Exploring the Power of Names in Roman History: A Nottingham Scholar's Award-Winning Research

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In the world of historical research, few disciplines blend the nuances of language, culture, and identity as seamlessly as onomastics - the study of names. Dr. George Woudhuysen, an Assistant Professor in Roman History at the University of Nottingham, is leading the way in using this field to revolutionize our understanding of late antiquity. His pioneering work has just earned him the prestigious 2024 Philip Leverhulme Prize, awarded by the Leverhulme Trust in recognition of his groundbreaking research.

Dr. Woudhuysen’s expertise lies in late-Roman history, where he delves deep into ancient manuscripts to unravel the hidden meanings and significance of names. His research doesn’t just focus on names as isolated words but looks at them as powerful indicators of social, political, and cultural dynamics in late antiquity. By studying the names recorded in these ancient texts, Dr. Woudhuysen sheds new light on the identities, relationships, and hierarchies that shaped Roman society during its later years.

Onomastics has become a key tool in Dr. Woudhuysen’s work, helping to break down the traditional boundaries between philology (the study of language in historical texts) and ancient history. While these two disciplines have often been treated separately, his research demonstrates how intertwined they truly are. Names carry immense cultural and historical weight, revealing much more than just personal identity—they offer insight into power structures, familial legacies, and societal norms.

Reflecting on his award, Dr. Woudhuysen said: “I feel deeply honored to have received this prestigious prize and recognition from the Leverhulme Trust. Collaboration is central to my scholarship because it allows us to ask and answer questions that individuals could not on their own—I am very grateful to those I have worked with over the years.” His acknowledgment of collaboration emphasizes how important collective academic inquiry is in fields like onomastics, where expertise from multiple angles is needed to decode the complex layers of ancient texts.

The Philip Leverhulme Prizes, which have been awarded annually since 2001, recognize the achievements of researchers who have already garnered international recognition and show exceptional promise for future breakthroughs. Dr. Woudhuysen’s research certainly fits the bill, offering not only new perspectives on Roman history but also highlighting how names—far more than just labels—carry with them the echoes of history’s power players and everyday citizens alike.

Thanks to the £100,000 prize, Dr. Woudhuysen will be able to further advance his research over the next two to three years. This funding will undoubtedly allow him to continue his exploration of names in late antiquity, opening up new pathways for understanding the intricate social and political networks of the ancient world.

For those intrigued by the intersection of language, history, and identity, Dr. Woudhuysen’s research is a perfect example of how onomastics can reveal hidden histories. The study of names, often overlooked in broader historical narratives, has the potential to reshape how we view the past—and thanks to his work, we are one step closer to unlocking those secrets.