Research

I am a PhD candidate researching leadership depictions in Theophylact Simocatta’s History. My main research focus is the reign of Emperor Maurice (AD 582-602), but this also extends to his predecessors, Emperor Justin II (AD 565-578) and Tiberius II Constantine (AD 578-582). I have particular interest in the imperial and military leadership of the Roman Empire, Sasanian Empire, and the Avar Khaganate which also encompasses the internal and external perception of leadership throughout the landscape of Eastern Europe and the Near East. My general research interests vary throughout the Late Antique and Byzantine world, spanning military, political, and social history.

Research Interests

  • Late Roman and Byzantine History (AD 330 – 1204)
  • Arsacid Iran (247 BC – 224 AD) and Sasanian Iran (AD 224 – 651)
  • The Steppe Nomads and Balkan Powers (Dacians, Avars, Lombards, Slavs, and Pechenegs)
  • Imperial Leadership
  • Usurpation in Late Antiquity and Byzantium
  • Generalship, Warfare, and Frontiers

Research Projects

  • Main: Theophylact Simocatta’s History: Narrating Rulers and Generals in an Age of Transition
  • Secondary: Dealing with Rebellion and Resistance in Late Antiquity and Byzantium
  • Secondary: Military Men: Leadership, Careers, and Masculinity
  • Secondary: Legitimacy and Power in Late Antiquity: Expressing Authority in the Roman and Sasanian World

Publications

Strong, S, ‘Reconstructing the Narrative: The Usurpation of Nikephoros Bryennios the Elder’, SHARE: Studies in History, Archaeology, Religion and Conservation 4.1 (2020), 1-27.

In Preparation

  • (Article, Edited Volume) ‘Passing Judgement on Ideas of Treason: Theophylact Simocatta on the Distinctions between Methods of Sedition in Roman and Sasanian Contexts’ in N. Websdale (ed.), Passing Judgement: Distinctions, Separations, and Contradictions in Late Antiquity and Byzantium: Conference Proceedings of the 25th OUBS International Graduate Conference (Brill)
  • (Article, Edited Volume) ‘Philippicus and the Strategikon: Leading, Fighting, and Martial Identity according to New Military Protocol?’ in M. E. Stewart and E. T. Daily (eds.), Images of Generalship and Authority in the Age of Justinian: A Study of Twelve Generals (Amsterdam University Press)
  • (Article, Edited Volume) ‘Theophylact Simocatta on the Identity of Bahram Chobin and Khosrow II: A Narrative of Alliances, Legitimacy, and Treason’ – Venice and Padua 2022 Congress Proceedings (Routledge)
  • (Article, Edited Volume) ‘Becoming the Sasanian King of Kings: Rituals of Investiture in Ērānshahr during the Late Sixth Century AD’, in S. Tougher, D. Rossi, and S. Strong (eds.), Constantinople to Ctesiphon: The Climate between the Roman and Sasanian Empire in Late Antiquity.
  • (Co-Editor, Edited Volume) Constantinople to Ctesiphon: The Climate between the Roman and Sasanian Empire in Late Antiquity, co-editing with Shaun Tougher and Domiziana Rossi (Cardiff University) – Proposal with Brepols


Popular:

  • Strong, S, “Death, Confusion, and Darkness: Late Antique Military Operations at Twilight”, in J. Oorthuys (ed.). Ancient Warfare Magazine, 15.1 (2021), 44-49.
  • Strong, S, ‘The Sword that Became Blunt: The Usurpation of Nikephoros Bryennios’, in P. Konieczy (ed.). Medieval Warfare Magazine, 10. 2 (2020), 34-7.

Funding and Awards

  • Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture Panel Sponsorship ($1,400) – BSC 2023
  • BIPS (British Institute of Persian Studies) Research Grant (£374)
  • Chalke Valley History Trust Bursary (£500) – Thesis Completion
  • The Iran Society 2022/23 Bursary (£4,000) – Thesis Completion
  • BIPS (British Institute of Persian Studies) Research Grant (£2,250) – IMC 2023
  • BIPS (British Institute of Persian Studies) Research Grant (£935) – Venice/Padua Congress
  • BIPS (British Institute of Persian Studies) Research Grant (£1275) – IMC 2021.
  • International Medieval Congress (IMC) Academic Bursary (2021, 2022, 2023).
  • The Keith Hopwood Prize (2017) – Student Representative Excellence.
  • UWTSD Lampeter Society of the Year Award (May 2017) – Musical Theatre (Treasurer)
  • Educational Bursary UWTSD, Lampeter (Awarded: 2015/16 and 2016/17) – Based on Academic Merit.
  • Departmental Bursary – UWTSD, Lampeter (2016/17) – Based on Academic Merit.

Book Reviews

Professional Memberships

  • Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies (SPBS) 2017-Present.
  • The British Institute of Persian Studies (BIPS) 2018-Present.
  • Cardiff’s Centre for Late Antique Culture and Religion (CLARC) 2019-Present
  • Royal Historical Society – Postgraduate Member (RHS) 2022 -Present
  • Byzantine Studies Association of North America (BSANA) 2023-Present