Michael Kerschner

Michael Kerschner is a Senior Research Associate at the Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) within the Austrian Academy of Sciences. He specializes in early Greek cult practices, Ionian and Lydian cultural identity, and archaeometric analysis of ancient pottery. His career includes roles as a scientific employee and library officer at OeAI since 2002, following positions at the University of Münster (2000–2002) and habilitation at the University of Salzburg (2009). Kerschner's research focuses on Ephesos’s archaeological development, particularly its Artemision sanctuary and pre-classical pottery production, utilizing neutron activation analysis and interdisciplinary methods. He contributes to projects like 'Historical Archaeology in the Mediterranean,' emphasizing the interplay between material culture and ancient socio-political dynamics. His work bridges archaeology, history, and geoarchaeology, with a focus on Anatolian and Aegean regions.

Key research areas include the spatial development of Ephesos from the Late Bronze Age, the cultural significance of early Greek sanctuaries, and the archaeometric origins of pottery from sites like Berezan and Lousoi. Kerschner has collaborated on international excavations and publications, such as the Ephesos excavations and studies on Lydian-Greek cultural exchange. He also serves as an editor for volumes on East Greek pottery and ancient cult practices. His contributions advance understanding of ancient trade networks, colonial processes, and the role of material culture in identity formation.