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Ronald E Hutton is Professor of History in the Department of History (Historical Studies) at the University of Bristol, specializing in Early Modern Studies. He is a member of the 'Medieval and Early Modern Cluster' at Bristol and holds multiple prestigious fellowships including FBA (Fellow of the British Academy), FLSW (Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales), FSA (Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries), and FRHistS (Fellow of the Royal Historical Society). Hutton is a leading authority on the history of the British Isles in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, ancient and medieval paganism and magic, and the global context of witchcraft beliefs. He is recognized as the foremost historian of the ritual year in Britain and of modern paganism. His research interests span the political and religious history of the British Isles (1560-1690), seasonal festivals of the British Isles, and themes in the history of paganism, witchcraft and magic from prehistory to the present. Hutton's extensive publication record includes 142 research outputs comprising 85 journal articles, 29 book chapters, 19 authored books, and 5 conference contributions. His work demonstrates consistent focus on witchcraft, paganism, religious traditions, and British cultural history, with recent publications examining topics like the Wild Hunt legend, pagan survivals in Christianity, and Welsh political and religious history during the revolutionary period. Fellowship of the British Academy (2013) Fellowship of the Learned Society of Wales (2011) Hutton currently supervises twenty-two research students, fifteen of whom are working toward PhD degrees, and welcomes new research proposals in his areas of expertise. His activities include extensive conference participation (15 conference appearances), invited talks (8), advisory work, public talks, and media engagement. He previously led the research project 'THE IMAGE OF THE DRUID IN BRITAIN 1500-2000' (2003-2006) as Principal Investigator.

• Early Modern British History
• Paganism Studies
• Witchcraft History
• +4 more

Dr Helen Gittos is a Senior Lecturer and Fellow in Medieval History at Balliol College and Brasenose College, University of Oxford. She holds a PhD in early medieval history from Oxford, following an undergraduate degree in English Literature at Newcastle University. Her research focuses on medieval church history, liturgy, and the role of language in religious practices, with expertise in archaeological evidence and textual analysis. She teaches British and European medieval history at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including the MSt and MPhil programs in Medieval History. Her major publications include Liturgy, Architecture and Sacred Places in Anglo-Saxon England (2013) and co-edited volumes on medieval liturgy. Current projects explore the use of English in medieval liturgy and collaborative research on Cerne Abbas’s early medieval history with archaeologists. She leads the Oxford Centre for Early Medieval Britain and Ireland and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Worked in Stone project. Dr Gittos actively supervises DPhil students in areas related to her research, with recent advisees focusing on topics like shrines, liturgical charms, and Anglo-Saxon burial practices. She is also a media commentator, appearing in BBC News and podcasts discussing Anglo-Saxon history and archaeological discoveries.

• Medieval Church History
• Medieval Liturgy
• Old English Language
• +3 more

Dr. Fabian Schulz is a Senior Researcher in Ancient History at the University of Tübingen, where he works in the Department of History within the Faculty of Humanities. He leads a prestigious Junior Research Group under the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG), titled 'Power and Influence: Influencing Emperors between Antiquity and the Middle Ages.' His academic profile also includes association with the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 923 'Threatened Order - Societies under Stress' and active participation in the 'Tübingen Theosophy' research group. Previously, he contributed to the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities project on John Malalas' Chronicle and the University of Tübingen's DFG project 'East and West 400-600 AD.' Dr. Schulz earned his PhD in Classics from Freie Universität Berlin (2006-2010), where he also served as a teaching assistant. During his doctoral studies, he was a Pensionnaire étranger at the École Normale Supérieure Paris. Prior to that, he completed an MA equivalent degree in Classics at Freie Universität Berlin, with time spent as a visiting student at the University of Oxford (1999-2005). His early career included teaching Latin and Greek at a grammar school in Lübeck (2006). His research specializes in power structures and influence mechanisms in ancient societies, with particular focus on how advisors shaped imperial decisions in Late Antiquity. He has made significant contributions to understanding councils of elders in Archaic Greece (especially the Spartan Gerousie), Byzantine chronography (particularly John Malalas' works), and the complex dynamics between Eastern and Western Roman empires during the 5th and 6th centuries. His methodological innovation lies in applying modern sociological models of interpersonal influence to historical analysis of ancient political culture, bridging literary representation with political reality in pre-modern monarchical states. Young researchers award for 'Ratgeber, Experten, Manipulatoren: Einfluss als Machtfaktor und Diskursobjekt in der Antike' As principal investigator of his Emmy Noether project, Dr. Schulz has secured substantial research funding from the German Research Foundation. His collaborative work includes multiple edited volumes on Late Antique history and Byzantine chronography, reflecting his strong international scholarly network. He currently serves as a deputizing member (non-professorial academic staff) on the faculty board of Humanities at the University of Tübingen. His research often intersects with contemporary concerns about power dynamics, political influence, and historical memory, as evidenced by his work on video game representations of ancient history. Dr. Schulz is an active contributor to the online commentary project on John Malalas' chronicle, specifically editing sections of Book XVIII. His work frequently involves detailed textual criticism and analysis of historical sources, with particular attention to how narratives are transmitted and reinterpreted across different cultural contexts. His scholarly approach combines philological precision with broader historical and sociological perspectives.

• Ancient History
• Classics
• Late Antiquity
• +7 more

Kirsten Yri is an Associate Professor of Musicology at Wilfrid Laurier University, serving as Chair of Music Promotions and Appointments, and Coordinator for Music History, Theory, and Critical Analysis. She also oversees the Master of Music: Collaboration, Curation, and Creative Performance program. Her research focuses on medievalism in contemporary music and popular culture, the early music revival of the 20th century, and representations of gender in opera and music within colonial/postcolonial contexts. Yri’s research interests include analyzing how medieval themes are reinterpreted in modern contexts (e.g., film, heavy metal, and stage productions), examining the ideological underpinnings of early music revival movements, and exploring the intersection of music with gender, nationalism, and global cultural politics. Her work often critiques Western-centric narratives and highlights marginalized voices in music history. Her publications span articles in journals and edited volumes, with a focus on composers like Carl Orff and Hildegard of Bingen, as well as groups like Corvus Corax and Anonymous 4. She has contributed to interdisciplinary projects such as The Oxford Handbook of Music and Medievalism (2020). While no scientific awards are cited, her work is widely recognized in musicology and cultural studies. Yri’s teaching and research emphasize collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to music history, blending academic rigor with creative curation. She speaks English, Swedish, and German, enhancing her ability to engage with international scholarly resources and communities.

• Medievalism in Contemporary Music
• Early Music Revival
• Gender Studies in Opera
• +3 more

Professor Alberto Rigolio is a scholar of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University, specializing in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Roman and Late Antique periods. He focuses on Syriac literature, Greco-Roman intellectual traditions, and the reception of classical texts in early Christian and Islamic contexts. Rigolio holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University and has held prestigious fellowships at Harvard, Princeton, and All Souls College, Oxford. He serves as Chair of the Board of Examiners at Durham and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research explores the transformation of classical dialogue forms in late antiquity, the transmission of Greek texts into Syriac and Arabic, and the cultural intersections between Greco-Roman, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Key works include Christians in Conversation (Oxford UP, 2019), which examines late antique dialogue literature, and a forthcoming book on the emergence of Syriac literature supported by British Academy and Princeton IAS fellowships. Education: BA/Milan, D.Phil./Oxford, Postdoctoral Fellowships at Harvard and Princeton Affiliations: Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Durham Rigolio's articles analyze Syriac translations of Aristotelian works, Plutarch, and Themistius, revealing how Greco-Roman thought was adapted to meet religious and cultural needs. His projects include studies on Syriac rhetoric, the Roman household in late antique conflicts, and para-biblical narratives. He supervises postdoctoral researchers and PhD students on topics ranging from Syriac literary culture to late antique religious identity. Awards: British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2024), All Souls College Visiting Fellowship (2024) Grants: Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, American Philosophical Society He directs research labs examining Syriac intellectual culture and co-ordinates interdisciplinary projects on late antique translation movements. Rigolio is actively involved in public outreach, offering talks on Roman religion, Palmyrene military identity, and the Graeco-Syro-Arabic textual tradition.

• Late Antiquity
• Syriac Studies
• Greco-Roman Near East
• +4 more

Richard Steigmann-Gall is an Associate Professor of History at Kent State University's Department of History, within the College of Arts & Sciences. He previously served as Director of the Jewish Studies Program (2004–2010). Holding degrees from the University of Michigan (BA, MA) and the University of Toronto (PhD), his research focuses on religion and Nazi Germany, transatlantic fascism, and antisemitism. His seminal work, *The Holy Reich: Nazi Conceptions of Christianity, 1919-1945*, has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, earning widespread academic and public acclaim. His research has been supported by grants from institutions like the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Max Planck Institute, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Dr. Steigmann-Gall has presented globally, including at Georgetown, NYU, Cambridge University, and the University of Sydney. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award from Kent State's College of Arts & Sciences (2004) and has been a frequent media commentator on fascism and modern political movements. Research & Education: His expertise spans Nazism’s religious dimensions, comparative fascist ideologies, and the cultural underpinnings of antisemitism. Current projects include a chapter on religion and genocide in pre-WWII American fascist thought for *American Fascism: Past and Present* (Cambridge). He has published in journals like *German History*, *Journal of Holocaust Research*, and *Totalitarian Movements and Political Religions*. Teaching & Outreach: Dr. Steigmann-Gall teaches courses on modern European history, fascism, and the Holocaust. He has mentored students in topics including Nazi Germany and transnational extremism, and his pedagogical approach has been recognized through teaching awards and nominations. He has also engaged with public discourse through media appearances in *The New York Times*, *The Daily Beast*, and documentaries on the History Channel. Awards & Grants: Distinguished Teaching Award (2004) Grants from the Max Planck Institute, SSHRC, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Collaborations & Networks: He has collaborated on edited volumes and contributed to projects at institutions worldwide, reflecting his commitment to transnational historical inquiry.

• Nazism
• Religion and Politics
• Modern Germany
• +4 more

Baha Yiğit Sayın is an Assistant Professor of Roman Law at Koç University's Law School since 2009. He holds a PhD from Istanbul University (2009), an LLM from the University of Warwick (2002), and a Bachelor's degree from Istanbul University (1999). His research focuses on Roman Law, Comparative Law, Slavery in Antiquity, and Gender Studies in Legal Contexts. He has authored books like Roma’da Köle ve Hukuku (2020) and Roma Klasik Hukukundan Modern Hukuklara Obligatio Naturalis (2023), and contributed to journals such as Annales de la Faculté de Droit d’Istanbul and Bahçeşehir Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi . Prof. Sayın has served as Head of the Roman Law and Legal History Departments at Koç Law School since 2011. He received teaching awards from Koç University (2013–2014, 2018–2019) and the Crystal Tulip Award for Jurist of the Year (2019). His work bridges ancient legal systems with modern legal theory, emphasizing historical continuity and comparative analysis. He has lectured globally, including at the University of Oxford and the University of Cape Town, and contributed to initiatives like the Legal Philosophy Summer School at Koç University. His administrative roles include Dean of Students at Koç University (2019–2022), member of the Koç University Press editorial board, and participation in international academic organizations like the Société Internationale Fernand De Visscher pour l’Histoire des Droits dl’Antiquité.

• Roman Law
• Comparative Law
• Law and Technology
• +3 more

Dr. Maggie Webster is a Senior Lecturer in Education and Religion at Edge Hill University since 2005, specializing in Religious Education and the study of contemporary witchcraft and paganisms. She holds a PhD from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David titled Becoming Witch: Creating and Confirming Faith Traditions within Social Networking Spaces , which explores digital-age religious identity formation. Education Background: PhD in Paganisms (2013–2021) MA in Religious Education (University College London, 1998–2001) B.ED in Theology and Religious Studies with QTS (University of Chester, 1995) Research Interests: Focus on witchcraft, digital ethnography, religious identities online, and alternative spiritualities. Active in academic conferences (e.g., Brno, Salzburg, Athens) and has published three books: Teaching Primary Religious Education (2010), Creative Activities for EAL Pupils (2011), and Teaching the Primary Foundation Subjects (2015). Professional Roles: Current Course Lead for BA Religion and Secondary Religious Education with QTS. External Examiner at University of Central Lancashire (2021–2024) and York St John University (2019–2024). Key Contributions: Monograph forthcoming on her PhD work (2025), and articles analyzing witchcraft in media and education. Advocates for accurate representation of religious practices in public discourse.

• Paganisms
• Witchcraft
• Contemporary Witchcraft
• +5 more

Lea Altnurme (born December 23, 1968) is an Associate Professor of Sociology of Religion at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, School of Theology and Religious Studies. She has been affiliated with the University of Tartu since 1995, holding various research and teaching positions including Senior Research Fellow in Sociology of Religion (2016-2020) and Senior Research Fellow in Religion Studies (2011-2016). Dr. Altnurme earned her Doctor's Degree in 2006 from the University of Tartu with a dissertation titled 'Kristlusest oma usuni' (From Christianity to Own Belief), supervised by Tarmo Kulmar and Ülo Valk. Her educational background includes a degree in History from the University of Tartu (1994, cum laude) and a Master of Theology (1997). Her primary research interests focus on the religiosity of Estonians throughout history and in contemporary society, with particular expertise in non-Christian religions, esotericism, religious individualization, and the marginalization of Christianity in Estonia. Her work examines how religious traditions transform in modern society, especially within Estonian context. Dr. Altnurme's publications reveal a strong focus on contemporary religious trends in Estonia, particularly the rise of new spiritualities, esoteric practices, and nature-based religious expressions. Her recent work (2020-2025) explores topics including nature worship, shamanic traditions, ayahuasca communities, religious healing, and the complex relationship between institutional and vernacular religious expressions in post-secular Estonia. 2006: The expert commission of social sciences of Estonian Science Foundation acknowledged her project 'Religious Life in Estonia in the Second Half of the 20th Century' She is an active member of the Estonian academic community, serving as a member of the Estonian Society for the Study of Religions (and board member from 2006-2010) and the Estonian Society of Academic Theology (serving as secretary from 1999-2001 and 2003-2006). Her research contributes significantly to understanding the complex religious landscape of contemporary Estonia and its historical development.

• Religiosity of Estonians in history
• Contemporary religious trends
• Non-Christian religions
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Schramm serves as an Extraordinary Professor of Classical Philology at the University of Göttingen's Faculty of Humanities. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions including Heidelberg, Jena, Leipzig, and Bielefeld, with doctoral and habilitation degrees establishing his expertise in ancient philosophical traditions. Research interests center on Neoplatonism, Greek tragedy reception, and Late Antique political-religious dynamics, particularly focusing on Julian the Apostate's theological works and Euripides' influence in imperial philosophy. His publications demonstrate rigorous engagement with textual criticism, philosophical exegesis, and intercultural dialogue between pagan and early Christian thought. Current research includes DFG-funded projects on Julian's religious philosophy (2015-2019) and Euripidean tragedy's relationship to providence (2020-2021), alongside a Gerda Henkel Foundation research fellowship (2020-2021). His editorial leadership in volumes like Euripides-Rezeption in Kaiserzeit und Spätantike (2020) shapes contemporary scholarship in classical reception studies. Advisory roles include postdoctoral mentoring through DFG research groups, with institutional service comprising temporary professorships at Bamberg, Bonn, Tübingen, and Jena since 2012. His methodological approach integrates philological precision with philosophical analysis across monographs, critical editions, and interdisciplinary handbooks.

• Classical Philology
• Ancient Philosophy
• Neoplatonism
• +7 more

Mattias Gassman is an Assistant Professor of Humanities at the University of Florida's Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. His research focuses on the transformation of Roman religious ideas by Christianity, particularly in late antiquity. Previously, he held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of St. Andrews and the University of Oxford. He earned a PhD in Classics from the University of Cambridge (2017), and prior degrees from Oxford, Minnesota, and Iowa State University. His research emphasizes critical analysis of modern concepts like 'paganism' and 'secularity' through ancient lenses. His first monograph, Worshippers of the Gods (Oxford, 2020), examined fourth-century Roman religious debates. His current book project, Citizens of the Earth , analyzes Augustine's engagement with Roman religion across his works. He also co-authored a general-audience textbook on fourth- and fifth-century theological controversies. His articles explore topics such as Augustine's anti-pagan rhetoric, late antique preacher techniques, and the reception of classical texts. Recent publications appear in Journal of Early Christian Studies , Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte , and Augustinian Studies . He teaches courses on ancient texts and religious history, including Immortality (Quest 1) and Great Books of the Ancient World .

• Late Antique Studies
• History of Christianity
• Roman Religion
• +3 more

Peter O’Brien is an Assistant Professor of Classics in the King’s-Dalhousie Joint Faculty, with formal affiliations at both Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College. Holding degrees from the University of Windsor (BA Hons), Dalhousie (MA), and Boston University (MA, PhD), he has been a faculty member since 2001 after teaching at a Boston private school. Roles: Graduate Coordinator, King’s-Dalhousie Carnegie Professor, Public Orator (2011-present), Vice-President (2017-2021) Editorial: Co-Editor of Mouseion: Journal of the Classical Association of Canada Teaching: Specializes in Virgil, Ovid, Catullus, and late Roman history Research Focus: Literary analysis of Ammianus Marcellinus’ historiography, Virgilian allusions in late antiquity, and Neo-Latin literature with Canadian themes. His work spans classical formation, emotional rhetoric in Jesuit texts, and classical tradition in Atlantic Canada. Publications Trends: 15 recent works (2006-2019) demonstrate expertise in Latin historiography, Virgilian intertextuality, and Neo-Latin studies. Key themes include rhetorical analysis of imperial speeches, classical reception in colonial contexts, and sacred/secular dynamics in historical narratives. Scientific Awards: Recognized for teaching excellence and graduate advising (2006, 2007, 2010). Holds leadership roles in the Classical Association of Canada (Vice-President 2022-2024). Advising & Outreach: Served as graduate coordinator, contributed to Halifax Humanities 101 and Halifax Thinks community programs, and coordinated the Foundation Year Programme at King’s College.

• Late Antiquity
• Latin Literature
• Neo-Latin
• +4 more

Professor Martial Staub holds the position of Professor of Medieval History at the University of Sheffield, serving as Internationalisation Officer and SRDS Director within the School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities. He joined the university in 2004 after a research fellowship at the Max Planck Institute of History in Göttingen, Germany. His academic training includes degrees from the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris X Nanterre, and the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, alongside studies at the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Fontenay/St Cloud. Staub’s research focuses on late medieval European history, particularly South German and Italian cities, with expertise in medieval philanthropy, historiography, and spatial mobility. He co-directs the Centre for the Study of Abrupt, Violent and Traumatic Change and leads projects on medieval global citizenship. His teaching spans undergraduate courses like 'Pagans, Christians and Heretics in Medieval Europe' and postgraduate programs such as 'Approaching the Middle Ages.' Professional roles include editorial board memberships for journals like Zeitschrift für Ideengeschichte and German History , alongside affiliations with institutions such as the Görres-Gesellschaft. His work bridges interdisciplinary collaborations, addressing themes of exile, urban history, and the interplay between medieval and modern contexts.

• Medieval History
• Late Medieval European History
• History of the Church
• +6 more

Michael E. Heyes is Associate Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department at Lycoming College, where he teaches courses on religion, literature, and the history of Christianity. He received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Rice University (2015) and an M.A. in Comparative Religion from the University of Washington (2008). Previously, he held a visiting instructorship at the University of South Florida – Tampa. Education: Ph.D., Religious Studies, Rice University, 2015 M.A., Comparative Religion, University of Washington, 2008 Heyes' research interests span both medieval and modern religious phenomena. His work explores religion and literature , monstrosity and demonology , saints’ lives , gender and race in religious narratives , and American civil religion . He has published extensively on how religious identities are constructed through narratives of the monstrous, from medieval hagiography to contemporary film and conspiracy theories like QAnon. His teaching includes introductory religion, theory-driven courses, religion in fiction and film, and western esotericism. His scholarly output includes two monographs— Demons in the USA (2024) and Margaret's Monsters (2020)—and an edited volume, Holy Monsters, Sacred Grotesques (2018). His articles analyze themes such as demonic corporeality, the racialization of monsters in film, and the gendered dynamics of sainthood. The publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary trend, blending religious studies with literary analysis, cultural criticism, and film theory, particularly focusing on how media shapes spiritual imagination. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Heyes is actively involved in academic service, including co-editing The Journal of Gods and Monsters and organizing special issues on displacement and monstrosity. He has also issued calls for book chapters, such as on Lovecraftian horror in Japan, indicating ongoing research leadership. There is no mention of advising students or receiving grants in the provided material. He maintains a scholarly presence on Academia.edu and has presented at various academic forums. Labs and Research Teams: Co-editor, The Journal of Gods and Monsters Organizer of academic panels and symposia on religion and monstrosity

• Religion and Literature
• History of Christianity
• Medieval Religion
• +11 more

J. Albert Harrill is a Professor of History at The Ohio State University , where he has been affiliated with the Department of History since at least 2010. Holding a Ph.D. in New Testament and Early Christian Literature from the University of Chicago , Harrill specializes in the intersection of New Testament , early Christianity , and Roman social history , particularly focusing on ancient slaves and marginalized communities . Education: Ph.D., New Testament and Early Christian Literature, University of Chicago His research explores social and cultural dynamics in early Christian texts, with significant contributions to slavery studies through works like Slaves in the New Testament (2006) and The Manumission of Slaves in Early Christianity (1995). He also investigates ethnic fluidity in Ephesians, exegetical methodologies , and classical literary topoi in patristic writings. Recent Publications examine: Ephesians as a circular letter 1 Corinthians 7:21 and evolving scholarship on Pauline slavery Atheist catalogues in classical and Christian contexts Architectural ekphrasis in Roman culture Origen's exegetical techniques Scientific Awards: 2021 Sphinx and Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty 2019 Honors Faculty Service Award in Arts and Sciences 2017 Clio Award for Distinguished Teaching in History 2012 Distinguished Teaching Award in Religious Studies (Indiana University) With nearly 35 years of teaching experience , Harrill has received consistent recognition for courses on Paul's apostleship , historical Jesus , Greek/Roman slavery , and ancient Roman religion . He maintains active academic engagement through the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean World .

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christianity
• Roman Social History
• +6 more