Dr. Peter Frankopan

Biography

Peter Frankopan is a historian specializing in Global History, particularly focusing on the Byzantine Empire and its historical narratives. He serves as a senior research fellow at Worcester College, University of Oxford, and is the director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research. Frankopan has devoted over two decades to exploring regions and connections often overlooked, including Russia, Iran, and Central Asia. His work emphasizes the importance of understanding history to comprehend current global dynamics. He has written extensively on topics such as the history of the Byzantine Empire, medieval Greek literature, and cultural exchanges between different civilizations. Frankopan’s research highlights how economic, cultural, and intellectual histories intersect with contemporary issues like climate change and geopolitical shifts. He is an advocate for using diverse sources, from archaeological evidence to written accounts, to piece together historical narratives accurately. Frankopan's publications, including 'The Silk Roads: A New History of the World' and 'The Earth Transformed: An Untold History,' reflect his commitment to integrating environmental factors into historical discourse. Through teaching and research, he encourages students to approach history with an open mind and to seek connections across various domains and disciplines.

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Courses