Benjamin Müsegades

Prof. Dr. Benjamin Müsegades is the W3 Professor for Franconian Regional History at the University of Würzburg since March 2025 and is scheduled to become Emeritus from September 2025. Previously, he served as Acting Professor for European Medieval History (Late Middle Ages) at Humboldt University of Berlin (2021–2024), Acting Professor for Comparative Regional History (European Perspective, Late Middle Ages) at University of Heidelberg (2020–2021), and Director of the Hessian Institute for Regional History in Marburg (Summer 2025).

Education:

• Habilitation (2019), University of Heidelberg – “Heilige in der mittelalterlichen Bischofsstadt. Speyer und Lincoln im Vergleich (11. bis frühes 16. Jahrhundert)”
• PhD (2013), University of Greifswald – “Fürstliche Erziehung und Ausbildung im spätmittelalterlichen Reich”
• First State Examination (2009), University of Greifswald – History & English (Teacher Training)
• Study Abroad (2006–2007), University of the South, Sewanee (USA)

Research Interests:

Prof. Müsegades focuses on Franconian and Palatine regional history, medieval court culture, princely education, monastic and ecclesiastical history, and comparative urban studies with a strong emphasis on the Late Middle Ages. His work integrates digital humanities approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives on medieval governance, religion, and society.

Publications & Trends:

His recent publications (2019–2025) reflect a consistent engagement with princely courts, regional power structures, and mediation of memory and identity in medieval Europe. Key themes include dynastic strategies, urban-rural interactions, ecclesiastical patronage, and comparative studies between German and English contexts. His research often employs source-critical editions and digital regesta projects.

Teaching & Institutional Roles:

In the Winter Semester 2025/26, he offers courses on Staufer imperial policy, Frederick Barbarossa, Wittelsbach regional history, late medieval women and power, and diplomatics of business records. His teaching emphasizes source-based learning and interdisciplinary approaches to medieval studies.

Labs & Teams:

While no formal lab is mentioned, Prof. Müsegades has collaborated extensively with DFG-funded graduate colleges and historical institutes (e.g., German Historical Institute London), and co-edits publications with international scholars.