Emily Wilson, senior instructor in the Department of Anthropology and Geography at Colorado State University, was honored as the 2024 CSU Honors Teacher of the Year on Nov. 4 in the Lory Student Center Theater. In his speech, Wilson delivered a lecture titled “Racism, Authoritarianism, and Whitening of the Ancient Mediterranean World: How the Greeks and Romans Impacted White Supremacy and How to Combat It.”

Wilson has been a CSU faculty member for nearly a decade. Specializing in the ancient Mediterranean world, her research explores themes of race, power, and cultural identity in ancient and modern worlds. Wilson has published numerous articles and books on the intersections of classical studies and social justice, and national academic organizations recognize his work.

“Wilson brings ancient history to life, making it accessible and engaging. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, providing personalized support and fostering a welcoming environment. -Mia Chavez, President of the Honors Students Association

Known for her work on the intersections of race, power and historical memory, Wilson captivated the packed audience with a thought-provoking exploration of how classical antiquity – particularly ancient Greek and Roman civilizations – was used to justify modern systems of racial oppression and authoritarianism. .

“Wilson brings ancient history to life, making it accessible and engaging,” said Mia Chavez, president of the Honors Student Association. “Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, providing personalized support and fostering a welcoming environment.”

In his lecture, Wilson critically examined how popular culture often whitewashed the ancient Mediterranean world, elaborating on historical examples of racism in the Mediterranean and its lingering effects.

“Racism, as we know and define it today, has its origins in European encroachment into Africa, beginning with 15th-century Portugal and the Portuguese crown’s enthusiastic participation in the slave trade,” Wilson said. “They justify the secret slavery and sale of African bodies as justifiable given the inferiority and servile nature of these black bodies compared to their own white bodies. »

Wilson explained that the misappropriation of ancient cultures has long been a tactic to legitimize racial hierarchies. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans, often glorified for their contributions to philosophy, democracy, and art, have been transformed into symbols of racial purity in the eyes of modern white supremacists.

As Wilson deepened her argument, she explored how this whitewashing of the past influences contemporary political movements, particularly those aligned with authoritarian ideologies. Drawing connections between the glorification of the Roman Empire’s militaristic rule and today’s growing authoritarian movements, she invited the audience to think about how historical narratives shape current political landscapes.

“Even though white supremacy was embraced as early as the 15th century, … it wasn’t until about 300 years later that it took on a particularly scientific edge,” Wilson said.

The conference ended with a call to action; Wilson urged attendees to become active participants in the fight against racism and white supremacy by questioning historical myths and engaging with marginalized voices. She also called for greater awareness and involvement in movements that seek to address systemic injustice, particularly in the areas of education, politics and media.

“As a little kid, you always see archaeology, like archaeologists do that stuff, but you never really know what they think about it — how to dig deeper into things,” said sophomore Elri Barkhuizen year.

Contact Riley Paling at [email protected] or on Twitter @rileypaling.