Rotem Avneri Meir

Rotem Avneri Meir is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki's Centre of Excellence in Ancient Near Eastern Empires (ANEE) and affiliated with the Faculty of Theology. His work bridges empire studies and social-scientific methodologies to analyze how imperial powers shaped local communities, cultures, and religious practices in the Southern Levant during the Late Persian and Hellenistic periods.

Education

• PhD in History and Cultural Heritage (University of Helsinki, 2023)
• MA in Ancient History (Tel Aviv University, 2017)

Research Interests
Rotem focuses on ancient Jewish history and religion, with specific attention to the Seleucid Empire, Hasmonean dynasty, and the impact of imperial communication systems on local Jewish communities. His work integrates empire studies, social theory, and historical analysis to explore power structures and identity formation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.

Scientific Awards

• Association of Ancient Historians Subvention Award (2024)
• European Association of Biblical Studies Student Prize (2019)

Grants & Collaborations
He is supported by the Research Council of Finland and Suomen Akatemia, collaborating with institutions like the Orion Center for Dead Sea Scrolls and Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His projects include interdisciplinary team-based research on social biographies and imperial systems.

Labs & Teams
Rotem is a core participant in the ANEE Centre of Excellence and the Ancient Labor Network, working with international scholars on topics spanning the Persian and Hellenistic eras.