Classical Archaeology

Classical Archaeology at the University of Basel researches the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean region, in particular the Greek and Roman cultural areas, from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity (ca. 2000 BC to 400 AD).

The focus is on the material legacy, which is examined for its significance for the reconstruction of the ancient living world with its complex cultural, social and religious conditions. The focus is on Greek and Roman sculpture as well as on architecture, ceramics and wall paintings.

And the world becomes also still so old,
Man, he remains a child!
Smashes his toys with violence,
As children are!
When everything is cut into small pieces
And nothing more to spoil,
Then he searches again - newly happy -
And then plays with the broken pieces!

Carl Spitzweg, 1808-1885, about the excavations in Olympia

More current information