The papers in this panel apply interdisciplinary approaches, including assessments of material and textual sources, to examine conflicting meanings, uses and interpretations of ancient, medieval and modern communal spaces. Why were Romans so fascinated by the female gladiators who dared to subvert societal expectations and fight like men in public arenas? Why were women and female children buried outside a Byzantine church more than men and boys? Why did a medieval community in the eastern Mediterranean decide to place two women in the same grave and what can this tell us about local experiences and perspectives of gender and cemeteries? How can cross-disciplinary collaboration combat the destruction recent terrorist acts have caused to cultural heritage sites in order to protect the rich ancient and medieval history of the Middle East? These case studies of shared spaces reveal the complexity of societal gender, class and cultural norms. By considering the spaces through multiple disciplinary and evidentiary lenses, the presenters offer new insights and tools for understanding and preserving the ancient and medieval past.