Professor Dr. Michael Shanks

Biography

Michael Shanks is a senior founding faculty member of the Stanford Archaeology Center and a Professor of Classics at Stanford University. He has played a significant role in contemporary archaeological thought and practice since the 1980s, pioneering innovative methods for understanding and engaging with Graeco-Roman antiquity and European prehistory. His work emphasizes the long-term perspectives of design, creativity, and social change, exploring the connections between the sciences, humanities, and arts. Shanks has received more than $32 million in funding over 25 years to support interdisciplinary research and outreach initiatives. His current projects include 'Archaeological History,' which conceptualizes antiquity with a new speculative approach, and 'Border Archaeology,' which interrogates archaeological practices in the context of historical borders between England and Scotland. Additionally, he collaborates on projects that blend archaeology with performance and contemporary art, focusing on the implications of climate change and the innovative futures of archaeology. His research interests focus on the development and history of urban living, particularly in Greek and Roman cities, and the role of cultural heritage in shaping future societal perspectives.

Research Interests

Experience