Leah Hess

Leah Hess, is a first-year PhD student in the Archaeology department, with a primary focus on Mediterranean Archaeology. Leah is originally from Laguna Hills, California, but has spent the last few years living and studying in North Carolina, Italy, Greece, and India. Before coming to the University of Arizona, Leah obtained her MA in Mediterranean Archaeology and History at the University of Pavia, with a dissertation titled “The Cult of Artemis at Brauron: A Historical Examination of Its Significance in Advancing the Status of Women in Ancient Greek Society.” Additionally, Leah completed her BA in Anthropology, Religion, and Asian Studies at Furman University. 

Leah’s scholarly interests revolve around the intersection of anthropological religious theories and Ancient Mediterranean society. Her research delves into how religious practices influenced social structures and individual agency in the ancient world. Her fieldwork includes excavations at significant sites such as Hadrian’s Villa, the Palace of Nestor, and the UNESCO world heritage site of Val Camonica. 

Outside of her academic endeavors, Leah enjoys spending time with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Apollo.