Johannes Pahlitzsch

Johannes Pahlitzsch is a Professor of Byzantine Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. He holds a habilitation (2008) and PhD (1998) from Free University of Berlin, with research focused on Byzantine-Arab relations, Christian communities under Islamic rule, and cultural transfer in the Eastern Mediterranean. He has held visiting positions at institutions like Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study and Wolfson College, Oxford.

Education:

• 2008: Habilitation in Byzantine and Arabic Studies (Berlin)
• 1998: PhD in Medieval History (Berlin, summa cum laude)
• 1993: MA in Medieval History (Berlin, excellent)
• 1989: Church Music (Berlin)

His research spans Byzantine legal history, monasticism, and intercommunal relations in Crusader states and Mamluk territories. He has edited the Mainz Publications on Byzantine Studies series (since 2014) and co-edited works on Euro-Mediterranean war cultures (2024). His articles analyze pious foundations, Garšūnī scripts, and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• Onassis Foundation Research Grant (2014/15)
• Princeton Institute for Advanced Study Fellowship (2019)
• Annemarie-Schimmel-Kolleg Fellowship (2011/12)
• Gerda Henkel Foundation Scholarship (2003-2005)
• Alexander-Böhlig Award for Dissertations (2002)

He has served as Spokesman for GRK 2304 'Byzantium and the Euro-Mediterranean War Cultures' (since 2018) and directed the Historical Seminar at Mainz (2011-2013). His editorial work includes co-editing Victors and Vanquished (2024) and advising on projects like Christian-Muslim Relations: A Bibliographical History (2009-2013).