Malcolm Choat

Malcolm Choat is a Professor of History and Associate Dean, Research Training and Performance in the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University. His research focuses on ancient Mediterranean history, particularly early Christianity, monasticism, and papyrology. He leads the 'Forging Antiquity' project examining authenticity debates and cultural heritage, and contributes to the 'Markers of Authenticity' program. Choat’s work integrates papyrological analysis with cultural and religious history, exploring how ancient texts and practices shape modern understandings of the past.

His projects include ARC-funded studies on religious authority in late antique Egypt, communication in monastic communities, and scribal practices. He collaborates on editorial initiatives such as the Papyri from the Rise of Christianity in Egypt and the Neubauer Collegium’s Transmission of Magical Knowledge in Antiquity. Choat also oversees the publication of papyrus archives from Dra’ Abu el-Naga excavations.

Choat’s research outputs span 20+ years, with recent focus on material analysis of papyrus, forgery studies, and monastic epistolography. His work bridges textual analysis with archaeological evidence, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ancient cultures.

He is part of the Ancient Cultures Research Centre (MQACRC) and has collaborated on excavations and editorial projects globally. Choat’s contributions include over 75 scholarly works, highlighting his role as a leading figure in papyrology and late antique studies.