Cristina SORACI
Cristina Soraci is Associate Professor of Roman History at the University of Catania.
Her research interests encompass the political, institutional, economic, and social history of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. She is the author of four monographs and numerous peer-reviewed articles published in prestigious Italian and international scholarly journals.
Professor Soraci has presented papers at numerous international conferences, several of which she organized, and has delivered invited lectures in English, French, Spanish, and German at universities across Europe. She has also served as Visiting Professor at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
She is the General Editor of the book series Bibliotheca Aperta – Studi di storia antica (L'Erma di Bretschneider), a peer-reviewed series whose volumes are made available in open access after a twelve-month embargo period, and of Chiesa e società in Sicilia. Collana di studi e ricerche dell’Arcidiocesi di Catania (Carocci).
Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of Roman political culture, institutions, and society, with particular attention to the dynamics of power and social interaction in the ancient world.
Prizes and awards:
- Prof. Soraci graduated with an MA in Classical Humanities from the University of Catania in 2001, receiving the highest distinction (110/110 cum laude) and a recommendation for publication, awarded only to works of exceptional academic quality, for her thesis in Roman History, The alimenta between State Welfare and Christian Charity.
- On 29 May 2026, Prof. Soraci received the Principe della Cultura Prize - History Section. The award recognized the excellence of her scholarship and professional dedication, through which she has consistently promoted the cultural, civic, and ethical growth of the nation, serving as a positive example for society and, in particular, for younger generations.
- Prof. Soraci’s commitment to mentoring young people and fostering public awareness of history was recognized through the success of the student video project The Brothers Who Escaped the Flames: The Story of Two Catanian Heroes. Developed under her academic supervision, the project won the national Scripta Legamus 2024 competition.
Author of four monographs (C. Soraci, Sicilia frumentaria. Il grano siciliano e l’annona di Roma (5th century BC–5th century AD), L’Erma di Bretschneider, Rome, 2011; C. Soraci, Patrimonia sparsa per orbem: Melania e Piniano tra errabondaggio ascetico e carità eversiva, Gruppo Editoriale s.r.l., Acireale–Rome, 2013; C. Soraci, La Sicilia romana (3rd century BC–5th century AD), Carocci Editore, Rome, 2016; C. Soraci, Il lessico della sottomissione. Studi sul termine stipendiarius, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Rome, 2020), as well as numerous articles published in leading Italian and international journals and scholarly series, and editor of volumes of international significance.
Her research has focused on political, institutional, economic, fiscal, social, and cultural history, with particular attention to Roman Sicily, issues concerning the status of women, and the transformations brought about by Christianity.
Professor Soraci has promoted and coordinated international academic exchanges with several European universities, fostering research cooperation, staff mobility, and the development of joint teaching and scientific activities.
Among her most significant achievements is the conception, scientific direction, organization, and coordination of the international webinar series Optimus Status Civitatis. This highly successful academic initiative has brought together distinguished scholars from prestigious universities and research institutions across different countries. The series has provided a forum for discussion on topics related to ancient history, society, economy, and law, enhancing the international visibility of her institution and promoting lasting networks of academic collaboration. The webinar cycle attracts an average of approximately 280 participants per year (±40 per webinar), including undergraduate and postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, and, above all, faculty members from numerous Italian and international universities. Through this initiative, Professor Soraci has demonstrated leadership in fostering intellectual exchange and strengthening the international dimension of research and higher education. The webinar series has reached its fifth edition, while the sixth edition is currently in preparation.
She is a member of the EAEN (Engendering Ancient Economies Network) and belongs to several of the leading scholarly associations connected with the Greek and Roman History.