The Jacob Burckhardt Lectureship in Ancient History was established in 2026 through the generous support of the Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft Basel (FAG) (Annemarie und Ernst Vischer-Wadler-Fonds) and the University of Basel. Named in honour of one of Basel’s most influential historians, the lectureship supports the further development of Ancient History at Basel and promotes innovative approaches to the study of the ancient world.

The position strengthens teaching and research at the intersection of history, archaeology, environmental studies, and the natural and life sciences. It contributes to the integration of new forms of evidence—including palaeoclimate data, archaeogenetics, bioarchaeology, and environmental archives—into the training of future historians, while maintaining the critical engagement with textual and material sources that remains at the core of the discipline.

By fostering interdisciplinary exchange, international collaboration, and methodological innovation, the Jacob Burckhardt Lectureship helps prepare students to engage with the rapidly expanding range of evidence that is transforming our understanding of ancient societies.