Matthias Hoernes

Matthias Hoernes is a Post-Doc Researcher in Greek Archaeology at the University of Vienna's Department of Classical Archaeology since March 2021, specializing in pre-Roman Mediterranean funerary practices. His academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Innsbruck (2014-2019) supervised by Erich Kistler and Christian Heitz, with prior MA studies at the same institution.

His research centers on Hellenistic funerary archaeology in southern Italy, particularly tomb reuse practices, subadult burials, and food symbolism in burial contexts. Key projects include Fake Food: Lead Feasting Utensils examining community formation through funerary consumption, and Tracing the Transformation of Southern Italy, a co-edited volume analyzing 4th century BCE Mediterranean dynamics. His methodological approach integrates transcultural encounter theory with archaeological taphonomy.

Notable publications demonstrate evolving focus from early work on Sicilian Archaic settlements (Between Aphrodite Temple and Late Archaic House, FWF project P22642-G19) to current leadership in funerary landscape studies. Recent articles in Cambridge Archaeological Journal and Journal of Anthropological Archaeology establish his expertise in post-burial practices and childhood archaeology across Apulia and Basilicata.

Award highlights include the Margarete-Bieber-Preis (2020) for his doctoral work and the prestigious Promotio sub auspiciis (2021). His research is supported through initiatives like the NereiD3 digitalization project funded by the Vienna University Anniversary Fund.

As an active educator, Hoernes teaches core courses including Introduction to Greek Archaeology and specialized seminars on Athenian funerary monuments. He co-organizes international workshops on university collections management and directs outreach initiatives like the Antike fühlen museum engagement program.