Koder Johannes

Johannes Koder is a Full Professor of Byzantine Studies and former Director of the Institute for Byzantine and Neohellenic Studies at the University of Vienna (1985–2010). He also served as Director of Excavations at Ephesos, Turkey (2008–2009) and Interim Director of the Austrian Archaeological Institute (2007–2009). Koder holds dual expertise in Byzantine history, archaeology, and theology, with notable contributions to monastic mysticism, economic history, and historical geography of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Education: Born in Vienna (1942), he earned his Dr. phil. in Byzantine Studies (University of Vienna, 1965), followed by postdoctoral work in Athens and Munich. He became a Full Professor in 1978 at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, later moving to the University of Vienna in 1985.

Research Interests: Koder’s work bridges textual analysis and archaeological evidence, focusing on Byzantine identity, economic networks, and religious practices. His studies on Symeon the New Theologian and Romanos Melodos reveal insights into Byzantine spirituality, while his geographic research (e.g., Tabula Imperii Byzantini) maps medieval political and cultural landscapes.

Scientific Honors: Koder has received prestigious awards including the Cross of Merit for Science (Austria, 2010), Commander of the Order of the Phoenix (Greece, 1996), and multiple honorary doctorates (Athens, Ioannina). He is a Full Member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and foreign member of the Athens Academy.

Leadership & Grants: Koder held leadership roles in academic organizations, including presidency of the Association Internationale des Études Byzantines (2012) and directorships of major research projects like the Tabula Imperii Byzantini. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across Europe and the Mediterranean.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Austrian Archaeological Institute and the Institute for Byzantine Research, Koder’s projects include excavations at Ephesos and the publication of critical editions of Byzantine texts.