Professorship of Classical Archaeology

Archaeology is one of the most exciting subjects to study and career fields to pursue!

Classical Archaeology at the KU focuses on the Greeks and Romans, including their interactions with other tribes and peoples.

Since the roots of so much lie in antiquity—Europe, democracy, Christianity, etc.—archaeologists can use concrete case studies to address contemporary issues and illustrate the historical development of certain aspects. The problems and challenges faced by ancient societies are in part the same as those we face today: migration, war, territorial annexations, and religious conflicts are just a few examples. Antiquity is a laboratory for cultural developments; it can reveal alternatives that are not utopian or theoretical, but have already been played out in history and can be assessed in terms of their consequences. Archaeologists are also in high demand, especially in monument preservation and excavation companies. Other fields of work include museums and universities, but also the tourism industry, adult education, journalism, digital graphics, and game development.

Classical Archaeology can be studied as a main subject or in combination with other subjects. Here at the KU, you have the opportunity to study archaeology in small seminar groups, in close proximity to the historical, philological, and art history subjects. You are welcome to drop by for some study advice: Office Main Library UA-248, call: 08421 93 21543 or make an appointment: Nadin.Burkhardt@ku.de.

Classical Archaeology

• can be studied as a major or minor subject in the flexible profile of the International BA and MA degree programs. You can combine it with several other subjects such as Ancient History, Classical Philology, Art History, European Studies, or Theater Studies.
• Since the 2024/25 winter semester, archaeology can also be studied in the “AntikePLUS” variant of the International BA degree program. The main subjects are Classical Archaeology, Ancient History, and Classical Philology. There is also a wide range of career-oriented electives.
• Can also be studied as a major or minor subject in the “Art Studies” degree program as part of a joint degree program in “Classical Archaeology” in close connection with art history. The two sub-disciplines offer joint introductory courses and field trips, among other things.
• Can also be combined with one of two subjects in a wide range of options in the BA and MA programs in Aisthesis: Culture and Media Studies. Aisthesis takes an interdisciplinary and international approach to historical and contemporary media culture.
• Within the degree programs and variants mentioned above, it is possible to focus on Classical Archaeology with a BA final thesis, which then entitles you to pursue an MA degree program.

In addition to Bachelor's and Master's degrees, we also offer you the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree at the KU. In addition to subject-specific and interdisciplinary supervision, the Graduate Center at the KU is at your disposal with a range of courses offering further professional qualifications. The ancient studies colloquia and the K'Generale with lecture series and interdisciplinary courses offer a wide range of interesting events.

Networks with archaeological parks and museums in the surrounding area enable you to gain practical experience in excavation and museum work. We also offer teaching excavations: in 2025 on the Römerstraße near the former Roman bridge at Stepperg! Practical exercises take place in the collections in Munich and Erlangen, among other places. Field trips take students to Italy, Greece, and the wider Balkan region, as well as to major museums in London and Berlin. In 2026, the destination will be Spain! In the area of final theses, there is also cooperation with museums and monument preservation authorities in Bavaria, giving you the opportunity to work on findings and discoveries from the Roman province of Raetia.

At the KU, classical archaeology is taught in its entirety, from the advanced civilizations of the Bronze Age to late antiquity. Late antiquity, with the cultural heritage and development of the Roman Empire in the 3rd to 6th centuries AD, is of particular interest, as it allows us to explore the cultural and historical roots of the Christian faith. Late antiquity was a period marked by upheaval and change and offers many parallels to the present day. Together with our colleagues in Ancient Church History and Art History, we offer courses on the art, culture, and history of early Christianity.