Hendrik Hess

Dr. Hendrik Hess is a researcher at the Department of Medieval History, University of Bonn, focusing on historical contingency, power structures, and gender history in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. He has held positions such as Research Associate (2012–2018) and Temporary Academic Councillor since 2019, with affiliations to collaborative projects like the DFG Project 'Gaul between imperium and regna' and the Bonn Center for Premodern Orders.

Education:

• Master's in Medieval and Modern History, Modern German Literature, and Media Studies (University of Bonn, 2005–2008)
• Master of Studies in Medieval and Modern Languages (University of Oxford, 2008–2009)
• Magister Artium in Medieval and Modern History (University of Bonn, 2009–2011)
• Doctorate (University of Bonn, 2011–2018; dissertation: Transition, Hybridity, Latency – Gallo-Roman Upper Class from Sidonius Apollinaris to Gregory of Tours

Research interests include discourse history, gender history, and the interplay between power and contingency in Gaul during Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. His work analyzes medieval letter collections (Sidonius Apollinaris, Ruricius of Limoges, Avitus of Vienne) and the construction of masculinity in the 14th-century Roman-German monarchy.

Recent publications explore contingency management, power legitimation through naming, and gender dynamics in Gallic letters. His habilitation project examines royal masculinity (1273–1400), integrating concepts like the king's dual body (Kantorowicz) and virtues like potency/continence.

Scientific awards include the University of Bonn's Teaching Award (2021/2022) and the NRW Certificate for teaching competence (2023).