RAS Conference 2026
We look forward to welcoming delegates to Durham once again for another exciting series of lectures
The venue for RAS 2026 will be Collingwood College
The Roman Army School
Conference Information
The 2026 Roman Army School will be held from Friday 27 to Monday 30 March at Collingwood College, Durham, UK. This year the theme is:
The activities of the Emperor Septimius Severus in Britain and beyond
The initiative for this subject is the excavation of the palatial building at Carlisle dating to about 210, that is within the reign of Severus, by Frank Giecco, who will be one of the speakers. He will be joined by Professor David Breeze, Mark Corby, Dr Nick Hodgson, Professor Rebecca Jones and Martina Meyr. Severus expanded the Roman Empire on three continents and his policies and actions from Scotland to Iraq will be investigated. There will be a visit to the Roman fort at High Rochester on Dere Street, the route of Severus's army into Caledonia.
The invited speakers are Professor David Breeze, Dr Nick Hodgson, Prof Rebecca Jones, Frank Giecco, Martina Meyr and Mark Corby.
The weekend will include a visit to Hadrian's Wall.
Draft Lecture Programme
Friday 27th March
14.00 - 16.00 Residential check in opens. Meet and Greet early arrivals (Collingwood College Foyer)
16.00 - 17.30 Meet and Greet continues in Pentland Suite (Tea Coffee and Biscuits)
17.30 - 18.00 Break
18.00 - 19.00 Bar Open (Lower Ground Floor
19.00 - 20.00 Evening Meal (From Servery in Dining Hall)
20.15 20.45 David Breeze : An introduction to the theme - Severus in Britain and beyond
20.45 - Closing Bar open (Lower Ground Floor)
Saturday 28th March
08.00 - 09.00 Breakfast (From Servery in Dining Hall)
09.00 - 10.30 Nick Hodgson : Severus in Britain
10.30 - 11.00 Tea, coffee, biscuits (Penthouse Suite)
11.00 - 12.30 Rebecca Jones : Roman campaigns and camps in Britain
12.30 - 14.00 Lunch (Penthouse Suite)
14.00 - 15.30 Frank Giecco : The palatial building in Carlisle
15.30 - 16.00 Break
16.00 - 17.30 Martina Meyr : Severus' attitude to his empire and its frontiers
17.30 - 18.00 Break
18.00 - 19.00 Bar open (Lower Ground Floor)
19.00 - 20.00 Evening Meal (From Servery in Dining Hall)
20.15 - Closing Bar open (Lower Ground Floor)
Sunday 29th March
08.00 - 09.00 Breakfast (From Servery in Dining Hall)
09.00 - 10.30 Mark Corby : The Severan siege of Hatra
10.30 - 11.30 Tea, coffee, biscuits (Penthouse Suite)
11.30 Excursion to High Rochester
Coach departs
Packed Lunch
17.30 Coach returns to Collingwood
17.30 - 18.00 Break
18.00 - 19.00 Bar open (Lower Ground Floor)
19.00 - 20.15 Evening Meal (From Servery in Dining Hall)
20.15 - Closing Bar open (Lower Ground Floor
Monday 30th March
08.00 - 09.00 Breakfast (From Servery in Dining Hall)
Note Residents must check out of their accomodation before today's first lecture
Please hand your key in to reception before 9.00 am
Luggage can be stored at the end of the lecture room
09.00 - 10.30 David Breeze : The post Severan settlement
10.30 - 11.00 Tea, coffee, biscuits (Penthouse Suite)
11.00 - 12.30 All : Discussion
12.30 - 14.00 Lunch (Penthouse Suite)
14.00 - Depart for home
Download the Draft Lecture Programme here.
For booking information go to the How to book page.
Information for Delegates
Download the Information for delegates sheet which includes directions to Collingwood College, where to park, public transport etc.
To book a place at the conference please go to the Bookings page.
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