Resources & Facilities
The vast book and periodical collections of the John Rylands University Library are the result of well over a century of large-scale book purchasing, and are deservedly world-famous. Of special note for classicists and ancient historians are the impressive collections of papyri, medieval manuscripts and early printed books held at the John Rylands Library on Deansgate in the city centre (a 5-minute bus-ride from the School). The Library can boast 12,500 books printed between 1475 and 1640 (including the second largest collection of works printed by Caxton), and around 45,000 printed between 1641 and 1700. Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century holdings comprise 160,000 and 400,000 volumes respectively. These holdings are constantly updated and enlarged on every front, and purchasing in all areas of Greek and Roman studies has been and remains exceptionally vigorous. The Manchester Museum also houses one of the UK's most important collections, including artefacts of particular relevance to ancient historians. This means that an astonishing breadth of advanced study and research can be conducted solely on the strength of the University's own resources.
Classics & Ancient History is fortunate to have its own collection of Classical texts, translations and reference works, housed in a recently refurbished study room, which is always available for use by all members of the School.
We have also built up a very useful collection of web resources, including search tools, dictionaries, ancient texts, maps, past exam papers, and other helpful links.
Students have an important say in the running of our programmes via the Staff-Student Consultative Committee. An active Classics Society organises visits to places of interest, as well as classical events and the occasional pub crawl. They have recently staged a very successful production of Oedipus Tyrannos. Every Monday in term-time there is a buffet lunch for postgraduates and staff with interests in the Greek and Roman worlds not only from our number and from the School as a whole but from across the University.