Research Projects

  • (D-5-1) The globalization of knowledge in antiquity

    The cultures of the ancient world – in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, on the Eurasian Steppes and in the Near East – were trans-regionally linked. Indeed, the extent to which the ancient world was multicultural, multilingual and interdependent invites discussion of a globalized antiquity. This project investigated the globalization of the ancient world in its various dimensions, from technological and political to linguistic, with particular emphasis on the question what role knowledge played in this globalization process.

  • (D-5-2) Multilingualism

    This project explores the role played by multilingualism and linguae francae in the historical propagation of concepts and knowledge in antiquity.

  • (D-5-3) The aristotelization of antiquity

    This project investigated the epistemic networks that served as a background for the transmission and transformation of Aristotelian knowledge in the ancient world.

  • (D-5-4) Pneumatic technology and knowledge in antiquity

    This project researched the circulation of pneumatic technologies in antiquity and maps the origins and distribution of technological innovations, as well as the conceptual conditions underlying them – conditions which served as a basis for the formation of new theoretical knowledge. This involves detailed analysis not only of relevant primary sources, but also of archaeological artifacts.

  • (D-5-5) Between knowledge and innovation: the unequal armed balance

    The project investigated the emergence and development of balance scales with variable arm-length of which the so-called Roman steelyard is the most well-known.

  • (D-5-6) Ancient sundials

    The project focused on ancient Greek and Roman stationary sundials. The key objectives were to identify methods of constructions and factors that determined their layouts, and to explore the development and diffusion of the different types in a long time perspective in a changing setting.

Dissertation

  • (D-5-5-1) Wire Drawing and the Associated Tools in Antiquity

    The aim of this PhD project is to show that wires were in fact drawn in wire in antiquity and to provide an account of how the technique of wire drawing emerged.  To this end, drawplates are identified and catalogued and microscopic analysis of wires are conducted together with jewellers and conservators with the aim of reconstructing the actual production methods and their development.