s Jabal Ithbil, first from the game with its amazing crevice and Nabataean triclinium.

And then at last we come to the Nabataean tombs. There’s Jabal al-Banat and its tombs.

One of the most spectacular natural formations in this beautiful valley is Elephant Rock.

Even some of the petroglyphs have been captured (if not all).

And there are the remarkable graffiti and petroglyphs of Jabal Ikmah.

Also notable are the palm groves as viewed from Dadan.

Next up, we have some remains of the ancient city of Dadan.

Here are some comparisons of the sites as found in the game with my own photos. I’ll start with the Lion Tombs of al-Ula.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage, set in 9th century Baghdad came out. This past November (2025), they (Ubisoft) released an expansion set in al-Ula. Although the total area is not 1 to 1, I’m thoroughly impressed with how they’ve captured al-Ula and Hegra\Mada’in Salih, which I saw in 2023.

In 2021 I got a 5-year SSHRC insight grant to look into soldiers and civilians in Roman Arabia from Trajan to Heraclius. That same year, I got back into video games (thanks Covid). In November of 2023, I went to Jordan and Saudi Arabia to visit a bunch of sites. In October of that year…

Sign the Petition Save Greek and Latin at the University of Ottawa!

The petition is LIVE! uOttawa suspended Greek & Roman Studies without consultation ending advanced ancient languages teaching and Ontario's only ancient languages programme in French. Please sign, share widely and follow for updates. buff.ly/hjj4J7u #SOSClassicsUO #SaveHigherEd #ONfr #Ottawa

Sign the Petition Save Greek and Latin at the University of Ottawa!

La pétition est EN LIGNE ! L'UOttawa a suspendu Antiquité grecque et romaine sans consultation, mettant fin au seul programme de langues anciennes en français en Ontario. Signez, partagez et suivez pour les mises à jour. buff.ly/hjj4J7u #SOSÉtudesanciennesUO #ONfr #FrancoOntarien

Have you read this? Or do you have his email address and could you pass it on to me please?

Great news too about the Justinian book. Is the new editor Michael Greenwood?

I’ll take it as positive coming from him. 😃 Thanks for pointing it out to me.

Rance on @conorwhately.bsky.social : www.uni-muenster.de/Ejournals/in...

Until we have Philip Rance’s new translation, Dennis’ translation of Maurice’s Strategikon has been re-printed.

2025 Chancellor's Research Grants | University of Winnipeg News This year's 2025 Chancellor’s Research Excellence Chair and Chancellor’s Emerging Research Award have been given to Dr. Conor Whately, Classics and Dr. Stephanie Bugden, Psychology.

Classicist Dr. Conor Whately and psychologist Dr. Stephanie Bugden are this year's recipients of the Chancellor's Research grants.

LEARN MORE ⬇️

Oh I’m so sorry.

Ancient Warfare: The Basics Ancient Warfare: The Basics offers an engaging introduction to warfare in the ancient Mediterranean World from the mythical Trojan War, through the rise of hoplites and conquests of Alexander the Grea...

Coming soon:

www.routledge.com/Ancient-Warf...

I’ve got about 16h. But unlike my failed attempt 7 years ago, I’ll be on the right side of the pond and I have many mental contingencies in mind. Fingers crossed 🤞

Wonderful!