Historical Sciences Seminar

The Historical Sciences Seminar is organized by the Section of Byzantine Research of the Institute of Historical Research. It was founded in 1987 by Nikos G. Moschonas (Director Emeritus of Research at the Institute of Historical Research), and has operated continuously ever since. All courses are held annually, though their duration varies. Currently, instruction is offered exclusively online. The Seminar’s aim is to provide specialized scholarly training essential for those pursuing historical, philological, archaeological, or palaeographical research, as well as studies in art history, legal history, Byzantine music, the conservation of works of art, and other historically oriented disciplines.

The HSS’s courses focus on the so-called “auxiliary sciences” and are delivered by researchers of the Institute, university faculty members, and other subject specialists. They are primarily intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as doctoral candidates, although individuals with related academic interests are also welcome to participate. The subjects taught at the Seminar remain largely consistent from year to year; however, new topics or new modules are frequently added, along with new instructors contributing to established fields. This reflects the Institute’s ongoing effort to respond to the evolving interests and methodologies of the historical sciences.

The program is structured around five thematic areas:

• Palaeography (Greek, Latin, Ottoman)
• Archival Research (Diplomatics, Archival Science)
• Historical Sources (Medieval Latin Texts, Editorial Techniques)
• Research Tools (Ancient and Byzantine Epigraphy and Numismatics, Byzantine Sigillography, Heraldry)
• Digital Humanities (Digital Tools for Historical Cartography)