Adam Schwartz

Adam Schwartz serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Greek and Latin at the SAXO Institute, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen. Employed continuously since 2005, he progressed from PhD candidate to postdoctoral fellow and temporary associate professor before securing his permanent position in 2013, demonstrating deep institutional integration across nearly two decades of research and teaching.

His academic foundation was built at the University of Copenhagen:

• PhD in Classics (2005), dissertation: "Re-staging the hoplite. Arms, armour and phalanx fighting in Archaic and Classical Greece"
• MA in Classics (2001), thesis: "Deuteros plous: en analyse af den aristoteliske forfatnings type politeia"
• Admitted to Department of Greek and Latin (1994)

Professor Schwartz specializes in Ancient Greek history, particularly the Archaic period (c. 750-300 BCE). His research examines military institutions, hoplite warfare tactics, socio-religious dimensions of combat, the "Homeric society," oral poetic traditions, and early literacy emergence in predominantly oral cultures. Current projects include comparative studies of early literacy across oral societies and a complete Danish translation of Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War. His interdisciplinary approach combines philological analysis with historical and archaeological perspectives to reconstruct ancient Greek societal structures.

Recent publications reveal consistent focus on hoplite warfare mechanics and early literacy development. Articles dissect specific elements like hoplite footwear and analyze archaeological reliefs depicting warriors, while book chapters contextualize city-states within the Archaic Greek world. His translation work and critical reviews demonstrate dual commitment to primary source accessibility and academic discourse, revealing a trajectory deepening understanding of Greek military culture and literacy's societal impact.

No specific scientific awards or major grants are documented in the provided materials. However, Schwartz maintains active scholarly engagement through conference presentations and media appearances that extend his research impact beyond academia.

As an educator, Schwartz emphasizes public outreach through translation and media contributions. His podcast appearances on early Greek literacy and hoplite warfare demonstrate dedication to making ancient history accessible. While formal advising roles aren't detailed, his teaching responsibilities within the Department of Greek and Latin undoubtedly shape future classics scholars through rigorous philological training.

The SAXO Institute provides Schwartz's primary research environment, fostering collaboration across archaeology, ethnology, philology, and history. This interdisciplinary setting supports his integrative approach to studying ancient Greek society through multiple methodological lenses, particularly valuable for examining the intersection of military practice and cultural development.