Overview
The primary objective of the Research Centre for Classical Philology is the philological exploration, processing, translation and scientific interpretation of written sources from ancient, medieval and early modern times pertaining to the historical Hungary and the Hungarian people, with particular emphasis on Greek, Latin and Neo-Latin source material.
The research conducted by the Research Centre contributes to a source-based understanding of the origins, early history and cultural heritage of the Hungarian people. Through its interdisciplinary approach, it integrates classical philology into the field of Hungarian studies, providing a reliable scientific basis for historical research.
Mission
The mission of the Research Centre is:
- to expand the body of source material relating to the origins and early history of the Hungarian people;
- to conduct philological analysis of Greek and Latin sources;
- to create a database of medieval epigraphy;
- to conduct research on the history of Hungarian writing and on runic inscriptions;
- to identify and translate Neo-Latin works on the history of science;
- to integrate classical philology into the system of Hungarian studies; and
- to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration with related disciplines.
Key Strategic Tasks
The key strategic tasks of the Research Centre are:
- research into classical-language sources relating to Hungarian prehistory and early Hungarian history;
- the collection and analysis of written sources on Hun, Avar, Conquest-era and medieval Hungarian history;
- the exploration of inscribed remains from the medieval Kingdom of Hungary;
- research into runic inscriptions;
- interpreting the Hungarian-related content of Byzantine and Latin sources;
- researching Hungarian-language literature on the history of science; and
- preparing critical source editions and scientific translations.
The activities of the Research Centre contribute to:
- the advancement of historical source research;
- the scientific foundation of Hungarian prehistory;
- the strengthening of national self-awareness; and
- the exploration and preservation of Hungary’s medieval heritage.
Key programs
(Detailed descriptions are available by clicking on the program titles.)
- Hungarian Prehistoric Source Corpus Program
- Medieval Hungarian Epigraphy Program
- Hungarian Neo-Latin and History of Science Program
Current projects
(Detailed descriptions are available by clicking on the project titles.)
- Inscribed Monuments of the Medieval Hungary
- A Collection of Sources on Hun History
- Caelius Calanus: The Life of Attila - Critical Edition
- King Matthias’s Diplomatic Correspondence
- Baroque Scholarship
Staff
Dr Bence Fehér
Director
Dr Habil. Anna Tóth
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Szabolcs Hursán
Research Fellow
Dr Attila Restás
Research Fellow
Mátyás Darvas
Assistant Research Fellow
Brigitta Szanka Fröhlich
Assistant Research Fellow
