PhD Classical and Near Eastern Studies in Religions in Antiquity

The PhD in religions of antiquity focuses on comparative, historical, and literary study of the religious texts and practices of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. Students work across a range of cultures, time periods, and places, as shown in course work and exams. Students will build theoretical sophistication in the study of ancient religion; language competencies that will enable graduates to work with a wide range of primary sources; deep understanding of the full range of cultural and historical dynamics inherent in ancient religions; and interpretive skills that draw on a wealth of available literary, epigraphic, papyrological, visual, and material primary sources.