Doctorate in Classical Archaeology (University of Oxford: Keble College)

Masters in European Archaeology (University of Oxford: Keble College)

Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History & Archaeology (University of Wales: Lampeter)

James has long held an interest in maritime history and archaeology, with Graeco-Roman seafaring on the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean at the core of his doctoral studies. Over the last dozen years, he has also taken a keen interest in museum studies, and especially disputes regarding the repatriation of objects in Western collections that were acquired under dubious circumstances, notably the fate of the marbles removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin.

James grew up in Breconshire where he was educated in the local village primary school of Talybont-on-Usk (since closed) before attending Brecon High School. Following university studies at Lampeter and Oxford, he taught in various schools, colleges and universities in Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, as well as at various institutions within the United Kingdom. During academic vacations, he has been a regular guest lecturer aboard cruise ships sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea. He was also previously editor of Minerva:
The International Review of Ancient Art & Archaeology. Before recently returning to Wales, he lived for several years in Greece. He is now based in Aberystwyth.

Courses delivered by James include:

A History of Welsh Piracy Seaborne Marauding from the Romans to the Present (XE10010) 

Stripping Museums of Their Greatest Treasures (XM18610) 

The Drowned Landscapes of Wales

Maritime Exploration Before the Voyages of Discovery: To Boldly Go Where No Ancient or Medieval European Has Gone Before