Dr. Michael Shanks

Biography

Michael Shanks is a professor in the Department of Classics at Stanford University and a prominent contemporary archaeologist. With a career spanning several decades, he has been at the forefront of archaeological thought and practice since the 1980s, while pioneering innovative approaches to understanding Graeco-Roman antiquity and European prehistory. His work emphasizes the mobilization of remains from the past, contributing to significant shifts in archaeological practice. Shanks excels in exploring long-term perspectives on design, creativity, and social change, and he engages deeply with the intersections of the sciences, humanities, and arts. Over the past 25 years, his research has garnered more than $32 million in funding, leading to impactful projects that integrate archaeology with contemporary issues. He is currently involved in several interrelated projects that examine various aspects of antiquity and its relation to modern practices, including archaeological history, border archaeology, performance design, and the engagement of archaeology with climate change. Shanks has held various academic positions and has collaborated extensively within and beyond the university, emphasizing the importance of outreach and interdisciplinary engagement in archaeology.

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