Michael Peter Hanaghan

Michael Peter Hanaghan is a Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at Australian Catholic University. His academic work focuses on the intersection of classical literature and early Christian studies during Late Antiquity.

Dr. Hanaghan's research interests center on Roman historiography, epistolary literature, and the cultural transition from the Roman Empire to early medieval Europe. His work demonstrates particular expertise in Sidonius Apollinaris, Ammianus Marcellinus, and early Christian writers of the fourth and fifth centuries. His scholarly approach combines literary analysis with historical investigation to explore how ancient authors constructed narratives about power, religion, and cultural identity during periods of significant societal transformation.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on intertextuality in classical texts, the adaptation of pagan literary forms by early Christian writers, and the political dimensions of historical writing in Late Antiquity. Hanaghan's work frequently examines how ancient authors used literary techniques to navigate complex political landscapes and to position themselves within evolving religious and cultural frameworks.

As a researcher, Hanaghan has demonstrated sustained scholarly productivity with numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Journal of Early Christian Studies, Vigiliae Christianae, and Journal of Roman Studies, as well as contributions to edited volumes from prestigious academic publishers such as Cambridge University Press and De Gruyter.