Dr David Romney Smith

Romney David Smith received his doctorate from the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto, where his research received the prize for best dissertation. He has published on medieval trade and medieval slavery, and spoken at major professional venues in Canada, the United States, and Australia. He has received more than $100,000 in research grants.

Smith also makes maps, graphics, conceptual diagrams and scientific renderings for academic publications. In addition, Smith is trained in traditional artistic media, including etching, relief printing, and fresco painting, which informs his interest in the history of visual expression. He has exhibited his etchings in Canada and Chile.

• The Medieval Mediterranean, and its material culture (art and archaeology)
• Medieval Europe
• Cross-Cultural communication and exchange between Islamicate and Christian regions
• Slavery, violence, and piracy in the Middle Ages
• Italy in the Central Middle Ages, c.850-1150
• The Italian Maritime Cities - Pisa, Amalfi, Venice - and their links to the wider Mediterranean and to the Islamic World
• Sicily under the Kalbids and the Normans
• Trade and Travel in the Middle Ages
• The First Crusade
• Medieval Architecture
• Great cities of the Mediterranean: Rome, Cairo, Constantinople
• Atrocity and Violence in the Middle Ages
• Other research intersections include: spolia, the Cairo Geniza, Fatimid and Byzantine material culture, Romanesque architecture, architectural ornament, pilgrimage, travel and travel narratives, urban coartography and representation, hagiography, ships and shipping, medieval perfume and fashion.
• Other tangential interests include: Early Modern Venice, the Grand Tour, Classicism in 18th century Europe, the history of printmaking, Tiepolo, 19th century queer history, baroque architecture, orientalism, painting.