At the Edges of Empire: Landscapes, Power, and the Roman World with Hugh Elton

In this episode of Heritage Türkiye, we speak with Professor Hugh Elton, former Director of the British Institute at Ankara and a leading specialist in the archaeology and history of Roman Anatolia. From his pioneering research in the Göksu Valley and Isauria to his work on late Roman emperors, climate change, and archaeological heritage management, Hugh reflects on a career that has connected landscapes, people, and institutions across the ancient Mediterranean. Together, we explore how studying seemingly peripheral regions can transform our understanding of empire, why interdisciplinary approaches are reshaping archaeological research, and what long-term perspectives from the ancient world can contribute to contemporary debates about environment, governance, and resilience. We also discuss Hugh's years at the British Institute at Ankara and his thoughts on the future of Anatolian archaeology.