David Hamacher

David Hamacher serves as a Researcher in the Department of Ancient History at the Institute of Historical Sciences, University of Bonn. He has been a scientific staff member since August 2016 in the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1167 'Power and Rule – Premodern Configurations in Transcultural Perspective,' where he contributes to interdisciplinary research on historical power structures.

His research focuses on Roman Imperial history, particularly society, culture and politics of the Early and High Imperial Period, Roman historiography, and ruler cult practices. Key interests include damnatio memoriae (memory sanctions against deposed emperors), political representation in Roman tragedy, and power dynamics at imperial courts as reflected in historical narratives. His work often examines how rulers legitimized their authority through religious, cultural, and political mechanisms.

Hamacher's publication record reveals consistent engagement with Roman imperial power structures across multiple historical periods. His work spans from Julio-Claudian dynasty analyses to Late Antiquity transformations, demonstrating expertise in both textual criticism of ancient sources and interdisciplinary approaches to power studies. Recent publications show particular interest in transcultural comparisons of rulership and the intersection of religious and political authority.

As an educator, Hamacher has taught courses including 'The Staging of Death in Ancient Rome,' 'Death and Cult of the Dead in Ancient Greece,' and specialized seminars on Septimius Severus. His teaching focuses on critical analysis of primary sources and contemporary methodological approaches to ancient history.

He completed his doctoral dissertation in December 2021 on 'Investigations into the Institution of Roman Imperial Apotheosis in the Early and High Principate' under Prof. Dr. Konrad Vössing, and holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in History from the University of Bonn with specializations in Ancient History.