The American Academy in Rome has selected Dorian Borbonus, a University of Dayton professor of history, from among a national field for the prestigious Rome Prize Fellowship.

The prize, which recognizes “emerging artists and scholars who represent the highest standard of excellence,” will allow Borbonus to further his research of ancient tombs with a stipend, workspace and room and board in Rome.

"This represents a high honor in the field of ancient studies,” said Jason Pierce, dean of the University's College of Arts and Sciences. "It's a clear testament to the caliber and importance of Dr. Borbonus' research. I congratulate him on the award and opportunity."

Borbonus, who teaches courses in Greek and Roman history, received the Rome Prize for ancient studies for his project, “The Tombs of Rome: Burial and History in the Center of Power.”

During his fellowship, he will visit monuments dating from 200 BCE to 200 CE, search the photo collection of the American Academy and use the libraries in Rome to investigate how the population developed and changed during the height of the Roman Empire. His work will build on research published in his book on Columbarium tombs in Rome and the slaves and former slaves buried there.

Borbonus is among 31 scholars, artists, writers and composers, “representing some of the most talented minds in the United States and Italy” selected by the American Academy in Rome for 2016-17.

The Academy, the oldest American overseas center for independent study and advanced research in arts and humanities, announced the winners at the Arthur and Janet C. Ross Rome Prize Ceremony at the academy’s headquarters in New York City.