MA Classics - Focal Area Byzantine Archaeology and Art History
Byzantine Archaeology and Art History is the study of the tangible legacy of Late Antique (from the 3rd century AD) and Byzantine culture (up to the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 AD). This is the era in which political and religious upheavals brought the Roman Empire to an end and, following the decline of Rome, Constantinople emerged as the centre of a new empire, the Byzantine Empire, which remained a neighbour and rival of the Western world in politics and culture until its own demise. The programme in Heidelberg focuses on the Late Antique-Early Byzantine and Middle Byzantine periods.
The MA Classics preserves the strengths of specialized expertise in the classical studies of the ancient world – which are excellently represented in Heidelberg across the individual disciplines – and complements them with a multifaceted, interdisciplinary, and comparative approach to the cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and adjacent regions. Students receive a sound education in their chosen focal area, which qualifies them for a doctorate, whilst at the same time developing a broad interdisciplinary perspective. This enables them to address complex research questions from multiple perspectives and with methodological rigour.
Each focal area pursues specific qualification objectives tailored to the degree programme. The modules offer in-depth study within specific disciplines and ensure eligibility for doctoral studies. The fundamental interdisciplinary approach is reflected in joint courses that transcend disciplinary boundaries.
Subject-specific learning objectives
Graduates of the Byzantine Archaeology and Art History focal area within the Master's programme in Classics gain in-depth knowledge of the material culture and art of the Byzantine Empire and its neighbouring regions. They have methodological expertise in the analysis and interpretation of Byzantine artefacts and finds, architecturem sculpture, painting and other works of art. They are able to understand these within their historical, religious and social contexts and to recognise the connections to other cultural traditions. Furthermore, they are capable of applying current theoretical approaches from Archaeology, Art History and Cultural Studies to Byzantine artefacts and contexts in order to address complex cultural-historical issues. Graduates are able to independently develop academic research questions in Byzantine Archaeology and Art History and contribute to the interdisciplinary expansion of this field of research.
Homepage Institute of Classical Archaeology and Byzantine Archaeology
Courses
All courses in Byzantine Archaeology and Art History and the other focal areas of the Master’s programme can be viewed via heiCO.
Please note that the registration periods for courses in the individual specialisation areas and related degree programmes vary. Information on the relevant periods can be found on the institutes’ websites and on heiCO.
The registration periods for Byzantine Archaeology and Art History courses for the winter semester are as follows:
14 September – 12 October 2026: Einführungskurs, Beschreibungsübung, Tutorium, Vorlesungen
14 September – 5 October 2026: Proseminare, Haupt- und Oberseminare, Übungen und Praktische Übungen
Withdrawal from courses is possible until 23 October 2026.
