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Ramón Soneira Martínez is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Austrian Archaeological Institute's Department of Classical Studies. He holds a Degree in History from the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) with a focus on Ancient History, a Master's degree in Religious Studies, and a PhD in Religious Studies from the Max-Weber-Kolleg of the University of Erfurt (Germany) and the University of Graz (Austria). His academic career centers on interdisciplinary approaches to ancient religious phenomena. Education : Bachelor's Degree in History (Ancient History focus), Complutense University of Madrid Master's Degree in Religious Studies Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Religious Studies, Max-Weber-Kolleg (University of Erfurt) and University of Graz Research Interests : Ramón specializes in Ancient History of Religion, Theory and Methodology of Religious Studies, Religious Deviance, and Atheism in the ancient Mediterranean. His work explores unbelief narratives, sacred spatial practices, and biopolitical dimensions of religious systems in Greco-Roman contexts. Publication Trends : His recent scholarship (2020–2025) examines atheistic positions in Classical Athens, interdisciplinary frameworks for analyzing ancient religion, biopolitical dimensions of marriage, and ecological interpretations of sacred landscapes. These works frequently engage with Platonic philosophy, pre-Socratic thought, and comparative methodologies across Mediterranean civilizations. Current Research Projects : Doubt and religion in the ancient Mediterranean: A comparative analysis of unbelief narratives Lodging/Living in a Sacred Context: Investigating spatial dynamics of religious environments

• Ancient History of Religion
• Theory and Methodology of Religious Studies
• Religious Deviance
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Rahim Shayegan is an Assistant Professor of Iranian at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, and serves as Director of the Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World and the Program of Iranian Studies. His research spans multiple historical periods and linguistic traditions of Iran. Education PhD in Iranian Philology & Ancient History, Harvard University MA in Old Iranian Philology & Ancient History, Sorbonne University BA in Philosophy, Comparative Philology, and History, University of Cologne His expertise includes Sasanian history, Iranian epigraphy, and comparative philology, with significant contributions to understanding ancient Iranian religions and historiography. He has received prestigious awards for his scholarship, including the Ehsan Yarshater Book Award and Guggenheim Fellowship. Academic Leadership Director, Pourdavoud Center (2017–present) Jahangir and Eleanor Amuzegar Chair (2013–present)

• Iranian epigraphy
• Epic and oral traditions
• Old and Middle Iranian philology
• +6 more

Nils Arne Pedersen is an Associate Professor in Church History at Aarhus University's Faculty of Theology/Arts since 2004. His academic career includes roles as a Full-time scholar supported by the Carlsberg Foundation (1990–1995) and Danish Research Council grants. He specializes in Manichaeism, Patristics, and the historical reception of biblical texts. His research focuses on early Christian and Manichaean theological texts, especially Coptic and Syriac manuscripts. Research Interests : Pedersen’s work explores Manichaean literature, Patristic theology, and the interplay between biblical sources and early religious movements. He has edited critical editions of Manichaean texts and studies their transmission across languages like Syriac, Coptic, and Persian. Key Projects : Biblia Manichaica (Old and New Testament studies in Manichaean contexts), textual editions of Manichaean homilies, and analyses of anti-Manichaean polemics. Awards & Leadership : Honorary member of the International Association of Manichaean Studies (2022), former President (2017–2022). He has received significant grants, including €887k for the Biblia Manichaica project (2012–2015) and €233k from the Carlsberg Foundation (1990–1995). Grants & Funding : Danish Council for Independent Research, Danish Research Council for the Humanities, and Carlsberg Foundation grants have supported his work on Manichaean textual traditions and comparative religious studies.

• Patristics
• Manichaeism
• Church History
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Nikolaos Stampolidis is a distinguished Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Crete, where he has served since 1984, progressing from Lecturer to full Professor since 1994. He currently holds multiple prestigious positions including Director-General of the Acropolis Museum (since June 2021) and Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art (since 1996). Previously, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Arts at the University of Crete (1994-1997) and Head of the Department of History and Archaeology (1991-1993). Stampolidis earned his undergraduate degree from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki (1970-1974), followed by postgraduate studies in Bonn, Germany (1975-1977) with a DAAD scholarship. He completed his dissertation in Athens (1978-1979) with a Greek government scholarship, achieving Magna cum laude distinction. His research focuses on Mediterranean interconnections during the Early Iron Age, with special emphasis on Cretan archaeology, particularly the Eleutherna site he has excavated continuously since 1985. His work spans homeric archaeology, Greek sculpture across multiple periods, epigraphy, funerary practices, and the dialogue between antiquity and contemporary art. His excavations at Eleutherna have revealed significant insights into geometric-archaic period customs and cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean. Stampolidis' scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on Mediterranean cultural networks, particularly between Crete, the Cyclades, Cyprus, and the Near East during the Early Iron Age through Hellenistic periods. His research combines meticulous excavation work with innovative interpretations of cultural interactions, often bridging archaeological evidence with literary sources like Homer. The recurring themes in his work include the analysis of funerary practices, the study of Mediterranean trade networks, and the examination of how cultural influences traveled across the ancient world. His numerous honors reflect his significant contributions to archaeology and Greek culture, including being named Honorary Citizen of Eleutherna (1995), receiving the Tourism Award for his contribution to Crete's development (2015), and being awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of Phoenix by the President of the Hellenic Republic (2016). Throughout his career, Stampolidis has supervised numerous graduate students through the Post-graduation program in Classical Archaeology at the University of Crete, which he directed since 2005 (previously co-directing from 1991-2005). His research has been supported by multiple funding sources including UNESCO, the University of Crete, the Institute of Mediterranean Studies, the Mediterranean Archaeological Society, various Greek Ministries, the INSTAP, and European Community programs including INTERREG IIIA and the 3rd European Community Support Framework. Stampolidis directs the long-term excavation and research project at Eleutherna, Crete, which has evolved into a major archaeological site with its own museum. His work at Eleutherna represents one of the most significant ongoing archaeological projects in Greece, combining excavation, conservation, publication, and public presentation of findings through both the on-site museum and numerous international exhibitions he has curated.

• Classical Archaeology
• Homeric archaeology
• Mediterranean interconnections
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Rahim Shayegan is an Assistant Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures in the Division of Humanities. He currently holds the Pourdavoud Endowed Director's Chair (2018-present) and serves as Director of the Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World. He also directs the Program of Iranian Studies at UCLA. PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (Iranian Philology, Ancient History) from Harvard University MA in Old Iranian Philology and Ancient History from Université de la Sorbonne BA in Philosophy, Comparative Philology, and History from Albertus-Magnus-Universität zu Köln His research focuses on Iranian epigraphy, philology, and historiography across multiple eras, including Achaemenid, Arsacid, Seleucid, and Sasanian periods. He studies Persian epic traditions, ancient religions, and intersections between Greek and Islamic historiographical practices. Ehsan Yarshater Book Award for Arsacids and Sasanians (2011) Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (2013-2014) UCLA Faculty Career Development Award (2008-2009)

• Iranian Epigraphy
• Epic and Oral Traditions
• Old and Middle Iranian Philology
• +9 more

Jan Assmann (1938–2024) was a renowned Egyptologist and cultural theorist, serving as Professor of Egyptology at the University of Heidelberg (1976–2003) and later as Honorary Professor at the University of Konstanz. He held visiting professorships worldwide, including at Yale, Collège de France, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His research focused on Egyptian religion, cultural memory, and the origins of monotheism. He led the DFG-funded 'Ramesside Officials' Graves' project in Thebes, producing foundational work on Egyptian funerary practices and religious texts. He authored over 50 monographs and 600 essays, earning international acclaim and numerous awards, including the Balzan Prize (2017) and the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (2018). His academic legacy includes shaping Heidelberg's Egyptology program and mentoring future leaders in the field. Education: Studied Egyptology, Classical Archaeology, and Greek Studies at Munich, Heidelberg, Paris, and Göttingen. Habilitated in 1971. Key Projects: Epigraphic fieldwork in Theban necropolis; cultural memory studies with wife Aleida Assmann. Research Interests: Egyptian theology, cosmography, Ma’at, funerary liturgies, and the reception of ancient Egypt in later cultures. His work bridged Egyptology with broader cultural theory, influencing disciplines beyond archaeology. Awards & Honors: Recipient of Germany's highest civilian honors, including the Grand Cross of the Federal Cross of Merit, and international accolades for interdisciplinary scholarship. Legacy: Focused on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and practical fieldwork education. His teachings emphasized connecting textual analysis with archaeological context, inspiring generations of scholars. The Heidelberg Institute continues his tradition of integrating field archaeology with philological rigor.

• Egyptian religion
• Origins of monotheism
• Judaism
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Univ.-Prof. Robert Rollinger is a full professor at the University of Innsbruck’s Department of Ancient History and Oriental Studies. He holds academic degrees from the Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, including a M.A. (1989), PhD (1993), and Habilitation (1999). His research focuses on the interconnections between the Aegean and Ancient Near East, Achaemenid history, and global historiography. Rollinger has held prestigious positions such as editor of journals like Nikephoros and Ancient History Bulletin , and is a member of institutions including the Academia Europaea and the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Research Interests Contacts between Aegean and Near Eastern worlds Ancient Near Eastern historiography Empire studies (especially Achaemenid Persia) Global and entangled history approaches Awards Dr. Seibert-Preis (1995) Preis des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (1998) Wissenschaftspreis des Österreichischen Olympischen Comités (1999) Ausonius-Preis (2023) He leads major projects like the NAWA Chair on Achaemenid-Roman empire comparisons and chairs the Austrian Academy’s “Transformation Processes and Empire” commission. His work emphasizes cross-cultural connections and imperial legacies in antiquity.

• Ancient Near Eastern History
• Ancient Historiography
• History of Empires
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George Karamanolis is a Professor at the Department of Philosophy , University of Vienna, and currently serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Education. His research focuses on Ancient Philosophy, particularly Platonism, Neoplatonism, and their intersections with early Christian thought. Email: george.karamanolis@univie.ac.at Office Hours: Tuesday 12:00-13:30 His recent publications analyze Neoplatonic metaphysics, Syriac philosophical traditions, and the reception of Aristotle in late antiquity. Teaching includes courses on Greek terminology, Aristotle's ethics, and the history of philosophy from antiquity to late antiquity.

• Ancient Philosophy
• Neoplatonism
• History of Philosophy
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Katharina Pyschny serves as a Full Professor ( Univ.-Prof. ) at the Institute for Old Testament Biblical Studies within the Catholic Theological Faculty at Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Austria. Her academic career spans multiple prestigious European institutions including Humboldt University of Berlin, Ruhr University Bochum, and University of Pretoria where she currently holds a Research Associate position. Her research interests focus on Old Testament Biblical Studies , Theological Anthropology , and Archaeology , with particular attention to authorship questions in the Hebrew Bible, YHWH's desert origins, and Pentateuchal leadership dynamics. She actively participates in the university's 'Heterogeneity and cohesion' research network. Professor Pyschny's recent publications demonstrate her interdisciplinary approach combining textual analysis with iconographic and archaeological perspectives. Her work shows consistent focus on biblical interpretation through historical-critical methods while engaging with contemporary theoretical frameworks in religious studies. Editor of Berlin Theological Journal (since 2021) Executive Officer of European Association of Biblical Studies (since 2019) Member of International Advisory Board at Humboldt University Berlin (since 2023) Board Member of German Palestine Association (since 2021) She currently leads the research project 'The Dawn of Monotheism? Judaic Religion(s) in Persian and Early Hellenistic Times in the Light of Iconographic, Epigraphic, and Biblical Sources' (2022-2026), demonstrating ongoing active research engagement. Professor Pyschny also serves on the Talent Scholarship Fund Selection Committee of the 'Arqus Talent and Innovation Fund' and contributes to the 'Network Old Testament Anthropology' (2023-2026).

• Old Testament Biblical Studies
• Theological Anthropology
• Archaeology
• +3 more

Dr. Anna-Katharina Rieger is a researcher at the Institute for Antiquity within the Faculty of Humanities at Karl-Franzens-University Graz. Her work bridges archaeology, religious history, and cultural studies, with a focus on ancient Mediterranean societies, Roman urbanism, and landscape archaeology. She is affiliated with the "Dimensions of Europe" research profile area. Education Doctorate (1997-1999) at the German Archaeological Institute Rome (DAI) on sanctuaries in Ostia Classical Archaeology, Ancient History, and Near Eastern Archaeology studies (1989-1994) at Munich and Bonn universities Her research emphasizes theories in archaeology, marginality/mobility in ancient societies, and the archaeology of arid regions. She has contributed to edited volumes on ancient water management systems and lived religion. Scientific Awards Feodor Lynen Fellowship (2015) from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation DAI Travel Scholarship (1999) Gerda Henkel Doctoral Scholarship (1997) Rieger has participated in research consortia like "Resonant World Relations" and the Europeanization Processes in Southeast Europe (ESOE). She has held academic roles at institutions including the Max Weber College (University of Erfurt), Freie Universität Berlin, and the German Archaeological Institute Rome.

• Ancient Religion
• Roman Urbanism
• Landscape Archaeology
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Paul Zanker is a renowned Professor of Storia dell’Arte Antica at the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa since 2001. Previously, he held prestigious roles such as Director of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) in Rome (1996–2002), Sather Professor at UC Berkeley (1991), and Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Munich (1976–1996). His career spans over four decades of leadership in academic and archaeological institutions across Europe and North America. His scholarly focus lies in Hellenistic and Roman art, with a particular emphasis on Augustan-era imagery, Roman urbanism, and the socio-political dimensions of ancient art. Notable contributions include groundbreaking studies on Pompeii’s urban structure, Augustus’ visual propaganda, and the symbolic language of Roman sarcophagi. Zanker holds esteemed memberships in multiple academies: the Bavarian Academy of Sciences, British Academy, Academia Europaea, and the Danish Royal Academy of Sciences. These honors reflect his transformative impact on classical archaeology and art history. His research integrates archaeological evidence with historical context, exploring how art shaped and reflected ancient societies. While no specific grants or advising roles are documented, his prolific publication record (over 15 major works) underscores his dedication to advancing scholarly discourse on classical antiquity.

• Classical Archaeology
• Roman Art
• Hellenistic Culture
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Elena Duce Pastor is a researcher affiliated with the Ancient Religion Research Group at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Her work focuses on the intersection of archaeology and religious studies, particularly in the context of classical antiquity and cultural history. Her research interests include: Ancient Religion Archaeology Religious Studies Classical Antiquity Cultural History Contact: elena.duce@uam.es

• Ancient Religion
• Archaeology
• Religious Studies
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Prof. Irmtraud Fischer holds a doctorate in theology from the University of Graz and an honorary doctorate in philosophy from Justus Liebig University Giessen. She has served as Professor of Old Testament Biblical Studies at the Catholic Theological Faculty of Graz (2004-2022) and held leadership roles including Vice Rector for Research at Karl-Franzens University (2007-2011). Her academic work bridges biblical exegesis with cultural history and gender studies. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to biblical texts, exploring intersections of theology, gender, and socio-religious practices across antiquity and modernity. She leads major projects like the 22-volume encyclopedia "The Bible and Women" and participates in research networks like "Heterogeneity and cohesion Gender" at the University of Graz. Scientific accolades include: Gabriele Possanner Award for Gender Studies lifetime achievement (2022) Honorary doctorate from Giessen (2017) Styrian State Research Prize (2007) Bad Herrenalb Academy Prize (2003) She contributes to academic governance as member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Vienna's Catholic Theological Faculty, and has held editorial roles for journals like Biblical Interpretation and Concilium. Her public engagement includes founding the "Uni im Theater" lecture series.

• Old Testament Biblical Studies
• Gender Studies
• Cultural History
• +3 more

Michael Cook is the Class of 1943 University Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University. Previously, he held positions at SOAS (University of London), including Lecturer in Economic History and Reader in the History of the Near and Middle East. His research focuses on Islamic history, theology, and the intersection of religious values with political movements. Cook has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Balzan Prize (2019) and the Holberg Prize (2014). He has supervised over thirty doctoral students in diverse fields of Islamic and Near Eastern studies. Education: Studied at the University of Cambridge (English and European history) and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, where he specialized in Ottoman population history. His academic journey includes extensive research on pre-Islamic Arabia, Quranic studies, and medieval Islamic law and ethics. Research Interests: His work spans Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, Islamic theology, the Prophet Muhammad’s life, Wahhabism, and comparative religious fundamentalism. He explores how religious values shaped Islamic civilization, notably through studies of al-amr bi’l-ma'ruf (enjoining right and forbidding wrong). Awards and Honors: In addition to major prizes, he holds honorary doctorates, fellowship at the British Academy, and membership in the American Philosophical Society and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His contributions have been acknowledged through awards like the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Mellon Foundation. Teaching and Advising: Cook teaches graduate and undergraduate courses centered on Arabic texts and primary sources. His advising has produced notable scholars across Islamic studies, including work on medieval legal systems, sectarian identities, and cultural histories.

• Islamic History
• Medieval Studies
• Islamic Theology and Law
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Carlo Giovanni Cereti is a Full Professor of Iranian Philology, Religions, and History at the Department of Classics, Faculty of Humanities, Sapienza University of Rome. His academic career spans over three decades, with notable roles including Director of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Iraqi Kurdistan and Cultural Counsellor at the Italian Embassy in Tehran (2009–2017). He holds leadership positions such as Coordinator of the Humanities Class at Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati and Director of the Winter School in Cultural Heritage of the Near and Middle East. Education: PhD in Iranian Studies (1992, Istituto Universitario Orientale, Naples), Postgraduate studies at SOAS (1986–1987), and MA in Oriental Languages (1985, Istituto Universitario Orientale). Research Focus: Zoroastrian traditions, Sasanian history, Middle Iranian epigraphy, and cultural heritage preservation. His work bridges textual analysis with archaeological fieldwork, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan. Awards: Farabi Prize (2010), UNESCO/ISESCO recognition, and leadership roles in international organizations like UNIMED and the Association for the Study of Persianate Societies. Cereti’s scholarly output includes over 150 publications on Iranian languages, Zoroastrian texts, and Sasanian archaeology. He contributes to editorial boards of journals like Iran and the Caucasus and Journal of Persianate Studies . His current projects emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to Iranian cultural heritage and international academic collaboration.

• Zoroastrian Studies
• Middle Iranian Philology
• Sasanian History
• +4 more