Achim Lichtenberger

Achim Lichtenberger is Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Münster, where he serves as Director of the Archaeological Museum and Managing Director of the Institute for Classical Archaeology and Christian Archaeology. He has held this position since October 2016, following his professorship at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (2010-2016). Lichtenberger is an active researcher with leadership roles in multiple international projects focusing on Hellenistic and Roman archaeology across the Mediterranean and Near East.

• 2008: Habilitation in Münster with "Severus Pius Augustus. Studien zur sakralen Repräsentation und Rezeption der Herrschaft des Septimius Severus und seiner Familie (193-211 n. Chr.)"
• 2001: PhD at Eberhard Karls-Universität Tübingen
• 1998: MA at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin
• 1993-1998: Studies in Classical Archaeology, Ancient History and Evangelical Theology

Lichtenberger's research centers on Hellenistic and Roman ruler representation, Greco-Roman Near East iconography, ancient religion, and numismatics. His work bridges archaeology, history, and religious studies with emphasis on cross-cultural interactions. He conducts extensive fieldwork in Armenia, Jordan, and Israel, examining Hellenistic settlements, urban development, and religious practices. His methodological approach combines traditional archaeological techniques with geophysical prospection, material analysis, and interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks.

His recent publications reveal expanding research interests in Hellenistic urbanism in Armenia (particularly Artaxata), the archaeology of Decapolis cities following the AD 749 earthquake, and Greco-Phoenician mythology as reflected in imperial coinage. His work consistently addresses cultural entanglement and power representation in the ancient world, increasingly incorporating environmental evidence and interdisciplinary approaches.

• 2022: Corresponding Member of the German Archaeological Institute

Lichtenberger leads major research projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), Fritz Thyssen Foundation, and other institutions. His international collaborations span Armenia, Israel, Jordan, and beyond. As Pro-Dean of the Department of History/Philosophy at the University of Münster since 2020, he plays a significant institutional role while mentoring doctoral students and advancing the University of Münster as a center for Hellenistic and Roman Near Eastern studies.

Lichtenberger directs the Armenian-German Artaxata Project investigating the Hellenistic capital in the Ararat Plain and co-leads the German-Israeli Tell Iẓṭabba Excavation Project. His institutional leadership includes service on the General Assembly, Scientific Advisory Board, and Commission for Equality and Diversity, reflecting his commitment to academic governance and diversity initiatives.