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Research Centre for Religious Studies Research Centres CRASIS: Culture, Religion and Society – Interdisciplinary Studies in the Ancient World Research and Teaching

Research and Teaching

CRASIS is the interdisciplinary research network for the study of the ancient world at the University of Groningen. We bring together scholars across fields—from history and archaeology to literature, religion, and material culture—through a rich programme of events and initiatives that support dialogue and collaboration.

Our core activities include:

  • Monthly Ancient World Seminars (AWS): These public lectures, held throughout the academic year, feature national and international scholars presenting current research on ancient cultures, empires, religions, and societies. For upcoming seminars, see our Events Calendar.

  • CRASIS-Funded Independent Workshops: Scholars affiliated with CRASIS may apply for funding to organise thematic workshops that explore focused questions in ancient world studies. These workshops bring together researchers across disciplines and institutions.

  • CRASIS Network Events: We also support smaller collaborative gatherings, including reading groups, exploratory meetings, and informal symposia designed to grow interdisciplinary exchange.

In addition to supporting research, CRASIS is actively involved in university teaching. Our members contribute to several BA and MA programmes, and we work to integrate ancient world studies into classroom learning. Learn more about how we connect research with education on our Education sub-page.

Whether you're a student, early career researcher, or senior scholar, CRASIS provides a vibrant platform for thinking about the ancient world—its texts, objects, people, and ideas.

Last modified:16 October 2026 08.29 a.m.