Ryo Nagao

Ryo is a Classics and History major in the class of 2027. His research concerns the history of the ancient Mediterranean world and the interconnections between Europe, Asia, and Africa that have shaped the present day. He works particularly on multicultural interaction as well as local and personal initiatives to preserve distinct identities under the cultural and political influence of Greece and Rome.

In addition, Ryo is devoted to examining the consequences of classical literature and thought for the modern world. Aside from co-organizing the Classics Anti-Racism Reading Group, he is interested in reevaluating the origins of democratic theory.

As a student from Japan, Ryo also aims to research how the Greco-Roman past has influenced Japan and to contribute to EU-Japan relations by forging academic connections. Ryo has participated in an archaeological excavation in Greece and hopes to engage in study in the UK, Germany, and Italy in the coming years.

Outside of the classroom, Ryo has active editorial roles in the undergraduate journals of Classics, history, and medieval studies, works as a Latin tutor at Yale, teaches history, archaeology, and philosophy to middle and high school students as part of Yale Splash, and plays the trumpet in the Berkeley College Orchestra.

Department: Classics