Anthony Birley facts for kids

Anthony Richard Birley (born October 8, 1937 – died December 19, 2020) was a British historian and archaeologist. He spent his life studying ancient times, especially the Roman Empire. His father, Eric Birley, was also a famous historian and archaeologist.

Early Life and Learning

Anthony grew up near the ancient Roman site of Vindolanda in England. His father, Eric Birley, bought a house right next to it! This meant Anthony and his brother, Robin, got to help dig up the site from a young age. They found many amazing things.

He went to a private school called Clifton College in Bristol from 1950 to 1955. Later, he studied 'classics' (ancient Greek and Roman history and languages) at Magdalen College, Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1960. He continued his studies at Oxford and received his PhD in 1966. His special research was about Roman military leaders after the time of Emperor Hadrian.

His Work and Discoveries

After finishing his studies, Anthony Birley worked at several universities. He was a research fellow at the University of Birmingham. Then, he became a lecturer and later a Reader at the University of Leeds.

He became a Professor of Ancient History at the University of Manchester from 1974 to 1990. He also taught at the University of Düsseldorf in Germany from 1990 to 2002. Later, he was an Honorary Professor at the University of Durham.

In 1969, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA). This is a special group for people who study old things. He was also a member of important archaeological groups in Germany.

Anthony Birley was very involved with the Vindolanda Trust. This trust helps look after the Roman site where he grew up. He was one of its first trustees in 1970 and stayed in that role until 2016. He was also the head of the trustees from 1996 to 2016.

Personal Life

Anthony Birley was married to Heide, and they had children together. He passed away on December 19, 2020.

Books and Writings

Anthony Birley wrote many books and articles about Roman history and archaeology. Here are some of his well-known works:

• Hadrian's Wall: an illustrated guide (1963)
• Imperial Rome (1970)
• Life in Roman Britain (1972)
• Septimius Severus: The African Emperor (1972, revised 1988)
• The Fasti of Roman Britain (1981)
• The People of Roman Britain (1992)
• Marcus Aurelius: a Biography (1993)
• Hadrian: the Restless Emperor (1997)
• Garrison Life at Vindolanda: a Band of Brothers (2002)
• The Roman Government of Britain (2005)