Helga Bumke

Helga Bumke is a Professor of Classical Archaeology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. She previously held positions as a lecturer at the University of Bonn (2000–2010) and Professor at Ruhr University Bochum (2010–2011). She is a Correspondent Member of the German Archaeological Institute (since 2009) and leads the project Kulte im Kult since 2009. Her research focuses on Greek and Roman art, particularly sculpture and iconography, and the archaeology of ancient religion, with a specialization in Greek cults and sanctuaries.

Education: Born in 1966, she studied Classical Archaeology, Art History, and Ancient History in Berlin and Heidelberg, earning her MA (1993) and PhD (1997). She has conducted extensive fieldwork, including leading excavations at Didyma (Turkey) since 1994 and serving as director of the site since 2012. Her research explores cultural transfers and religious practices in antiquity, often examining votive offerings and sanctuary dynamics.

Publications and Projects: Bumke’s work spans monographs and articles on topics like Egyptian votive offerings in Greek sanctuaries, Roman-Greek cultural interactions, and Late Antique sanctuaries. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges art history, archaeology, and religious studies, contributing to debates on material culture and identity in the ancient world. Notable grants include support from the German Research Foundation for Athenian studies (2005–2006).

Awards: Her academic contributions are recognized through her membership in the German Archaeological Institute and sustained research fellowships. She actively collaborates on international projects, including excavations and publications, furthering the understanding of ancient Mediterranean cultures.