Dr Simon Elliott

Dr Simon Elliott is an award-winning archaeologist, historian, author and broadcaster, renowned for his expertise in the Roman and classical world. He holds a PhD in Classics and Archaeology from the University of Kent, an MA in Archaeology from University College London and an MA in War Studies from King’s College London. He is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.

Simon has written more than 20 books on Roman and ancient history. These include Roman Britain’s Missing Legion, named a BBC History Book of the Year in 2021, and Sea Eagles of Empire, which won the Military History Matters Book of the Year award in 2017. His recent book, The African Emperor, explores the life of Septimius Severus and became a Sunday Times bestseller.

Alongside his writing and research, Simon appears regularly on television, radio and digital media as a presenter and expert, sharing his knowledge of Roman history, archaeology and warfare with audiences around the world. He is also an active archaeologist, having co-directed the excavation of a Roman villa at Teston in Kent and participated in research into Roman fort sites at Lympne.

For Travel Editions, Simon leads Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Treasures of Campania. Drawing on his academic knowledge, fieldwork and extensive experience guiding at classical sites throughout the Mediterranean, he helps guests understand not only how these ancient cities were built, but how their inhabitants lived, worked and responded to the world around them.

Simon’s engaging style brings the streets, houses, temples and theatres of Roman Campania vividly to life. By connecting the surviving archaeology with the people and events behind it, he adds depth and context to every visit, making him the ideal expert for this fascinating journey through the ancient world.