Peter von Möllendorff

Peter von Möllendorff is Professor of Classical Philology/Greek Philology at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), where he has served since March 2003. He currently holds the position of Dean of Department 04 History and Cultural Studies (since WS 2015/16) and is a member of the university Senate (since summer semester 2013). Previously, he served as Managing Director of the Institute of Classical Studies (2011-2014) and Dean of the same department (2008-2011).

His academic journey began with studies in Classical Philology and Romance Studies at universities in Cologne, Freiburg, and Munich. He completed state examinations in 1989 and 1990 at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, earned his doctorate in 1994, and completed his habilitation in winter 1998/99. Prior to his appointment at JLU, he served as Acting Professor at the University of Heidelberg (2001-2002).

Von Möllendorff's research primarily focuses on Greek drama, Literature of the Imperial Period, aesthetic and poetological conceptions of antiquity, and concepts of intertextuality. His scholarly work centers on Lucian of Samosata and Aristophanes, with significant contributions to understanding ancient satire, literary theory, and the Second Sophistic. His publications demonstrate a consistent exploration of how ancient authors engaged with literary tradition through intertextual strategies and aesthetic innovation.

His publication record spans from the mid-1990s to 2017, showing remarkable consistency in focus while evolving in methodological sophistication. The most recent works reveal increasing attention to metalepsis, media theory, and the intersection of pagan and Christian literary traditions during the Imperial period. His scholarship often bridges philological precision with theoretical frameworks from modern literary criticism.

As an academic leader, von Möllendorff has served in multiple administrative capacities including membership on the Board of Directors of the Center for Teacher Education (since 2005) and the Department Council of FB 04 (since WS 2005/6). His editorial work includes co-founding and co-editing the Millennium series and contributing to numerous academic journals.

His teaching and scholarly activities demonstrate strong engagement with both traditional philological methods and innovative digital approaches, as evidenced by his work on the e-learning unit 'Symposium 2.0' and various editorial projects documenting interdisciplinary conference proceedings.