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New professor in Bremen: Kluge brings medieval history to life!
The University of Bremen welcomes Professor Mathias Kluge, an expert in medieval history, who leads innovative research projects.
New professor in Bremen: Kluge brings medieval history to life!
Mathias Kluge took up his professorship for medieval history at the University of Bremen in March 2025. In his new position he works in the Department of Social Sciences, Department of Medieval History. With a wide range of research interests, he is particularly interested in European economic and social history, urban and environmental history, and animal history. Current projects include studying the history of forests and researching animal husbandry in pre-modern cities.
In addition to his own research, Kluge is supported by Lisa Sophie Scholl, who is a new research assistant leading a doctoral project on animal husbandry. The interface between historical science and digital methods also plays a central role in Kluge's work. He plans to initiate outreach projects in collaboration with students to make history accessible to a broader audience.
Collaborations and support
Kluge sees numerous opportunities for cooperation in Bremen, especially with institutions such as Public History, the German Maritime Museum, as well as various archives and libraries. His academic career is remarkable: he studied in Augsburg, was a Humboldt Foundation scholarship holder at the University of Alberta and did a research stay at the Historisches Kolleg in Munich. He previously held positions at the universities of Bayreuth and Duisburg-Essen.
Kluge particularly appreciates the atmosphere at the University of Bremen. It emphasizes the good reputation of the institution and highlights the support that new appointees receive from the Rectorate, colleagues and the university administration. By taking on the professorship, he is looking forward to actively shaping teaching and research operations and providing new impulses.
Historical context of the research
Kluge's interests and projects are not only academically relevant, but also offer valuable insights into the historical development of Europe. A particularly noteworthy work that deals with the economic and social structures in medieval Europe is the book “European Economic and Social History in the Middle Ages” by Jean A. van Houtte. This comprehensive work analyzes the development of trade, agriculture, crafts and industry and addresses the role of the church and the nobility in society. It also describes the effects of plague, wars and revolutions and illuminates the transition from feudalism to capitalism - a critical understanding that is also important to Kluge and has a direct influence on his research.
In summary, it can be said that Mathias Kluge not only brings his expertise to the University of Bremen, but also wants to deepen historical understanding through innovative projects and collaborations. In doing so, he contributes to the further development of medieval historical scholarship in his new place of work.