Classical Archaeology

Classical Archaeology focuses on the material culture of Greek-Roman classical antiquity, particularly the evidence of visual art and architecture. Its chronological scope spans from the Aegean Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) to Late Antiquity (5th/6th century AD). Geographically, the field of study covers the Mediterranean region and areas in Europe formerly influenced by Greek-Roman culture.

At Frankfurt, the discipline is characterized by its distinct cultural and visual studies orientation and its engagement with the forms and imagery of antiquity.

Through careful analysis and interpretation, not only can the contexts and functions of visual carriers (from vases to temples) be uncovered and their age determined, but structures and mentalities of past societies, ritual practices, religious beliefs, and ultimately ancient ways of life can also be reconstructed.

The Frankfurt location stands out with its beautiful Westend campus, offering state-of-the-art study conditions, excellent infrastructure, and ideal opportunities for pursuing Classical Archaeology. The exceptionally diverse Institute for Archaeological Sciences provides a wide range of disciplines, complemented by numerous neighboring fields that enrich the study program. Additionally, several archaeological museums (Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection, Archaeological Museum, Saalburg), a variety of libraries with extensive collections, and internationally renowned non-university research institutions such as the Roman-Germanic Commission of the German Archaeological Institute contribute to the vibrant academic environment in Frankfurt.

Within the Archaeological Institute, cast and original collections, an extensive media and photo library, and, not least, numerous excavation and research projects both domestically and internationally (Trier, Albania, Turkey, Cyprus) enhance the rich offerings available to our students. And for those interested in studying at another university for a semester, either within Germany or abroad, our participation in PONS and the Erasmus+ program makes this process seamless and straightforward.

The minor program consists of five modules, each designed to be completed within one semester (you are, of course, always welcome to attend additional courses).

The three elective introductory modules focus on teaching methodological fundamentals and material knowledge in the areas of topography, settlement studies, architecture, image and form analysis, as well as chronology. The qualification and competency goals of the introductory modules also include articulating visual phenomena, working with academic literature (including foreign-language texts), and planning and presenting initial scholarly texts.

The three elective advanced modules build on the knowledge and skills acquired in the introductory modules, applying and deepening them in relation to specific categories of monuments—sculpture, surface art, architecture/topography. The ability to classify and evaluate is developed, among other ways, through engagement with the history of the discipline, debates on controversial research positions, and current research trends. The advanced studies also emphasize critical engagement with visual documentation methods for archaeological objects, particularly in the context of reconstructions.

For more information about the Classical Archaeology minor, please visit the department's webpage.