Department of Ancient History and the Classical Tradition

Ancient History is a sub-discipline of the study history at the University of Bern. Its subject is Greek and Roman antiquity and the processes of cultural transfer in the Mediterranean region. The focus of interest is Greek culture from the archaic period (8th century BC) to the beginning of the Roman imperial period (27 BC), as well as the history of the Roman Republic and the Imperium Romanum from its Italic beginnings (6th century BC) to Late Antiquity (6th century AD). Specific themesin the research and teaching of Ancient History in Bern are the Classical Tradition, reception studies, and the history of scholarship.

Proseminars, seminars, exercises, reading and source courses as well as lectures on various topics of Greco-Roman antiquity introduce students to the history of antiquity, teach specific ancient historical working techniques and reflect the main research topics of the department.

Discover also the webpages of Classical Studies in Bern with joint projects and events, the entire range of courses taught in Classical Studies, the current research projects and the specific libraries and collections.