Notable strengths in related sub-fields, programs, and departments enhance our own strengths. Within the Classical Studies Department papyrology is a very strong field. Professors from the History and Near Eastern Studies Departments offer relevant courses in early medieval, early Byzantine, and early Islamic history, and in early Christianity and Judaism. The Interdepartmental Program in Classical Art and Archaeology (IPCAA), jointly sponsored by the Departments of Classical Studies and History of Art, is the premier program in classical art and archaeology in the nation.
In addition to the various departments and programs on campus, Michigan offers an array of useful resources for any scholar who studies the ancient world.
Libraries. Every IPGRH student has access to the Classical Studies Departmental library, a fabulous resource which holds the latest Greek and Latin editions, dictionaries, grammars, and a number of important secondary and reference works. The Classics Library, 2175 Angell Hall, contains over 3,800 books, journals, recent commentaries and major works of reference, and provides ample work space for research. All Classics concentrators are allowed a key for access to this room and the Classics Reading Room. Search the Classics Library catalogue online.
Students may also access the departmental libraries of the Departments of History, Near Eastern Studies, History of Art, and IPCAA. The Hatcher Graduate Library holds one of the largest collections of books in the U.S. Additional research resources include a Classical Studies field librarian, free ILL services, free library book delivery and chapter/article scanning services (7Fast), and a number of online books and journal databases.
Papyrology. The University houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian and Greco-Roman papyri. Course on papyrology are regularly offered, and graduate students have the unique opportunity to work on previously unpublished papyri. The papyrology collection also has a useful reference library which holds important papyrological editions, references, and secondary works. In addition, the University has a large collection of medieval manuscripts.
Archaeology. The Kelsey Museum houses the University of Michigan's collections of ancient Egyptian, Near Eastern, Greek, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic archaeological artifacts, as well as some rare materials important for the study of archaeology. Some highlights of the collection include the following: the largest corpus of daily life objects from a Graeco-Roman Egyptian town (Karanis) outside of the Cairo Museum (ca. 45,000 items); one of the largest collections of Parthian pottery outside Iraq (ca. 8,500 items); the largest collection of Latin inscriptions in the West (ca. 375 items); and a distinguished assemblage of early Byzantine and Islamic textiles (ca. 5,900 items). The Kelsey also has large number of coins, brick stamps, seals, and glassware.
Resources.
- Department of Classical Studies
- Department of History
- Ancient Philosophy Program
- The University of Michigan Papyrus Collection
- Contexts for Classics
- Interdepartmental Program in Anthropology and History
- Interdepartmental Program in Women's Studies and History
- Interdepartmental Program in Classical Art and Archaeology
- Department of Near Eastern Studies, esp. Jewish and Early Christian Studies
- Department of History of Art
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- Karanis Collaboratory
