Elisabeth Todt

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Classical Archaeology at the University of Vienna. In addition I hold Bachelor’s degrees in Microbiology and Genetics, as well as in Classical Archaeology and a Master’s degree in Classical Archaeology, specializing in Archaeology of the Roman Provinces. My Master’s thesis, titled "The Terra Sigillata of the 1878 Cellar Find from Brigantium/Bregenz," was conducted as part of the FWF project "Meaningful Sherds: Sigillata from pre-consumption deposits," under the leadership of Julia Kopf.
My academic journey has provided me with a diverse expertise in Roman Archaeology and Archaeology of the Roman Provinces. I have worked as a project assistant and research associate on multiple archaeological projects at the University of Vienna and the Austrian Centre for Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, where I have acquired skills in processing archaeological finds and their quantitative analysis.

Research Interests: Archaeology of the Roman Provinces, Roman Archaeology, Roman military camps of the Middle and Late Imperial Period, Roman pottery (esp. Terra Sigillata), finds analysis

Current Research: "Transformation and Decline: The Development of Roman Auxiliary Forts in Pannonia from the 2^nd to 3^rd Century AD - An Archaeological Study Using the Example of the Carnuntum Cavalry Fort." (Working Title)

My dissertation focuses on illustrating the major developmental trends of Roman auxiliary camps along the middle Danube between the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries AD, using the cavalry fort at Carnuntum as a case study. The main research aim is to explore the architectural evolution and usage of the fort during a period marked by significant military and political upheavals, particularly the Marcomannic Wars and the Crisis of the 3^rd cent. AD. The study critically examines the existing periodization of the fort's construction phases as proposed by M. Kandler and seeks to reassess its chronology, especially regarding the hiatus during the Marcomannic Wars and the fort's ultimate abandonment in context of Gallienus‘ military reforms.

The dissertation will analyze archaeological finds from two significant structures within the fort, namely the principia and the praetorium, utilizing excavation records, material analysis (ceramics, metal finds etc.) and GIS-based distribution analysis. Comparisons with other Pannonian and non-Pannonian forts will provide a broader context for understanding regional and supra-regional military and societal developments.

Publications:

with J. Kopf Kellerfund 1878 – Ein Terra Sigillata Fundkomplex und mehr aus Brigantium/Bregenz, in Akten des 19. Österreichischen Archäologietages 2024 (submitted).
Von einem Wirtshaus oder so? Neue Forschungen zur Terra Sigillata des Bregenzer Kellerfundes, <https://ausgegraben.at/2024/07/23/von-einem-wirtshaus-oder-so/> (24.07.2024).
with P. Aschauer, L. M. Boroch and I. Guth, Feldforschung im "Wilden Westen" des Römischen Reichs: Ein Bericht über unerwartete Forschungsergebnisse in Spanien und Portugal, <https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000140474464/feldforschung-im-wilden-westen-des-roemischen-reichs> (18.07.2024).