Diana Nikolova headshot

Diana T Nikolova

Diana is from Bulgaria and completed her undergraduate degree, BA Egyptian Archaeology and MA Archaeology at Liverpool.

What were your main reasons for choosing to undertake postgraduate research at the University of Liverpool?

University of Liverpool’s Professor Elizabeth Slater Archaeological Research Laboratories is one of the best when it comes to testing ancient artefacts. As I am dealing with Ptolemaic coins, a further reason for choosing Liverpool was Dr Matthew Ponting, who is one of the leading experts in archaeometry and coin analysis. 

Can you summarise your postgraduate research in a few sentences?

The Ptolemaic Period (332-30 BC) is characterised by continuous power struggles both within and outside Egypt’s borders. This problematic political environment and economic instability has mainly been investigated using primary textual sources. My research aims to present an alternative methodology for the scientific examination of the Ptolemaic economy by investigating the composition of Ptolemaic silver and bronze coins, their level of debasement (lowering the content of precious metal in a coin) within individual reigns, between individual rulers and between the denomination and types of coin. This examination will be conducted using microwave-plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES).

What support have you recieved from the Liverpool Doctoral College?

I have attended a number of teaching and marking workshops organised by the Liverpool Doctoral College.

How do you believe postgraduate research will help your career prospects?

My ideal career would be in a museum context. My PhD and the professional development and research skills that I will gain are essential for achieving this goal.