Hiram Kümper

Prof. Dr. Hiram Kümper holds the Carl Theodor Professorship at the University of Mannheim's Chair of Late Medieval and Early Modern History within the Philosophische Fakultät. He previously worked at Vechta University of Applied Sciences and Bielefeld University before joining Mannheim in 2013. His research focuses on medieval and early modern legal systems, religious practices, historiography, and the intersection of qualitative and quantitative historical analysis. He actively engages in public history through museums and educational initiatives.

Education:

• Studies in history, philosophy, and German studies at Ruhr University Bochum
• Doctorate (2007) at University of Mannheim under Karl-Friedrich Krieger

Research Interests: Kümper explores normative systems in premodern Europe—law, religion, and piety—with recent emphasis on expert discourses about sexual violence. He also investigates economic and social history, historiography, and the transmission of historical knowledge in schools, universities, and museums. His work bridges archival analysis with digital humanities approaches, as seen in projects like the Rastatter Frieden study.

Publications Overview: His 2023 works include studies on medieval urban legal records and biographical analysis. Recent trends show continued emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to medieval/early modern legal and cultural history, including exhibitions and source editions.

Awards & Recognition: Listed in Kürschner's Scholars' Calendar, reflecting his scholarly prominence. His ORCID profile (0000-0002-6912-0874) documents extensive contributions to historical research.

Academic Service: Serves as liaison lecturer for the Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst, advising Protestant students. He coordinates the Project Management TransforMA and participates in international scholarly networks.