Benedict Mee wins inaugural Hugh Toller Prize

Benedict’s prize-winning paper, written as part of his master’s submissions, explored petitions to the Roman emperor from rural communities in the Greek-speaking provinces of the Empire. The petitions complained about soldiers abusing these communities, especially by misusing the imperial requisition system as they travelled past. Benedict found that the petitioners often claimed – sometimes untruthfully – that they were ‘off the road’, using this argument to suggest that they were unfairly targeted and to attract the emperor’s sympathy. The study offers new insights into how provincial government in the Roman Empire worked, and how it was understood at different levels of society: by the emperor himself, by his soldiers and provincial governors, and, most strikingly, by these small communities seeking legal protection.

Benedict first came to Christ Church to read Classics as an undergraduate, later returning for his MSt after completing a law conversion course. His dissertation examined how legal thinking shaped Tacitus’ Annals. Having been awarded a Distinction, he is now training for the Bar at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy in London, supported by a scholarship from Lincoln’s Inn.

Reflecting on the award, Benedict said: ‘I was delighted to receive the first Hugh Toller Prize. I’d like to thank the Itinera journal for this honour and for the opportunity to publish my work. I’m also grateful to my supervisors on the MSt, Dr Christina Kuhn and Prof Katherine Clarke, and to Dr Anna Clark, my advisor at Christ Church, whose support made for a thoroughly enjoyable and productive year.’