In (E)motion: Methodical Approaches to Emotions for Ancient Studies

• Applicant: Dr. Nicole Diersen
• Subject Area: Ancient History ; Greek and Latin Philology ; Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 567888848

The network project aims to intensify the study of emotions in ancient studies by promoting interdisciplinary approaches between ancient historians, philologists, archaeologists, philosophers and cultural historians. Various methodological approaches are developed, which can be divided into the following: (1) narrativity, (2) rhetoric and persuasiveness, (3) social, cultural and contextual embedding, (4) actions and practices, (5) corporeality and sensuality. The specific goals of the network include the creation of a comprehensive catalog of methods, the promotion of a sustainable dialogue about emotions and emotionality in ancient texts and the support of young researchers through workshops and publication. Given the increasing relevance of emotional topics in current social debates, this network is particularly timely and helps to place historical emotions in the context of modern discourses. By exchanging research results and organizing regular conferences, a platform is to be created that supports interdisciplinary dialogue and increases the visibility of emotion research in Antiquity. The findings from the network should not only help to close existing research gaps, but also stimulate new research questions that can be pursued in future work and transferred to current topics.

• DFG Programme: Scientific Networks