Christoph Michels

PD Dr. Christoph Michels is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Ancient History, University of Münster. Since 2020, he holds a Heisenberg Fellowship, and since April 2025, he will serve as interim Chair for Ancient History at the University of Bonn. His research spans Hellenistic history (particularly Asia Minor), Greek historiography, and Roman imperial representation.

• Key Affiliations:
  • University of Münster (Heisenberg Fellowship)
  • University of Bonn (interim Professorship)
  • Former interim positions at Tübingen, Mainz, Düsseldorf, Bayreuth, and Münster

Research Interests focus on cultural contacts in the Old World, the development of power representation in Greco-Roman contexts, and monarchical ideals in the Hellenistic world. His work examines how local traditions in Asia Minor interacted with Greek practices, and he analyzes Roman imperial coinage for political messaging.

Publication Trends show sustained engagement with:

• Roman emperors' use of gratiarum actio as political tools
• Syncretism in Hellenistic Anatolian dynasties (Bithynia, Pontus, Cappadocia)
• Memory and emotion in ancient political rhetoric
• Numismatic analysis of Antonine and Hellenistic coins
• Comparative studies of Persian and Hellenistic kingship
• Imperial cult practices in Eastern provinces

Scientific Awards include:

• Heisenberg Fellowship (2020–present)
• Member of the Young College of North Rhine-Westphalian Academy (2014–2017)

His work frequently intersects with interdisciplinary projects, such as co-editing volumes on Monarchical Rule and Representation and Memory Studies. He has contributed to debates on imperial economy and political violence in Hellenistic poleis.