In search of compact massive spheroids in the local universe

This work investigates the possible evolutionary path taken by a special class of galaxy, i.e. the red nuggets, galaxies that are simultaneously compact, massive, and quiescent (no star formation). These galaxies were abundant ~10Gyr ago but are now extinct and have potentially been transformed structurally into other galaxy types in the local Universe. We found that some of these galaxies have gone through a rotational disc regrowth to become what we now see as lenticular or early-type galaxies. The result of this thesis solidifies the importance of disc formation as an integral part of the process of galaxy evolution.