Emilie van Opstall

Dr. Emilie van Opstall is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at VU Amsterdam, specializing in Ancient and Medieval Greek language and literature within the Art and Culture, History, Antiquity department. She is affiliated with the Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA) and teaches across various levels of the Classics and Ancient Studies programs.

Her educational background includes Classics studies at the University of Amsterdam, followed by a DEA at Paris Sorbonne (cum laude 2001) and a PhD in Byzantine Studies from the University of Amsterdam (cum laude 2006). Prior to her academic career, she taught Greek, Latin and Ancient Culture in secondary education for ten years at Ignatius gymnasium Amsterdam (1996-2006).

Dr. van Opstall's research focuses on literature (textual transmission and literary interpretation), its cultural context and reception, with particular interest in late antique and medieval literature. She approaches her research from cross-cultural perspectives, linking past and present. Her current project "Travelling Tales" examines the Medieval story of Sindbad the Philosopher / The Seven Sages of Rome as it traveled through the Middle East and Europe from the Middle Ages to Early Modernity.

Her research output spans various areas including Late Antique and Byzantine poetry and prose (metaphors, ekphrasis, satire, creative reception), and the experience of sacred space in Late Antiquity. She combines approaches from Greek and Latin literature, archaeology, art history, and philosophy in her interdisciplinary work.

• Lofprijs der Nederlandse Taal (Dutch Language Prize) 2014

Dr. van Opstall actively supervises students and has examined PhD theses on topics related to Byzantine poetry and historical transmission. She has been involved in numerous academic activities including 55 lectures/presentations, 8 editorial works, and participation in 6 conferences. Her research has been featured in media outlets including VPRO radio and KRO.