Peter Mario Kreuter

Peter Mario Kreuter is a Research Associate at the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (Leibniz-IOS) in Regensburg, Germany, where he has worked since 2008 (initially at the Southeast Institute until 2012). He holds a doctorate in History, French, and Romanian from the University of Bonn (2001) and has established himself as a specialist in Southeast European history, particularly focusing on Romanian and Balkan cultural history.

His research interests span several interconnected domains: Southeast European history, vampire folklore (particularly in Romania and the Balkans), Paracelsus studies, diplomatic history of the Danubian Principalities, cultural history of nationalism, and historical perceptions of Eastern Europe. His work often bridges medical history, cultural anthropology, and traditional historical scholarship.

Kreuter's publication record shows consistent scholarly output with a particular focus on the cultural history of Wallachia, vampire beliefs in Southeastern Europe (the subject of his doctoral thesis), and the reception of historical figures like Vlad the Impaler. His recent work increasingly examines historical narratives and how they shape contemporary perceptions of Southeast Europe.

As an academic educator, Kreuter has taught numerous courses at the University of Regensburg since 2009, primarily focusing on Romanian language science, historical methodology, and Southeast European history. His teaching reflects his research interests, with courses on vampires, witchcraft, and national myths in Southeast European context.

His scholarly activities extend to regular lectures at academic institutions and public venues throughout Germany, where he presents on topics ranging from vampire folklore to Balkan nationalism and Romanian history. He serves as editor-in-chief of 'Southeast Research' and has co-edited several significant publications in his field.