An innovative approach to ancient religious landscapes
The project offers an integrated framework that combines historical, archaeological and religious-studies approaches to ancient sacred landscapes. Based on a structured work plan, the project deals with different chonotopes and case studies. Every site we analyze becomes a lens on the changing relations between humans, gods and the natural world.
With careful attention to historical detail and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, the project examines how sacred landscapes were created, experienced and regulated in the ancient polytheistic Mediterranean.
This project proposes an approach to the study of religion in ancient times that prioritizes relationships with the world, the formation of the cultural landscape, religious normativity and individual experience. Its analysis is not limited to religious beliefs and theologies, but explores the practices, spaces and modes in which individuals sought to build meaningful relationships with the organic nature.
In this sense, the project will elaborate on an interdisciplinary background characterized by the interconnection of different methodologies and theoretical proposals from classical studies, archaeology, anthropology, religious studies and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach also incorporates a comparative perspective that allows for a better understanding of the dynamics of change and continuity in ancient societies.
A three-year project rooted in Vienna, connected across Europe
HIEROTOPOI is a three-year research project hosted at the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, and funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). The project works hand in hand with the research group Antike Religion at the Department of Classical Studies of the ÖAI and builds on collaborations with universities and research centres in Austria, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.
Meet our team
A diverse group of historians, archaeologists and scholars of religion, combining expertise in classical studies, environmental history and the academic study of religion.
Dr. Ramón Soneira-Martínez
Principal Investigator
ÖAI – ÖAW
Dr. David Sierra Rodríguez
Core Team Member
ÖAI – ÖAW
Dr. Nirvana Silnović
Core Team Member
ÖAI – ÖAW
Dr. Anna-Katharina Rieger
Collaborator
Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU)
Dr. Orietta D. Cordovana
Collaborator
University of Calabria
Prof. Dr. María Cruz Cardete
Collaborator
Complutense University of Madrid
Prof. Dr. Nickolas P. Roubekas
Collaborator
University of Vienna
Prof. Dr. Christina G. Williamson
Collaborator
University of Groningen
FAQs
Why is the project called “HIEROTOPOI”?
HIEROTOPOI is an acronym for the project’s full title, Historizing Interrituality with the Environment and Religious Orography in TOPOgraphic Interactions. In ancient Greek, hieroí tópoi (ἱεροί τόποι) literally means “sacred places”, reflecting the project’s focus on religious landscapes in antiquity.
How long does the project run?
The project runs for three years and is hosted by the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI), at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) in Vienna.
Who coordinates HIEROTOPOI?
HIEROTOPOI is coordinated and led by Dr Ramón Soneira Martínez (Principal Investigator) at the Department of Classical Studies of the ÖAI. The project is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF): Grant DOI 10.55776/PAT2141125.
Will there be publications and events linked to the project?
Yes. HIEROTOPOI will organise workshops and international conferences, and will produce articles, book chapters and edited volumes, with open access solutions whenever possible. This website will share updates on events and make the project’s main results visible.
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