The Europaeum Classics Colloquium: Multipolar Antiquity
Leiden University | 28 – 29 August 2025
The traditional narrative of ancient history often centres on Greece and Rome as primary drivers of “Western Civilisation”. However, scholars, exemplified by Josephine Crawley Quinn and her groundbreaking work How the World Made the West (2024), continue to challenge this perspective by revealing Antiquity as a complex, interconnected network of diverse polities, cultures, and societies.
This Europaeum Classics Colloquium invites papers and discussions that explore the ancient Mediterranean and surrounding regions through the lens of multipolarity—a concept borrowed from International Relations theory to describe a global system characterised by multiple centres of influence and importance rather than dominance by one or two hegemonic powers.
The ancient Mediterranean world exemplified multipolarity with numerous competing and collaborating powers: from Egypt and Persia to Carthage, from the Greek city-states to the Etruscan federation, from the Phoenician trading networks to the various Celtic polities. These powers interacted through complex systems of diplomacy, trade, cultural exchange, and conflict that shaped the development of all societies involved.
Key questions for this Colloquium include: How did power dynamics shift across the ancient Mediterranean over time? How did smaller polities navigate and influence systems dominated by larger powers? What role did cultural and religious exchanges play in creating shared or contested identities? How were trade networks established and maintained across diverse political entities? How might applying modern International Relations theories to antiquity reveal new perspectives on ancient history?
This Europaeum Classics Colloquium will bring together master’s and doctoral researchers in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, International Relations, and other disciplines to explore themes related to the theme from a multidisciplinary perspective.
We invite applications from master’s and doctoral candidates at Europaeum member universities who wish to join the discussions or to present a 15-minute paper based on their research. We especially welcome proposals for papers addressing the theme in relation to the following topics:
- Diplomatic relations and alliance systems in the ancient Mediterranean
- Trade networks and economic interdependence among ancient polities
- Cultural exchange and appropriation across civilisational boundaries
- Religious syncretism and diffusion in multipolar contexts
- Historiographical biases and the recovery of marginalised perspectives
- Applications of IR theory and global historical methods to ancient history
- Comparative studies of power transitions in ancient and modern multipolar systems
- Identity formation in boundary regions between different ancient powers
- Maritime networks as facilitators of multipolar dynamics
- The role of “the periphery” in shaping imperial centres
Participants will join lively working groups during the event and hear from experts in their field from Leiden University and beyond. Successful applicants will be provided with free accommodation and reimbursed reasonable travel expenses.
Applications should include the Europaeum application form, a brief CV, a statement of purpose (up to 500 words), and a reference letter from their supervisor or academic advisor. Those who wish to submit a paper should also add a short abstract of the proposed paper (up to 500 words).
For more information about how to apply visit: https://europaeum.org/programmes/events-activities/
Deadline for submission of applications and abstracts: 28 May 2025.
All submissions should be sent to applications@europaeum.org.
