Michael Blömer

Michael Blömer is an Associate Professor of Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Münster, affiliated with the Asia Minor Research Centre and the Department of Ancient History. His research focuses on Greek and Roman sculpture, Hellenistic-Roman Near East, ancient religion, and urbanism. He leads the Doliche Urban Excavations project in southeastern Turkey, investigating the ancient city of Doliche and its sanctuary of Jupiter Dolichenus.

Blömer holds a doctorate from the University of Münster (2009) and has held academic positions at institutions including Aarhus University (2015–2019). He has conducted extensive archaeological fieldwork in Syria and Turkey, notably in Doliche, Edessa, and the Euphrates region. His work integrates archaeological excavation with historical analysis, emphasizing cultural interaction and religious practices in the Roman Near East.

His research interests encompass urban development, religious iconography, and the material culture of ancient cities. Key projects include the exploration of Doliche’s urban landscape, the analysis of funerary portraiture in Roman Syria, and the study of cult practices associated with Jupiter Dolichenus. He has published extensively on these topics, including monographs and edited volumes that contextualize archaeological findings within broader historical frameworks.

Blömer’s scientific contributions include over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, focusing on topics like the archaeology of Gaziantep, the transformation of pagan religion in the Roman Empire, and the socio-political dynamics of ancient cities. His work bridges classical archaeology with interdisciplinary approaches, offering insights into the interconnectedness of ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern societies.

He currently serves as a Fellow at the Cluster of Excellence Religion and Politics and co-directs the Doliche project. His research is supported by grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and international collaborations. Blömer also contributes to public archaeology through exhibitions and publications aimed at broad audiences.