Holger Baitinger

Holger Baitinger is an Adjunct Professor at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and a Research Associate at the Roman-Germanic Central Museum (RGZM) / Leibniz Centre for Archaeology (LEIZA) in Mainz, where he serves as curator of the Prehistory collection section. With over three decades of experience in archaeology, Professor Baitinger specializes in the Hallstatt and Early La Tène periods in Central Europe, Greek sanctuaries, and the Iron Age in Sicily.

His academic journey began with studies at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (1985-1987) and Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich (1987-1991), where he earned his Master's degree. He completed his doctorate in 1995 at LMU Munich with a thesis on the Hallstatt period in northeastern Baden-Württemberg, followed by his habilitation at Goethe University Frankfurt in 2016. In 2004, he was elected as a Corresponding Member of the German Archaeological Institute.

Professor Baitinger's research focuses on cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly examining metal finds as evidence of connections between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. His work at significant archaeological sites including Olympia (Greece), Selinunte (Sicily), and the Glauberg (Germany) has contributed substantially to our understanding of Iron Age societies. His analysis of votive offerings, especially weapons in Greek sanctuaries, and his studies of the Celtic princely seat at Glauberg represent key contributions to the field.

His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output over the past two decades, with particular emphasis on the 2015-2022 period. These works reveal a research trajectory focused on Mediterranean-Central European cultural interactions during the Iron Age, with specific attention to metal objects as cultural indicators. His scholarship bridges classical archaeology and European prehistory, offering comparative perspectives on material culture across geographical boundaries.

Professor Baitinger has received research funding from prestigious organizations including the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Gerda Henkel Foundation. His work on the Glauberg site contributed to the highly successful 'Riddle of the Celts of Glauberg' exhibition, demonstrating his ability to connect academic research with public engagement.

At the Roman-Germanic Central Museum, Professor Baitinger oversees the prehistory collection while continuing his research on Mediterranean connections with Central Europe during the Iron Age. His dual affiliation with the research museum and university enables him to bridge academic research with museum curation and public education.